When is National Poetry Month?
National Poetry Month 2027
Thu, Apr 1, 2027 – Fri, Apr 30, 2027
The whole of April. That's in 179 days.
until National Poetry Month begins, in your time zone
National Poetry Month is an April celebration of poems and poets, meant to bring more readers to poetry in schools, libraries and everyday life. The Academy of American Poets launched it in 1996.
About National Poetry Month
Every April, teachers, librarians, booksellers, publishers and poets run readings, classroom projects, open mics and library displays to encourage people to read, write and share poetry. The Academy of American Poets, which organizes the month, calls it the largest literary celebration in the world and says it reaches tens of millions of people each year.
The Academy launched National Poetry Month in April 1996, inspired by the success of Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March. According to its own FAQ, April was picked as the best time of year to turn attention toward poetry, with the long-term aim of encouraging people to read poems all year. To get it started, the Academy enlisted government agencies and officials, educators, publishers, sponsors, poets and arts organizations. It is not a federal designation created by law; National Poetry Month is a registered trademark of the Academy.
Several recurring programs anchor the month. On Poem in Your Pocket Day, people carry a poem with them and share it with friends, coworkers or strangers, in person or online. The Dear Poet project invites students in grades five through twelve to write letters responding to poems by award-winning poets, and the Academy commissions a new National Poetry Month poster each year for schools and libraries. Public libraries often add their own events, from poetry workshops to displays of new collections.
Sources: Academy of American Poets: National Poetry Month, Academy of American Poets: National Poetry Month FAQ. How we check dates.
How to mark National Poetry Month
- Choose a short poem to memorize this month and recite it to someone before April ends.
- Carry a printed poem on Poem in Your Pocket Day and hand copies to friends or coworkers.
- Go to a library reading, open mic or poetry slam near you, or start a small poetry circle with friends.
- Write a short poem every day for a week, even if it's only three lines.
- Have students write a letter to a living poet about a poem that moved them, as in the Academy's Dear Poet project.
National Poetry Month dates
| Year | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Tue, Apr 1 – Wed, Apr 30 |
| 2026 | Wed, Apr 1 – Thu, Apr 30 |
| 2027 | Thu, Apr 1 – Fri, Apr 30 |
| 2028 | Sat, Apr 1 – Sun, Apr 30 |
| 2029 | Sun, Apr 1 – Mon, Apr 30 |
| 2030 | Mon, Apr 1 – Tue, Apr 30 |
| 2031 | Tue, Apr 1 – Wed, Apr 30 |
Also on April 1
Related days
Explore
Frequently asked questions
When is National Poetry Month 2027?
National Poetry Month 2027 is Thu, Apr 1, 2027 – Fri, Apr 30, 2027. It falls on the whole of April. In 2028, it is on Saturday, April 1, 2028.
Who started National Poetry Month?
The Academy of American Poets started it in April 1996, modeling it on Black History Month and Women's History Month.
What is Poem in Your Pocket Day?
It is a day during National Poetry Month when people carry a poem and share it with others. The Academy of American Poets promotes it nationally and posts the date each year.
Is National Poetry Month a public holiday?
No. National Poetry Month is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.