Celebrating National Poetry Month 2025 in Westchester

Each year, Westchester County marks National Poetry Month with a diverse lineup of events. This year continues this trend as live readings, open mics, workshops and exhibitions are all on the table. Throughout the month, local libraries, arts organizations and cultural institutions are reaching out to the community with the power of poetry.

Through August 31
This Gallery Is a Poem: Unearthing Stories from the Collection
Presented by Hudson River Museum

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Hudson River Museum hosts an exhibition curated in collaboration with Westchester Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva. Throughout the gallery, selected works from the museum’s private collection will be on display along with a poem that it inspired. More than a dozen poets from across the county contributed original poems in response to the art, transforming imagery into verse.

April 5
Sing Down The Walls: An Afternoon of Poetry & Community
Presented by Bethany Arts Community

This event features readings by Bethany Arts Community (BAC)’s Poets-in-Residence, including H.E. Fisher, Yalonda JD Green, Vanessa Jimenez Gabb, rex renée and KC Trommer. The reading, which takes place during BAC’s Open House, combines poetry readings with collective ritual through song, somatics and conversation.

April 7
The Creative Breath: Overcoming Writer’s Block
Presented by New Rochelle Public Library

The Creative Breath is a workshop series designed to help writers unlock their creativity through guided meditation and structured exercises. It uses techniques like creative visualization, image-based prompts and reflective reading. The series is led by Caroline Reddy, one of New Rochelle Public Library’s librarians who currently facilitates this workshop at Poet’s House in New York City.

April 12 & 26
Yonkers Writing Group
Presented by Yonkers Riverfront Library

This ongoing writing group, led by Westchester County Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva at Yonkers Riverfront Library on select dates each month presents an opening for writers to meet and compare notes and inspirations. The group offers a variety of poetry trainings, as well as networking and collaboration opportunities to help writers and poets grow in their skills. Meet-ups this month include April 12 and April 26.

April 26
15th Annual Westchester Poetry Festival
Presented by Hudson Valley Writers Center and The Masters School

This year’s Westchester Poetry Festival will feature keynote Terrance Hayes, as well as readings by poets Patrick Donnelly, Denise Duhamel, Joan Kwon Glass and Richard Michelson. New this year will be two writing workshops beginning at 1pm prior to the readings, which will begin at 2:45pm.  The event will be held at the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry in its new Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.

April 26
An Adventure in Verse with Ira Joe Fisher
Presented by Pound Ridge Library

Poet and writer Ira Joe Fisher leads a poetry reading and discussion at Pound Ridge Library. Fisher will present selections from his latest collection, The Birth of Snow, alongside other works. The session will include a Q&A segment, allowing audience members to share their own poetry in a collaborative setting.

April 27
Play Dates with Po’Jazz
Presented by Blue Door Art Center

Play Dates with Po’Jazz combines live jazz performance with poetic improvisation on every fourth Sunday of the month. The program offers an open jam session featuring Blue Door Art Center’s house ensemble in addition to guest poets and musicians. The event also includes family-friendly activities, including a creativity table for children.

April 27
Poetry Reading: Unearthing Stories from the Collection
Presented by Hudson River Museum

On April 27, a poetry reading “where poetry meets history” will take place at Hudson River Museum in conjunction with its This Gallery Is a Poem exhibition detailed above. The reading will feature readings by 15 local poets, including Westchester Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva, former Westchester Poet Laureate B.K. Fisher, Yonkers Poet Laureate Golda Solomon and many more.

National Poetry Month: From Our Neighbors in Rockland

April 5
National Poetry Month Celebration
Presented by Rockland Center for the Arts

This event, taking place in West Nyack, honors the spoken word with a performance by a poets and artists. The program features Leah Kogan-Elimeliah, Ari Mack, Judith Rose, Library Burns and Bryan Roessel – together representing a broad showcase of voices from across the region.

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