Celebrations of Place
Poetry in Public brings communities together through the written word.
In Summer and Fall 2024, Poetry in Public will be showcasing poetry at events around King County. We invite you to connect with poets, find inspiration, and celebrate the written word. Events are free and open to all and will include an open mic!
Readings will celebrate poetry selected for placement on transit through an open call in Fall 2023. You may have seen these poems on your daily commutes, visits, or other trips around the county since they were installed on many King County Metro buses and Sound Transit light rail. The poetry showcases will be rooted in community, showcasing selected poets alongside professional writers.
Last summer, you may have attended one of our workshops or found inspiration on the 4Culture website, and we have new resources to guide your poetry writing journey on the theme “Places of Landing” inspired by those poems and your daily experience of place.
We hope to see you at an upcoming event!
Open Mic: Poetry in Public
Tuesday, June 11
Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Works in Progress is Hugo House's open mic series, celebrating diverse storytelling formats and crafts.
Pista sa Nayon
Sunday, July 28
Seward Park Amphitheater, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118
Pista sa Nayon is a beautiful expression of cultural pride and traditions among local Filipinos.
Youth Poetry Reading
Thursday, August 15
Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th Street, Redmond, WA 98052
The Old Firehouse Teen Center empowers teens through art and service leadership opportunities.
Festival Sundiata
Saturday, August 24
Seattle Center, 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109
Festival Sundiata is a wonderful family event at Seattle Center that celebrates the arts and educates the community about people of African descent who form a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities.
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias
Sunday, September 15
Seattle Center, 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate their national independence day in the month of September.
Welcoming Week Resource Fair
Saturday, September 21
Crossroads Bellevue, 15600 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98008
The fair offers opportunities to connect with local organizations, community partners and government agencies that provide support and professional trainings.
Places of Landing Self-Guided Poetry Hike
Sunday, September 29
Mt. Si Trailhead
Join Poet Planner Laura Da’ at the Mount Si Trailhead and pick up the Path Becomes Poem booklet of poetry prompts to guide your hike up Mount Si or walk along the short ADA-accessible trail at the trailhead.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Monday, October 14
Various locations in Downtown Seattle, including Pier 62 (2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121) and King Street Station Plaza (303 South Jackson Street Seattle, WA 98104)
Join us at the 2024 Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration, march, and community meal.