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Free events for Thursday, 03/26/26
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31 free poetry readings, book signings, author readings in New York City (NYC) Thu, 03/26/2026 - 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!

        

Author Reading | Biographer Shares His Book on Artist Jack Goldstein


Alexander Dumbadze (with Cameron Martin) reads from his nonfiction book, Jack Goldstein: All Day Night Sky. Synopsis: "A poignant account of the life and work of conceptual artist Jack Goldstein.A defining figure of the 1970s-80s New York art world, Jack Goldstein's wide-ranging body of work, which included immaculate color films and radiant paintings of appropriated images composed by assistants, is both seductive and interpretively elusive. "
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Mar 26
7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, March 26, 2026, 03/26/2026, Biographer Shares His Book on Artist Jack Goldstein

Reading | Pulitzer Nominee Poet & Playwright Cornelius Eady Shares His Work


Hear a reading from poet, playwright, and Cave Canem co-founder Cornelius Eady, who is the author of "Proof," a poem written for and read at the swearing in of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani in January 2026. He is the author of several collections, including Victims of the Latest Dance Craze, winner of the 1985 Lamont Poetry Prize; The Gathering of My Name, nominated for the 1992 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry; Brutal Imagination, finalist for the 2001 National Book Award in Poetry; and Hardheaded Weather. He wrote the libretto to Diedra Murray’s opera Running Man, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama, and his verse play Brutal Imagination won the 2002 Oppenheimer Award for the best first play from an American playwright.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Mar 26
7:00 pm
Free
Readings, March 26, 2026, 03/26/2026, Pulitzer Nominee Poet & Playwright&nbsp;Cornelius Eady Shares His Work

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
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Thu, Mar 26
8:00 pm
Free
Open Mics, March 26, 2026, 03/26/2026, Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)

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, Mar 27
5:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, March 27, 2026, 03/27/2026, Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers

Book Signing | Wasteland: Art, Collaboration, and Queer Narratives


Jason Haaf and Scooter LaForge present Wasteland, a collaborative art novel that explores themes of queer angst and expressive storytelling. Blending visual art and narrative, this project creates an immersive, emotionally charged world. A limited selection of signed copies and original works will be available.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Mar 28
6:00 pm
Free
Book Signings, March 28, 2026, 03/28/2026, Wasteland: Art, Collaboration, and Queer Narratives

Poetry Reading | Vera Pavlova Reads New Pieces from Her Book, Poems on a Russian Passport


Enjoy an evening with Vera Pavlova, who will read poems from the handwritten book, Poems on a Russian Passport, translated by Lena Zinski, as well as poems from the cycle Tchaikovsky’s Children’s Album, translated by Andrey Kneller. Pavlova has participated in art projects jointly with painters and authored five libretti of operas. She has also experimented with non-traditional ways of disseminating poetry, such as SMS-messaging, postcards, video clips, and audiobooks.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Mar 31
5:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, March 31, 2026, 03/31/2026, Vera Pavlova Reads New Pieces from Her Book,&nbsp;Poems on a Russian Passport

Poetry Reading | Book Launch: Poetry Collection The Art of Undoing (+ Signing)


Celebrate the release of Hudson Plumb's new poetry collection, The Art of Undoing, featuring readings from Plumb, Maria Terrone, and Rosanna Young Oh. Book Synopsis: Hudson Plumb draws us into a world both dark and light. He movingly recalls the death of loved ones—his own and that of strangers—leavening the sorrow with striking images drawn from nature.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Mar 31
6:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, March 31, 2026, 03/31/2026, Book Launch: Poetry Collection The Art of Undoing&nbsp;(+ Signing)

Poetry Reading | 4 Poets Share Work from Upcoming Collections


Experience a reading with Andrea Cohen, Maggie Dietz, Monica Ferrell, and Daniel Tobin to celebrate the release of Four Way Books spring 2026 titles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Mar 31
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, March 31, 2026, 03/31/2026, 4 Poets Share Work from Upcoming Collections

Author Reading | Susan Cheever Shares Her New Nonfiction Book, When All the Men Wore Hats


Hear a reading with Susan Cheever as she sits down with Luis Jaramillo to discuss her new book, When All the Men Wore Hats.  In When All the Men Wore Hats, Susan Cheever looks back on her father’s work and seeks to understand the connections between art and life. How did a bit of local gossip, a slice of Greek myth, and a new translation of Madame Bovary somehow become a brilliant gem like “The Country Husband” or “The Swimmer”?
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Apr 1
6:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 01, 2026, 04/01/2026, Susan Cheever Shares Her New Nonfiction Book,&nbsp;When All the Men Wore Hats

Author Reading | Austrian Writer Martin Prinz Shares His New Novel, The Last Days


Enjoy a reading by Austrian writer Martin Prinz from his novel The Last Days, followed by a conversation with Bernadette Wegenstein, Professor of Media Studies and Director for Advanced Media Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Book Synopsis: Set in April 1945 near Vienna, The Last Days reconstructs a Nazi society in its final weeks, when the war was almost over but the killings continued. Drawing on trial records and contemporary documents, Prinz examines a series of executions carried out by Nazi summary courts against individuals accused of defeatism and desertion. Written in the restrained language of court transcripts, the book confronts questions of individual responsibility, arbitrary power, and the long silence that followed these crimes in Austria. In the final 41 days of the war, more people were murdered in Austria than in the previous seven years. Among the victims were the granddaughters of Olga Waissnix, the muse of Arthur Schnitzler. Two years later, the perpetrators appeared before a people’s court, defending their actions as lawful and invoking obedience to a state that had already ceased to exist. With sober precision, Prinz revisits these events and reflects on literature as a form of remembrance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Apr 2
6:30 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 02, 2026, 04/02/2026, Austrian Writer&nbsp;Martin Prinz Shares His New Novel,&nbsp;The Last Days

Poetry Reading | Pulitzer Prize-Nominated Poet Shares His New Work


A reading by Adrian Matejka, followed by a reception/signing with books for sale. Adrian Matejka is the author of The Devil’s Garden, which won the New York / New England Award, and Mixology, a winner of the 2008 National Poetry Series. His third collection, The Big Smoke, was awarded the 2014 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. The Big Smoke was also a finalist for the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, the National Book Award, and the Pulitzer Prize in poetry. His selected poems, Be Easy: New & Selected, will be publishedspring 2026.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Apr 2
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 02, 2026, 04/02/2026, Pulitzer Prize-Nominated Poet Shares His New Work

Author Reading | Literary Journal Launch: West 10th


Readings by student contributors to the 2025–2026 edition of West 10th, the NYU Creative Writing Program’s undergraduate literary journal.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Apr 3
5:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Literary Journal Launch:&nbsp;West 10th

Poetry Reading | Bram Stoker Nominated Authors Share New Poetry Collection, Neurotica


Hear Bram Stoker Award nominated authors Maxwell I. Gold and Clay McLeod Chapman discuss Maxwell's recent poetry collection, Neurotica, to celebrate National Poetry Month. About the Book: Thirty-two bold new literary poems including "A Stretch of Highway", "A Prelude to Madness", "A Picture of Dead Stars in the Sky", and more paint a modern, interpersonal portrait of the Jewish poet.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Apr 4
3:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 04, 2026, 04/04/2026, Bram Stoker Nominated Authors Share New Poetry Collection, Neurotica

Poetry Reading | Arab American Heritage Poetry with Award-Winning Writers (In Person AND Online!)


Experience a celebration of Arab American Heritage Month and National Poetry Month, with readings by Maha Hashwi (The Pomegranate Is a Grenade), Ghinwa Jawhari (BLINT), Lawrence Joseph (A Certain Clarity: Selected Poems, Lawyerland), and Kamelya Omayma Youssef (A book with a hole in it).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Apr 7
6:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 07, 2026, 04/07/2026, Arab American Heritage Poetry with Award-Winning Writers (In Person AND Online!)

Poetry Reading | 3 Bestselling Poets Share Their Work


Experience a reading with poets Rachel Hadas, Chard deNiord, and Jason Schneiderman. Phillis Levin will introduce the event.  Poet, essayist, and translator Rachel Hadas is the author of many books of poetry, including, most recently, Pastorals (2025) from Measure Press. Her poem "Voyage" is included in the 2024 edition of The Best American Poetry anthology. Chard deNiord is the author of six books of poetry: Bestiary, In My Unknowing, Interstate, The Double Truth, Night Mowing, Sharp Golden Thorn, and Asleep In The Fire. Jason Schneiderman is the author of five poetry collections, most recently Self Portrait of Icarus as a Country on Fire.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Apr 7
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 07, 2026, 04/07/2026, 3 Bestselling Poets Share Their Work

Author Reading | Award-Winning Writer Colm Tóibín Shares His New Book, The News from Dublin


Irish novelist, short story writer, essayist, journalist, critic, playwright and poet Colm Tóibín (winner of the Booker Prize, International Dublin Literary Award, Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction, Folio Prize, and more) shares his new short story collection, The News from Dublin. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Apr 7
7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 07, 2026, 04/07/2026, Award-Winning Writer Colm T&oacute;ib&iacute;n Shares His New Book,&nbsp;The News from Dublin

Author Reading | Award-Winning Journalist Shares Her Work


Enjoy a reading and conversation with Krithika Varagur, an editor, and award-winning journalist for her reporting in South Asia and Africa. She’s at work on The Singh Princesses, a biography of three Anglo-Indian sisters in Victorian England.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Apr 8
6:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 08, 2026, 04/08/2026, Award-Winning Journalist Shares Her Work

Poetry Reading | Evening of Local Poetry


Enjoy an evening of poetry with 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, Apr 9
8:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 09, 2026, 04/09/2026, Evening of Local Poetry

Author Reading | Bilingual Literary Evening featuring Award-Winning Writers Garth Greenwell & Luis Munoz


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 headlining authors, Garth Greenwell and Luis Munoz. Garth Greenwell is the author of Small Rain, which won the 2025 PEN/Faulkner Award and the PEN Oakland / Josephine Miles Literary Award, and was longlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Award. He is also the author of What Belongs to You, which won the British Book Award for Debut of the Year, was longlisted for the National Book Award, and was adapted into an award-winning opera by the composer David T. Little. His second book, Cleanness, was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award and was longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize, the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, and the Prix Sade, among others. Luis Munoz has published the books Septiembre, Manzanas amarillas, El apetito, and Correspondencias. He has received, among others, the Ciudad de Cordoba, Generacion del 27, Ojo Critico, and El Publico awards. *In the case of texts not in English, a translation by a partner will also be read.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Apr 10
5:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 10, 2026, 04/10/2026, Bilingual Literary Evening featuring Award-Winning Writers Garth Greenwell & Luis Munoz

Author Reading | Hear New Material from Emerging Writers


The City Reading Series highlights emerging writers from the MFA and MA programs at the City College of New York.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Apr 10
6:30 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 10, 2026, 04/10/2026, Hear New Material from Emerging Writers

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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Sat, Apr 11
7:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 11, 2026, 04/11/2026, Major Poets & Emerging Voices Share Their Work

Author Reading | Prize-Winning Author Shares His New Novel, My Lover, the Rabbi


Wayne Koestenbaum, an American artist, poet, and cultural critic who has received an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature, My Lover, the Rabbi.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Apr 16
7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 16, 2026, 04/16/2026, Prize-Winning Author Shares His New Novel,&nbsp;My Lover, the Rabbi

Poetry Reading | Pushcart Prize-Winning Poets Share Their New Work


A reading by Cameron Awkward-Rich, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, and Carey Salerno, followed by a reception/signing with books for sale. Cameron Awkward-Rich is the author of three poetry collections: Sympathetic Little Monster, Dispatch, and An Optimism. Cameron’s creative work can be found in POETRY, American Poetry Review, Kenyon Review, and elsewhere, and has been supported by fellowships from Cave Canem, The Watering Hole, and the Lannan Foundation. Gabrielle Calvocoressi is the author of The Last Time I Saw Amelia Earhart, Apocalyptic Swing (a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize), and Rocket Fantastic, winner of the Audre Lorde Award for Lesbian Poetry. Calvocoressi is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships including a Stegner Fellowship and Jones Lectureship from Stanford University; a Rona Jaffe Woman Writer's Award; a Lannan Foundation residency in Marfa, TX; the Bernard F. Conners Prize from The Paris Review; and a residency from the Civitella di Ranieri Foundation, among others. Carey Salerno serves as the executive director & publisher of Alice James Books where she has been dedicated to broadening the spectrum of the American poetic voice since 2008. She is the author of The Hungriest Stars, Tributary, Shelter, and a co-editor of Lit From Inside: 40 Years of Poetry from Alice James Books. She is the recipient of a 2025 Pushcart Prize and a 2025 Individual Artist Fellowship from the New Jersey State Arts Council.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Apr 16
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 16, 2026, 04/16/2026, Pushcart Prize-Winning Poets Share Their New Work

Author Reading | 2 Authors Share Their New Books


Enjoy a reading and conversation with Richie Hofmann, author of the collection The Bronze Arms, and Benjamin A. Saltzman, author of Turning Away: The Poetics of an Ancient Gesture. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Apr 17
7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 17, 2026, 04/17/2026, 2 Authors Share Their New Books

Author Reading | Award-Winning Author Maya Kucherskaya Shares Her New Book, An Incident at the Masquerade (+ Q&A)


Russian writer, literary scholar, and educator Maya Kucherskaya presents her book, An Incident at the Masquerade, reads excerpts from her new, as-yet-unpublished prose and the essay “How Does a Writer Live in Russia Today?”, and answers audience questions. Kucherskaya is the author of numerous acclaimed books, including the bestselling short story collection A Modern Patericon: A Reader for the Despondent, the psychological novel Aunt Motya, and The Rain God. Her biographical study, Nikolai Leskov: The Neglected Genius, is a groundbreaking work. Her recent publications include the collection of Christmas stories, An Incident at the Masquerade. Kucherskaya is a laureate of multiple prestigious literary awards.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Apr 21
5:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 21, 2026, 04/21/2026, Award-Winning Author&nbsp;Maya Kucherskaya Shares Her New Book,&nbsp;An Incident at the Masquerade (+ Q&A)

Author Reading | Book Launch: Until We Meet Again by Lily Kim Qian 


Lily Kim Qian launches her debut graphic memoir, Until We Meet Again. This gorgeously painted YA graphic memoir by debut author Lily Kim Qian tells the story of a young woman's search for belonging as her immigrant family moves between Canada and China.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Apr 21
7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 21, 2026, 04/21/2026, Book Launch:&nbsp;Until We Meet Again by&nbsp;Lily Kim Qian&nbsp;

Author Reading | Cultural Critic Lynne Tillman Shares Her New Essay Collection, Paying Attention


Novelist, short story writer, and cultural critic Lynne Tillman shares her new essay collection, Paying Attention.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Apr 21
7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 21, 2026, 04/21/2026, Cultural Critic Lynne Tillman Shares Her New Essay Collection, Paying Attention

Author Reading | Bestselling German Author Shares the English Translation of His Book, Lázár (+ Signing)


Enjoy a reading by Nelio Biedermann from his book Lázár (translated from German by Jamie Bulloch), followed by a conversation between him and the acclaimed author Daniel Kehlmann. Lázár chronicles the rise and fall of an aristocratic Hungarian family across multiple generations and through historical upheavals. The conversation between Nelio Biedermann and Daniel Kehlmann will focus on the international success of this gothic intergenerational family saga, and examine how the author managed to encompass both a deep historical awareness and a palpable timely resonance. Organizers will sell copies of the book during and after the event, and there will be a book signing following the program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Apr 22
6:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 22, 2026, 04/22/2026, Bestselling German Author Shares the English Translation of His Book,&nbsp;L&aacute;z&aacute;r (+ Signing)

Poetry Reading | Poetry Salon with Ales Steger & Live Music


Attend a World Poetry Salon event as part of the 2026 World Literature and Arts Festival! Experience words and music from around the globe at the World Poetry Salon, featuring a reading by poet Ales Steger accompanied by musician Jure Tori. A printout will be available for attendees to follow along with Steger's poetry during the reading. Following the reading, Steger will be interviewed by event host Patricio Ferrari.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Apr 22
6:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 22, 2026, 04/22/2026, Poetry Salon with Ales Steger & Live Music

Reading | Literary Salon Featuring Catherine Lacey & Ben Lerner


A reading by Catherine Lacey and Ben Lerner followed by a conversation/Q&A with Darin Strauss. The event will conclude with a reception/signing with books for sale. Catherine Lacey's most recent work, The Mobius Book, is half pure fiction and half pure memory. She is also the author of four novels: Biography of X, Pew, The Answers, Nobody Is Ever Missing, and a short story collection, Certain American States. Ben Lerner is the author of four books of poetry (The Lichtenberg Figures, Angle of Yaw, Mean Free Path, and The Lights), four novels (Leaving the Atocha Station, 10:04, The Topeka School, and Transcription), and a work of criticism (The Hatred of Poetry). His newest novel, Transcription: A Novel, is forthcoming in April 2026.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Apr 23
7:00 pm
Free
Readings, April 23, 2026, 04/23/2026, Literary Salon Featuring Catherine Lacey & Ben Lerner

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, Apr 24
5:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 24, 2026, 04/24/2026, Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers
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