I Am Poetry Festival

The I Am Poetry Festival takes over the Victor Crist Community Center Complex on Saturday, November 7, from 5 PM to 10 PM. It's a long evening that starts as a market and ends as a stage show, and it's open to all ages, so you can bring the kids along.

The night opens with a vendor market featuring more than 30 local vendors, food trucks, drinks, and handcrafted art and jewelry. That's the first few hours—browsing and eating while the crowd gathers—before the stage takes over. From there, the focus shifts to live performances by poets, rappers, singers, and musicians. There's an intermission for karaoke and a dance break, too, so it's not just sitting and listening; you're expected to get up and move. One of the more specific things to look for is the typewriter poet, who'll be writing personalized poems on the spot throughout the night.

Everkesia, the founder of I Am Poetry, and Sam, the brand ambassador, are the ones behind it. They describe the festival as more than just a show: a family reunion where creativity, community, and culture collide. That family framing carries through to the merch, too—they encourage people to wear their I Am Poetry apparel, which you can find at iampoetry.shop or at the merch booth on the day of the event.

A few practical things to keep in mind before you head out: bring your own lawn chairs, as you'll want a place to sit for the performances. There's limited free parking at the venue with overflow available, so carpooling or ride-sharing is a good call. And just a heads-up: no outside food, coolers, or drinks are allowed inside. The festival runs from 5 PM to 10 PM at the Victor Crist Community Center Complex, 14013 North 22nd Street, Tampa, FL 33613.