The world has emerged from its COVID cocoon, and that includes poetry readings. It’s a pleasure to gather with other poetry fans (love those hugs!) but many readings still exist in hybrid form or on Zoom for part of the year. The wonderful thing about online readings is the increased access for folks with disabilities or who are geographically dispersed.
Here are some ongoing readings series based in Boston and its environs. Some are online, some are in person, and often they’re hybrid. If you know of a series not listed below, please contact me so I can add it. I also recommend checking out the Mass Poetry calendar.
Brookline Poetry Series: Third Sundays, 2pm, September through May.
Includes an open mic.
Read the Mass Poetry interview
Email organizer Aimée Sands for notices and Zoom links.
Dire Literary Series: Thursdays at 7pm on Zoom.
Includes an open mic.
Join the Facebook group
Read the Mass Poetry interview
Read info on organizer Tim Gager’s website
Rozzie Reads: Third Thursdays at 7pm.
At Roslindale House, 120 Poplar Street, just outside Rozzie Square, and on Zoom.
They usually go on hiatus in July and August.
Organized by the Friends of the Roslindale Library. Includes an open mic.
Join the Facebook group
Read the Mass Poetry Interview
Email organizer Holly Guran to get notices and Zoom links.
Lily Poetry Salon: Dates and times vary, but usually Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons.
Join the Facebook group
Read the Mass Poetry interview
Poetry at the Y: First Fridays of the month at 7pm.
Includes an open mic.
Email host Richard Waring for Zoom info and notices of future readings.
New England Poetry Club: Three separate reading series. Dates vary.
Read the Mass Poetry interview
Find them on Facebook
Peruse their Events page
Become a member to receive their newsletter
Stone Soup Poetry: Wednesday evenings at 7pm.
Stone Soup meetings the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Assemblage Art Space in Fort Point, Boston. First and third Wednesdays are online, as are fifth Wednesdays when they occur.
Includes an open mic.
Visit the website for Zoom info
Join the Facebook group
Email organizer Chad Parenteau to get on the mailing list.
U35 Reading Series: Every other month, for poets under 35.
Organized by Mass Poetry.
Visit the U35 page and sign up to read here
Subscribe to the Mass Poetry newsletter at the bottom of this page
Grolier Poetry Book Shop: Almost every day!
Tucked away on a side street in Harvard Square, Grolier is one of the oldest bookshops of its kind. Readings are usually hybrid.
Visit their Upcoming Readings page for current listings
Boston Poetry Slam – Wednesday Nights at the Cantab
One of the longest-running slams in the country is back in business! At the Cantab Lounge in Central Square, Cambridge MA. Why the name? Because the denizens of Cambridge refer to themselves as Cantabridgians. Highly recommended. More info on the Boston Poetry Slam website.
Garden of Words 