Top Poetry Venues In Philadelphia

Many venues across Philadelphia host poetry nights where writers of all skill-level and fans of poetry can come and listen or perform. Are you a writer looking to get the word out about your work? Or maybe you just want to share what you have written with the rest of the world? In any case, these venues offer opportunities for new and seasoned writers alike. Whether you're participating in a poetry slam, open mic night or just there to enjoy the spoken words, head to one of the venues listed below.

Big Blue Marble Bookstore
551 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 844-1870
www.bigbluemarblebooks.com

At Big Blue Marble Bookstore in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, the Mad Poets Society sponsors "Poetry Aloud & Alive" on Friday once a month. Presented by host Mike Cohen, the event includes a featured poet who starts out the night with a reading of his or hers work. Afterwards, an open reading follows for local poets to share their work. Big Blue Marble Bookstore has a cozy room that holds many poetry gatherings and book clubs. Its second floor has a café where you can enjoy hot tea and other beverages.

H.O.W.L. Awareness Center
6901 Castor Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19149
(267) 627-4695
www.howlwellness.com

H.O.W.L. Awareness Center is perfect for artists and writers looking to try out their material on a welcoming and eager stage away from the typical bar environment (it is drug and alcohol free). Its open mic night runs every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 5-minute mic limit (a second piece may be performed if time allows). The events at H.O.W.L. are free, but a donation is recommended, with a $1 suggested minimum. The night includes $1 unlimited tea.

Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 686-5322
www.freelibrary.org

The first Monday of every month, the Parkway Central Library (room 108) at 19^th and Vine Streets hosts the Monday Poets Reading Series from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The event, moderated by Lamont Dixon, features two local and regional writers and poets willing to share their work with the audience and has been going on for 20 years. If there is time after the readings, a short open-mic might take place, so you should come prepared with your own work.

Related:  Top Poetry Slam Nights In Philadelphia

PhilaMOCA
531 N 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 519-9651
www.philamoca.org

PhilaMOCA is a multipurpose art space that hosts the Pigeon's Poetry Slam every first Friday from October to May. The event features an out-of-town poet, a talented local poet and three-rounds of elimination slam. The night begins with a writing workshop at 7:30 p.m., where writers of all levels can hone their skills. Competitors can sign-up at 8:30 p.m., and the show commences at 9 p.m. Compete to represent the Pigeon at the National Poetry Slam.

Studio 34 Yoga/Healing/Arts
4522 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 387-3434
www.studio34yoga.com

In West Philadelphia, Stuido 34 Yoga/Healing/Arts hosts the Fuze's Poetry Slam every 2^nd and last Friday of the month. Come as a performer or an audience member. The Fuze presents both talented local and national poets. A PSI-certified slam, poets compete for cash and the chance at performing at the national level.

Related: Amateur Night: Top Spots To Take The Stage In Philadelphia

Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.