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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City! Read More
Are you looking for literary events like book readings, book signings, poetry readings? Then you came to the right place. Start using these unique New York City opportunities today!
Are you looking for literary events like book readings, book signings, poetry readings? Then you came to the right place. Start using these unique New York City opportunities today!
Join the Club!
The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.
So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!
The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.
So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!
35 free poetry readings, book signings, author readings in New York City (NYC) Tue, 11/11/2025 - 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!
Author Reading | Vanity Fair Editor Celebrates His New Book, When Caesar Was King
Enjoy a conversation and book signing with Vanity Fair contributing editor David Margolick to celebrate his new book, When Caesar Was King: How Sid Caesar Reinvented American Comedy, the first definitive biography on the one-and-only American comic actor and comedian, Sid Caesar. He will be in conversation with broadcast journalist Budd Mishkin, followed by a signing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 11
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Prize-Winning Writer Discusses Their New Work
Enjoy a reading with author/poet jason b. crawford as they sit down with poet Mark Bibbins to discuss their new work. Crawford's debut collection of poetry, Year of the Unicorn Kidz, is out now. They are a 2023 Lambda Literary Emerging LGBTQ Voices fellow, the winner of the Courtney Valentine Prize for Outstanding Work by a Millennial Artist, the winner of the Rhino’s Founders Prize, and a finalist for the Frontier’s Open prize. Their work can be found or is forthcoming in POETRY Magazine, Metro Weekly, AGNI Magazine, Cincinnati Review, Frontier Magazine, among others. Their second collection, YEET! was the winner of the 2023 Omnidawn 1st/2nd Book Prize and will be published in Fall 2025.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 11
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Author Aja Gabel Shares Her New Book, Lightbreakers
Enjoy a conversation between Aja Gabel (The Ensemble) and author Angela Flournoy (The Turner House) about Gabel's new book, Lightbreakers. A heart-achingly moving novel, Lightbreakers plumbs the mysteries of human connection, and explores how to love in a world where time is both a healer and a thief. Attendees can also pre-order a signed copy of the book at the link provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 11
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Pultizer Prize Winner Jonathan Capehart Shares His New Memoir, Yet Here I Am
Jonathan Capehart, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, editor, and TV host, recounts powerful stories from his life about embracing identity, picking battles, seizing opportunity, and finding his voice.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Nov 12
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Rare Book Curator Shares Her New Book about Design in Interwar Vienna
Dr. Michelle Jackson-Beckett, Cooper Hewitt Library’s Curator of Rare Books, talks about her recent book: Vienna and the New Wohnkultur, 1918-1938. Her book examines interior design exhibitions, press, and debates about modern living in interwar Vienna and analyzes the varied interpretations of modern domestic culture. Jackson-Beckett draws connections between interwar Viennese design culture and important concepts that appear more prominently later in the 20th century, such as user experience, spatial psychology, and environmental psychology.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Nov 12
6:15 pm
Free
6:15 pm
Free
Author Reading | Historians & Writer Discuss Lamentations of Nezahualcóyotl: Nahuatl Poems
Scholar Ilan Stavans and writer Jordan Salama discuss the recently retold songs and poems of Aztec king, poet, and warrior Nezahualcóyotl and his illustrious 15th century court, based on the new book Aztec king Nezahualcóyotl was a revolutionary far ahead of his time. Born in 1402, the ruler—whose name means “hungry coyote” in the Uto-Aztecan language of Nahuatl—led the city-state of Texcoco through its age of enlightenment. His four-decade reign was among the most transformative and prosperous eras of the Aztec Empire. Today he is a hero in Mexico, seen as a mysterious, powerful, anti-colonial figure. Brimming with anguish and longing, this epic collection of songs and poems was composed by Nezahualcóyotl with members of his illustrious court.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Nov 12
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Book Signing | Exploring Narrative and Emotion Through Photography
Celebrate the work of Duane Michals with a special book signing on the occasion of his exhibition The Nature of Desire. A selection of exhibition catalogues will be available for purchase, offering a closer look at Michals’ groundbreaking photographic practice that blends narrative, emotion, and conceptual storytelling.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Nov 13
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Reading | 3 Authors Share Their New Books
Persea Books celebrates independent publishing and three new books from Persea authors. Poetry Editor Gabriel Fried will introduce Elizabeth Bradfield, reading from her new book SOFAR, Michelle Peñaloza, winner of the Persea Lexi Rudnitsky Editor's Choice and the James Laughlin Awards for All the Words I Can Remember Are Poems, and Carey Salerno, reading from her new book The Hungriest Stars. Persea is an independent, literary publishing house founded in 1975 by Michael Braziller and Karen Braziller, who still own and direct the company. Persea books focus on contemporary issues expressed through individual experience.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Nov 13
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Columbia Writing Professor Celebrates His New Book, Vera or Faith
Columbia Writing Professor Gary Shteyngart reads from his latest book, Vera or Faith: A Novel. Followed by a conversation with Professor Bruce Robbins, English and Comparative Literature. Synopsis: The Bradford-Shmulkin family is falling apart. A very modern blend of Russian, Jewish, Korean, and New England WASP, they love one another deeply but the pressures of life in an unstable America are fraying their bonds. There’s Daddy, a struggling, cash-thirsty editor whose Russian heritage gives him a surprising new currency in the upside-down world of twenty-first-century geopolitics; his wife, Anne Mom, a progressive, underfunded blue blood from Boston who’s barely holding the household together; their son, Dylan, whose blond hair and Mayflower lineage provide him pride of place in the newly forming American political order; and, above all, the young Vera, half-Jewish, half-Korean, and wholly original. Observant, sensitive, and always writing down new vocabulary words, Vera wants only three things in life: to make a friend at school; Daddy and Anne Mom to stay together; and to meet her birth mother, Mom Mom, who will at last tell Vera the secret of who she really is and how to ensure love’s survival in this great, mad, imploding world.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Nov 13
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Author Reading | Melissa Febos & Donika Kelly Share Their Recent Works (+ Book Signing)
Memoir and poetry reading by Melissa Febos and Donika Kelly, followed by a reception/signing with books for sale. Melissa Febos is the author of five books, including the national bestselling essay collection, Girlhood, which has been translated into ten languages and was a LAMBDA Literary Award finalist, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award in Criticism, and named a notable book of 2021 by NPR, Time, The Washington Post, and others. Her new memoir, The Dry Season, was published this summer. Febos is also recipient of a 2022 Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship, and the Jeanne Córdova Nonfiction Award from LAMBDA Literary. Donika Kelly is the author of The Renunciations, winner of the Anisfield-Wolf book award in poetry, and Bestiary, the winner of the 2015 Cave Canem Poetry Prize, a Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Poetry, and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. Kelly’s poetry has been a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Publishing Triangle Awards, the LAMBDA Literary Awards, and longlisted for the National Book Award.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Nov 13
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Hear from Local Poets
Enjoy an evening of live poetry. Curated by local poet and playwright Galinsky, with "Five Minute Features" from a dozen poets of all styles.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Nov 13
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
Open Mic | Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)
Join a weekly online showcase featuring poems, songs, and comedy. Performers can sign up for a 4-minute spot by reserving one of 20 Artist-RSVP tickets, available starting Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET. If all spots are filled, performers may join the “good-luck round” at the end of the session. Audience members are welcome to watch live via Zoom.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Thu, Nov 13
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Memoirist Shares His New Book on His Time in Russian Prison: Odyssey Moscow
Enjoy a talk on U.S.-Russia relations with a talk by Michael Calvey on his new book, Odyssey Moscow: One American’s Journey from Russia Optimist to Prisoner of the State. Moderated by Elise Giuliano and Matthew Murray. Odyssey Moscow is a gripping memoir that chronicles Calvey's transformation from celebrated US technology investor in Russia to a detainee in Moscow’s notorious Matrosskaya Tishina prison. Arrested on fabricated fraud charges amid a corporate dispute, Calvey offers a candid account of navigating Russia’s opaque legal system, contrasting his early optimism for the country with the stark realities of Russia today. Through poignant narratives of his cellmates and introspective reflections, Calvey sheds light on the complexities of modern Russia and the risks entrepreneurs face when political forces intervene.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Nov 14
4:00 pm
Free
4:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Prize-Winning Poets & Prose Writers Share Their Work
Enjoy a reading by Cathy Linh Che (Becoming Ghost, Split), Emily Hockaday (Blood Music, In a Body, Naming the Ghost), Allyson Paty (Jalousie), and Jason Schneiderman (Hold Me Tight, Self Portrait of Icarus as a Country on Fire) followed by a reception/signing with books for sale.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Nov 14
5:00 pm
Free
5:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Spoken Word, Poetry, & Other New Works from Major Writers & Emerging Local Talent
Mahogany L. Browne—a prolific writer and avid advocate for public art—has held the role of Lincoln Center’s inaugural Poet-in-Residence. Browne has written works of fiction, stage plays and critical essays, edited six anthologies, and authored another half-dozen poetry collections. For this event, Browne curates a thought-provoking evening 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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Sat, Nov 15
7:30 pm
Free
7:30 pm
Free
Author Reading | New York Author Shares Her New Nonfiction Book, Good Is Amazing
Local author Heather A. Campbell discusses her new book, Good Is Amazing: Stop Overstriving and Celebrate Being Enough! In this book, Campbell shares relatable, hilarious, and heartfelt moments from her life that anchor a deeper message: the constant pressure to aim higher, do the most, and be the best is exhausting--and it's not working. Good is Amazing challenges the culture of overachievement and champions the power of good. Heather's insights and expertise has been developed through her work as the CEO of Ready Set Recover, the Synergist at ESPN/The Walt Disney Company, the Alchemist at Audacy, and an Activist in the world.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Nov 16
2:00 pm
Free
2:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Comics & Fiction Author Shares His New Book, Moscow 93 (In Person AND Online!)
Fiction author Jose Alaniz presents his new novel, Moscow 93. Blending horror and farce, Moscow 93 presents Russia in the first decade after communism through the lens of a sordid expat scene. A scene that, one day, exploded into a war zone.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Mon, Nov 17
4:00 pm
Free
4:00 pm
Free
Mon, Nov 17
7:30 pm
Regular: $35
Member: $0
7:30 pm
Regular: $35
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Poetry Reading | Indigenous Poem Readings for Native American Heritage Month
Mingle with fellow poetry enthusiasts as attendees unpack the layered meanings of poetry through an informal group discussion. This session's readings are selected from Poetry Magazine, Academy of American Poets, and Poetry Foundation. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, this event will feature poems by Native, Indigenous, and First Nations poets that orbit varied experiences of belonging, identity, and colonial legacies. Please note that contemporary poetry deals frankly with contemporary issues and all works discussed are artistic expressions selected for an adult audience.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 18
2:30 pm
Free
2:30 pm
Free
Author Reading | Expert Shares Her New Book about Russian Politics, Caring Like a State
Hear from sociology and political science scholar Inna Leykin on her new book, Caring Like a State: The Politics of Russia's Demographic Crisis. Caring Like a State analyzes the professional world of demographers, non-state actors, and the subjective experiences of ordinary Russian citizens to explore how their reciprocal relations have shaped the dominant understanding of population issues and their remedies.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 18
5:00 pm
Free
5:00 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Poets Share Their Interpretations of "Multi-Genre" Works
Enjoy a conversation with poets Fatimah Asghar and Mahogany L. Browne about writing across genre and performance as a discipline. Moderated by Camonghne Felix.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 18
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Learn about the New Russ & Daughters Cookbook with the Authors
Enjoy a conversation with 4th generation Russ & Daughters co-owners Niki Russ Federman & Josh Russ about their book Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing with fellow writer Joshua David Stein. From the legendary New York destination for Jewish appetizing comes a beautiful and inspiring cookbook that encompasses history, tradition, and absolutely delicious food.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 18
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Author Reading | Book Launch: Lyla Lee Shares Her New YA Book, The Cuffing Game
Enjoy a conversation between authors Lyla Lee (I'll Be the One, Flip the Script) and Amélie Wen Zhao (The Scorpion and the Night Blossom) for the launch of Lee's new book, The Cuffing Game. This book is a fun YA K-drama remix of Pride and Prejudice—if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett were a college-run reality TV dating show. Attendees can also pre-order a signed copy of the book at the link provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 18
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Award-Winning New Yorker Writer Shares Her Poetry & SHort Stories
Fiction and poetry writer Andrew Cohen will share some of her works, including her forthcoming poetry collection, Sugar, which will be released early next year. Andrea Cohen's poems and stories have appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, The Threepenny Review, The New York Review of Books, etc. Her other books include The Sorrow Apartments, Everything, Nightshade, Unfathoming, and several more titles. Cohen's awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship, Glimmer Train's Short Fiction Award, and several fellowships at MacDowell. Over the years, she has taught at The University of Iowa, Emerson College, UMASS-Boston, Boston University, The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, and Merrimack College, where she was the founding director of the Writers' House. She directs the Blacksmith House Poetry Series in Cambridge, MA, and teaches at Boston University.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Nov 20
7:30 pm
Free
7:30 pm
Free
Author Reading | Writers in English and Spanish Share Their Works (with Translation) + Book Signing
NYU’s Creative Writing MFA programs in English and Spanish host a joint event featuring students and alums reading their work in any genre (in the language(s) chosen by the author*), alongside a headlining author. Tonight's headliner is poet and novelist John Manuel Arias (Where There Was Fire). The reading will be followed by a reception/signing, with books for sale. *In the case of the texts not in English, a translation by a partner will also be read.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Nov 20
7:30 pm
Free
7:30 pm
Free
Open Mic | Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)
Join a weekly online showcase featuring poems, songs, and comedy. Performers can sign up for a 4-minute spot by reserving one of 20 Artist-RSVP tickets, available starting Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET. If all spots are filled, performers may join the “good-luck round” at the end of the session. Audience members are welcome to watch live via Zoom.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Thu, Nov 20
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
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, Nov 21
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
Open Mic | Afternoon of Showcasing Creativity: Artists, Poets, Musicians, & More
Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and talent as local artists, poets, musicians, and performers and more take the stage. Whether you want to showcase your own skills or simply enjoy the show, this is the place to be. Let your voice be heard and your talent shine in a welcoming and supportive environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and entertain a friendly audience. See you there! This event will include an open call for performers on a first come, first serve basis as time permits. Participants can share their original work in a time to be announced based off total amount of performers. Space and seating is limited; show up on time!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Nov 22
1:30 pm
Free
1:30 pm
Free
Open Mic | An Evening of Prose, Poetry & Performance in the East Village
Writers and word lovers gather for this open literary salon, where each month features a new theme. Share or listen to original works of prose, poetry, memoir, or song in a supportive, creative space. Performers have five minutes to present, and all are welcome to attend. Please visit the website for more information on performing your work.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 25
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
Open Mic | Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)
Join a weekly online showcase featuring poems, songs, and comedy. Performers can sign up for a 4-minute spot by reserving one of 20 Artist-RSVP tickets, available starting Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET. If all spots are filled, performers may join the “good-luck round” at the end of the session. Audience members are welcome to watch live via Zoom.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Thu, Nov 27
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Final Friday Slam Competition (Online!)
Join poets from across the Nuyorican community for a high-energy online slam hosted by Paul con Queso and Matthew Marroquín. Competing poets include winners of recent Bowery Slams and specially curated performers, plus one lucky audience member drawn from a live lottery spot. The winner takes home $100 and advances to the annual Grand Slam.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Nov 28
9:30 pm
Free
9:30 pm
Free
Book Signing | Holiday Book Fair (with Authors Including Jennifer Egan)
Experience a holiday fête with our favorite authors signing the gift books of the season. Meet a dazzling set of artists, designers, and writers, bring home signed editions to collect and give, enjoy Prosecco and Italian sweets, and toast a new year as a quintessential New York bookstore. Authors present include: Jeffrey Banks, Nate Berkus,Jennifer Egan, Kim Hastreiter, Dasha Tolstikon, Larry Warsh, and many more! Shop the Holiday Fair and receive a raffle ticket with every purchase for a chance to win a one-year Fiction or Nonfiction subscription! Book purchase required to enter signing line.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Dec 3
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | National Book Critics Circle Award-Winner George Dyer Shares His Nonfiction Writing (+ Signing)
A reading by Geoff Dyer in conversation with Hari Kunzru, followed by a reception/signing, with books for sale. Geoff Dyer is the award-winning author of many books, including Homework, The Last Days of Roger Federer, Out of Sheer Rage, Yoga for People Who Can’t Be Bothered to Do It, Zona, See/Saw, and the essay collection Otherwise Known as the Human Condition (winner of a National Book Critics Circle Award for criticism). Hari Kunzru is the author of seven novels, Blue Ruin, Red Pill, White Tears, Gods Without Men, My Revolutions, Transmission, and The Impressionist. He is a regular contributor to The New York Review of Books and writes the “Easy Chair” column for Harper’s Magazine. He is an Honorary Fellow of Wadham College Oxford, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and has been a Cullman Fellow at the New York Public Library, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a Fellow of the American Academy in Berlin. He teaches in the Creative Writing Program at New York University and is the host of the podcast Into the Zone.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Dec 4
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Holiday Poetry Discussion
Attend with fellow poetry enthusiasts to unpack the layered meanings of poetry through an informal group discussion. This December, celebrate the season with heartwarming poems about gathering, holidays, and community. Please note that contemporary poetry deals frankly with contemporary issues and all works discussed are artistic expressions selected for an adult audience.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Dec 16
2:30 pm
Free
2:30 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers
Participants can share their original work for up to five minutes. Space is limited to 15 readers; show up on time to get a slot!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Dec 19
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
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