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10 free poetry readings, book signings, author readings in New York City (NYC) Thu, 07/23/2026 - and on...

Not a day goes by in New York City (NYC) without a free poetry reading or a book signing or a book reading by a famous or not yet famous author. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

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Author Reading | Three Writers Share Their New Work at the Culture Archive

A reading with Bud Smith, Jimmy Cajoleas, and Janie Heath. Bud Smith is the author of the novels Mighty, Teenager, among others. His memoir, Work, will be released this summer. Jimmy Cajoleas has published five novels and is an associate editor for Southwest Review. Janie Heath writes fiction.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Thu, Jul 23
6:00 pm
Free

Author Readings, July 23, 2026, 07/23/2026, Three Writers Share Their New Work at the Culture Archive

Open Mic | Hear from Emerging Writers or Perform Your Own Work

Hear original work by local, emerging writers of all genres, or share some of your own pieces! All performers welcome! Hosted by novelist Ed Lin. Sign ups start from 7:30PM. 5-minute time slots.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Fri, Jul 24
8:00 pm
Free

Open Mics, July 24, 2026, 07/24/2026, Hear from Emerging Writers or Perform Your Own Work

Poetry Reading | An Evening of Poetry in the Garden

Enjoy an outdoor poetry reading hosted in partnership with McNally Jackson. Submit your work at the link provided to read at the event!

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sun, Jul 26
5:00 pm
Free

Poetry Readings, July 26, 2026, 07/26/2026, An Evening of Poetry in the Garden

Poetry Reading | Pushcart Prize-WInning Writers Share an Evening of Poetry

Award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets: Beth Ann Fennelly, David Baker, Maya C. Popa, and Owen Lewis. Beth Ann Fennelly is a 2020 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow and was the poet laureate of Mississippi from 2016 to 2021. She’s won grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States Artists, a Pushcart, and a Fulbright to Brazil. Fennelly has published three books of poetry and four of prose. Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs was an Atlanta Journal Constitution Best Book. A contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post, Esquire, and other outlets. David Baker is the author of many books of poetry. His Never-Ending Birds was awarded the 2011 Theodore Roethke Memorial Poetry Prize. He is coeditor of Collected Poems of Stanley Plumly. Baker’s work appears in APR, The Atlantic, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Poetry, and is included in the landmark anthology A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker. Maya C. Popa is the poetry reviews editor at Publishers Weekly and teaches poetry at NYU. She is the founder of Conscious Writers Collective, a global online writing platform and community providing ongoing literary education and support outside formal academia. Owen Lewis is the author of four collections of poetry and three chapbooks, most recently A Prayer of Six Wings, a finalist for the 2026 Patterson Book Prize. Honors include the 2024 E.E.Cummings Prize, the 2023 Guernsey International Poetry Prize, the 2023 Rumi Prize for Poetry, the International Hippocrates Prize for Poetry and Medicine, and the Jean Pedrick Chapbook Award.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Tue, Jul 28
6:00 pm
Free

Poetry Readings, July 28, 2026, 07/28/2026, Pushcart Prize-WInning Writers Share an Evening of Poetry

Poetry Reading | Major Poets & Emerging Voices Share Their Work

Lincoln Center's inaugural Poet-in-Residence, Mahogany L. Browne curates thought-provoking evenings of spoken word, spirited conversation, poetry, and presentations of new work, presenting major poets and emerging voices on the New York literary scene. Featured artists to be announced soon! There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Fri, Jul 31
7:30 pm
Free

Poetry Readings, July 31, 2026, 07/31/2026, Major Poets & Emerging Voices Share Their Work

Reading | Reading & Socializing with Fellow Book-Lovers

Guests are invited to indulge in a unique reading party, fueled by literature and connection. Bring your favorite book, play, musical score—or borrow one that was specially curated by theorganizers. This is a one-of-a-kind reading party you won't want to miss.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sat, Aug 1
10:00 am
Free

Readings, August 01, 2026, 08/01/2026, Reading & Socializing with Fellow Book-Lovers

Reading | Storytelling Party & Open Mic

No Name Comedy/Variety Show producer Eric Vetter brings New York’s best established and emerging authors and storytellers to this bookstore for this storytelling party. This event is curated and co-hosted by author/storyteller Michele Carlo, the author of FISH OUT OF AGUA: My life on neither side of the (subway) tracks. The show will also include a “Magic Hat Open-Mic” where audience members can sign up for a chance at four minutes of stage time to share their own stories.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Tue, Aug 4
7:00 pm
Free