Poetry in the Park

Poetry in the Park returns to the House of Many Porches Market on Friday, October 16, from 6 PM to 8 PM. It's an open-mic gathering held in the park, and the focus is on poetry, short stories, and creative works-in-progress. The whole thing is family-friendly, which makes sense given it's in a public space—everyone is welcome to stop by, listen, and maybe even join in.

If you've never been, here's how it works: it's a supportive environment for reading aloud, whether you're a seasoned writer, a first-time reader, or just someone who wants to hear what others are working on. It's a good spot to test out new ideas and connect with other creatives in the city. Because it takes place in a public park, all the content is kept family-friendly.

Performers get up to five minutes each. You'll want to reserve your spot at the mic in advance, though there's a waitlist on the day if space opens up. If the performer spots are already full, you're still welcome to come and listen. The gathering is supported by the Dix Park Conservancy.

You'll find it at the House of Many Porches Market, 701 Palmer Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603, in the Gipson Play Plaza area of Dix Park. It's free to the public, thanks to Dix Park Conservancy donors. The session runs from 6 PM to 8 PM on Friday, October 16.