Every first Friday of the month at 7pm, catch Dead Pete’s Society, an open mic poetry night. This offbeat live music and watering hole hosts a variety of daily free events, from trivia nights to open mics. Best places in New York City (NYC) for live open mic poetry readings, spoken word performances, poetry slams, including Nuyorican Poets Café. And winners are able to perform in the second, which leads to semi-finals and a Grand Slam finale in April. Each week they host two slams: on Wednesday and Friday nights. It’s a continual stream of changing faces, ages and backgrounds that make up New York City on any given night. Winners of any Nuyorican Poetry Slam are chosen entirely by varied audience members. Their poetry slams are legendary: truly poetry of and by the people. The first twenty-five people to sign up in person can perform, each with a five-minute slot. Every Monday they have an open mic, available for rookies and seasoned performers alike, that begins at 9 pm.

If you have a free night in New York and are unsure of what to do with yourself, they are almost always worth checking out. But also prose, visual art, theater, hip-hop and more. It’s a classic East Village location beloved by New Yorkers and tourists alike. The historic Nuyorican first opened in 1973 as an informal living room salon.

If you’re looking to enjoy a night of live poetry (or to share a poem yourself) check out this list of the top 8 places in New York City where the poetic spirit will move you. 8 best spots in NYC for live open mic poetry readings, slams and spoken word In New York City, poetry is a communal event - something meant to be shared live with one another, to remind us of our common humanity. Whether you’re an avid poetry reader or just appreciate a random poem on the subway every now and then, it’s time to celebrate National Poetry Month. What are the best places for live poetry readings, slams and spoken word performances in NYC?

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