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Best Poetry Events In South Florida

As National Poetry Month begins, poets and poetry aficionados take part in readings, performances and other special events to collectively celebrate the unique art form that is poetry. In South Florida, there is a strong poetry movement in force and it continues to grow. You can find various forms of it and plenty of opportunities to experience it throughout the area. Whether it's a quiet setting where you can read the classics or an awe-inspiring live performance where you can immerse in the new and popular, this list presents you with the opportunity to fully experience National Poetry Month.

Tigertail, A South Florida Annual: Sunstruck Matches

Book Launch and Reading
Book & Books Coral Gables
265 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 324-4337
www.tigertail.org

Date: April 3

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of this prized poetry collection, more than 30 local or locally affiliated poets contribute works that explores this year's theme of pairings. Author and poet Jen Karetnick, who writes for local publications like MIAMI Magazine and the Biscayne Times, is this year's featured editor. The works found in this anthology consist of poetry, flash creative non-fiction and flash fiction. Some pieces are stand-alone efforts, while others are collaborations or creative responses to other pieces in the collection.

O, Miami (Produced By The University Of Wynwood)

800 N.W. 7th Ave.
Miami, FL 33136
(305) 305-0305
www.omiami.org

Dates: April 1-30

Started in 2011, this biennial event expertly mixes tradition with innovation in this month-long event. Wynwood continues to emerge as Miami's go-to arts scene, which makes the area a fitting location for both the poetry festival and the University of Wynwood, the producer of O, Miami. With large support from Miami-Dade County, as well as the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, poets and patrons gather and mingle during readings, live performances and poetry projects. Among the impressive list of past performers are James Franco, Agustina Woodgate, Kool Moe Dee and Rashaun Mitchell.

National Poetry Month Display at Broward County Library

Stirling Road Branch
3151 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33312
(954) 357-7533
www.ems.browardlibrary.org

Dates: April 1-30

This month-long display features some of the best poetry around, including those from local poets and writers. Award-winning poet Anastasia Clark, Broward County's Poet-In-Residence, once again partners with the Broward County Public Library to deliver a stellar display of poetic works. Clark's previous work with the library system includes last year's All About Broward! Poetry Project. Times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or noon to 8 p.m.

Related: Best Spoken Word And Poetry Events In Miami

Distinguished Author Series - National Poetry Month

Stonewall National Museum And Archives
1300 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 763-8565
www.stonewallnationalmuseum.org

Date: April 2

Poets Gregg Shapiro and Neil del la Flor are the featured poets for this series. Shapiro is a published poet and entertainment journalist. His publishing credits include a full-length poetry collection and chapbook. Del la Flor is a writer, teacher and photographer. Together they promise to deliver an experience that is moving, yet lighthearted and fun. Their contributions to this event will highlight and honor the great contributions of the LGBT community to the literary arts. Stonewall National Museum champions this kind of effort, and serves as host of this event. The works featured in this series will join a remarkable collection of historical artifacts and books that the Museum has painstakingly built since it opened in 1973.

Related: Best Local Poets In Miami

For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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