Meet Our Poetry Community
In an effort to help you keep tabs on all that's happening in the Des Moines and Iowa poetry communities, below is a list of regular events and organizations to check out!
Poetry Around Des Moines
Des Moines Poetry Workshop
That's us! If you're looking for a space to create and critique as a community, you've found us. Click around here to learn more and follow us on FB and IG!
Poetry&
On the hunt for local pop-up poetry events and festivals? Poetry& is a group of local poetry lovers who host several events all year long, including the annual Poetry Palooza in April.
SAY Poetry DSM
Needing a space for youth poetry? Connect with SAY Poetry DSM to bring their programming into your school! SAY works with students of all ages (elementary, middle, and high school)!
Des Moines Poetry Slam
Want to compete or be around the slam energy? Check out the Des Moines Poetry Slam that's been running the scene every third Tuesday since 2000! Follow them on Facebook for all updates.
Poetry Unplugged
Looking for an open mic and a welcoming, unfiltered community? Poetry Unplugged is our long-running monthly open mic. Keep track of when their events are on Facebook!
Say What! Poetry
In search of a chill vibe to perform new poetry, raps, and music? Say What! Poetry is the space to be! Keep an eye out on Facebook for upcoming -- Lenny & Daaron have you covered.
Stars at Mars
Looking for another open mic that showcases the "stars" in Des Moines and builds even more community? Stars at Mars Open Mic has you covered!
Poetry Around Iowa
Iowa Poetry Association
Want to connect with poets across the state? Join the Iowa Poetry Association for in-person and online workshops, panels, contests, a poetry slam, newsletters, a growing community, and more.
Iowa City Poetry
In the CRANDIC area and wanting workshops, readings, festivals, and more? Iowa City Poetry has you covered! Check out their offerings on their website and follow them on social media to keep up to date.
IC Speaks
Needing a space for youth poetry in the CRANDIC area? IC Speaks is the spot for you! As a program of Iowa City Poetry, IC Speaks works with local youth to foster an inclusive spoken word space.
Iowa City Poetry Slam
In the CRANDIC area and want to compete or be around the slam energy? Check out the Iowa City Poetry Slam, a poetry slam in Iowa City, at Coffee Emporium every last Monday of the month.
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
Searching for more festivals, groups, news, and more? Iowa City is one of over 50 cities of literature across the globe, and UNESCO is the place to find it all.
Ames Poetry Revival
In the Ames area and want to compete or be around the slam energy? Check out the Ames Poetry Revival, a poetry slam in Ames, Iowa, at Lockwood Cafe every first Tuesday of the month.
Interested in submitting to an Iowa-based or Iowa-affiliated publication? Iowa City Poetry has a great list of resources for you!