Celebrating National Poetry Month in Westchester

April celebrates National Poetry Month with programs that highlight the craft, performance and communal experience of poetry. Audiences can attend readings, workshops, open mics and interdisciplinary events that connect language with music, visual art and history. The offerings invite participation, reflection and engagement with diverse poetic voices across the region.

*Note: This article has been updated to feature upcoming events first. Events that have past have been moved to the bottom.

Poetry Events in April 2026

April 17–19
Sarah Lawrence College Poetry Festival
presented by Sarah Lawrence College

The student-run festival showcases contemporary poetry through readings, generative sessions, craft talks, panels and performances. Featured poets include Chen Chen, Marie Howe, Carl Phillips, Kimiko Hahn and Mosab Abu Toha. The program spans three days and includes open mics, workshops and receptions. (1 Mead Way, Bronxville, NY)

April 18
ArtSpeak / From Page to Performance
presented by Bkue Door Art Center

This ekphrastic writing and performance workshop is led by Yonkers Poet Laureate Golda Solomon and focuses on translating visual art and literary texts into written and spoken work. The session combines guided prompts with performance practice, and draws on poetry by Seamus Heaney, Arthur Sze, Ada Limón and Ellen Bryant Voigt as points of reference. At 1pm. (Blue Door Art Center, 1 Alexander St, Yonkers, NY)

April 18
Poetry of the Past: Exploring Colonial New York’s History Through Verse
presented by Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site

The program examines poetry from the 17th and 18th centuries connected to colonial New York and the Philipse family. Live readings include historic and Revolutionary-era poems, with historical context provided to situate the works within their time. At 1pm. (29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY)

April 18 & 25
Yonkers Writing Group
presented by The Yonkers Writing Group

The group meets to support writers in creative projects and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration. Sessions include poetry-focused activities such as “Start Your Day Write” and workshops like “Write-a-Thon.” Programs are led by poet Phylisha Villanueva. At 1pm. (Yonkers Riverfront Library, 4th Floor, 1 Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY)

April 24
The People’s Mic
presented by Hudson Valley Writers Center

This monthly open mic invites poets, storytellers and musicians to share original work in a community setting. The evening is hosted by Westchester Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva and features New Rochelle teachers and student guest readers. At 7pm. (300 Riverside Drive, Sleepy Hollow, NY)

April 25
Favorite Poem Day
presented by the Katonah Poetry Series

This community poetry reading marks National Poetry Month and invites local readers to share poems that hold personal significance. The program emphasizes listening and participation and reflects a range of voices from the surrounding area rather than a single featured author. At 1pm.  (Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Rd, Katonah, NY)

April 26
Play Dates with Po’Jazz
presented by The Blue Door Art Center

Poetry and jazz converge in performance and improvisation. The Po’Jazz Ensemble, led by Yonkers Poet Laureate Golda Solomon, performs alongside guest poets Cheryl Boyce Taylor and Patricia Starek and reed player Peter Brainin. Art tables and easels are available for audience participation. (13 Riverdale Ave, Yonkers, NY)

Past 2026 Poetry Month Events

April 6
The Healing Arts: How Melody, Words, and Rhythm Touch and Remedy Our Hearts
presented by Shames JCC

This performance and workshop explores the relationship between music and poetry. Pianist Rocco Dapice and Westchester County Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva present work examining how melody, language and rhythm shape emotional experience. At 10am. (Shames JCC’s Ark Theater, 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY)

April 10
16th Annual Westchester Poetry Festival
presented by The Masters School and Hudson Valley Writers Center

The festival brings together poets whose work reflects distinct formal and thematic approaches. Kimiko Hahn reads from work shaped by science, hybrid forms and Japanese literary traditions. Lauren Camp presents poetry attentive to perception, place and the natural world. Samyak Shertok writes on migration, language and belonging. Phylisha Villanueva focuses on identity, spirituality and community experience. At 6pm. (The Masters School, 49 Clinton Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY)

April 11
Hear the Poets Speak!
presented by Greenburgh Arts and Culture Committee

This annual Poetry Month celebration centers on an open mic for community poets of all ages. The program features the Poetry Caravan, a volunteer group that brings poetry readings to community sites such as senior centers, shelters and hospitals. The event takes place at Greenburgh Town Hall. (177 Hillside Ave, White Plains, NY)

April 16
The Grand Lit
presented by the Croton Council on the Arts

Held in recognition of National Poetry Month, this evening includes a poetry reading by Arden Levine, whose work blends formal experimentation with civic themes; Jared Harel, known for poems addressing identity, faith and the body; and Deborah Schupack, whose writing spans poetry, fiction and narrative nonfiction. A short audience discussion and book signing follow the reading. At 5:30pm. (The Grand, 130 Grand St, Croton-on-Hudson, NY)

April 17
Poetry Jam Session + Workshop
presented by Bethany Arts Community

This pre–open mic workshop is led by James K. Zimmerman, a widely published poet and Pushcart Prize nominee whose work has appeared in national literary journals and anthologies. The session emphasizes generative writing, creative play and shared process and is designed to lead into the evening’s open mic. At 6pm. (40 Somerstown Rd, Ossining, NY)

April 17
Open Mic with Special Guest Host Iain Haley Pollock 
presented by Bethany Arts Community

This monthly open mic features poetry, spoken word, music and storytelling and is hosted by Iain Haley Pollock, author of three poetry collections and director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Manhattanville University. The program follows a poetry workshop and uses a lottery-based sign-up for performers. At 7:30pm. (40 Somerstown Rd, Ossining, NY)

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