Events for May 5, 2023

A priest, a minister, and a Hasidic Jew walk into a poetry festival . . . and have a conversation about their favorite spiritually-engaged poems and poets, what “devotional poetry”...

Five poets whose collections have been published by the Washington, D.C.-based Word Works will read poems that explore the physical and metaphysical presence of birds. Their poems observe and describe...

How often do we write poems that engage the senses of taste and smell? Most likely not as often as we write poems that focus on what we see, hear,...

In today’s literary world, writers often reach a wider audience through readings and live performances than through publication. Yet most writers are not trained to read their work aloud. Even...

The “House of Hope” Poetry Quilt for Sekou Sundia and Lucille Clifton Mass Poetry is pleased to present “House of Hope,” a quilt made by multimedia visual artist, activist, and...

The Massachusetts Poetry Festival is a biennial celebration of contemporary poetry. This year the Festival will be back on the ground in Salem, MA, May 5-7. We will feature over 150 poets...

At this celebration, friends of Ray J. Whittier will share memories, poems, and reflection on the poet’s work and influence. Ray J Whittier is an active 90-year-old poet, past Poet...

Mid-life is the time, as Brene Brown says, “when the universe gently places her hands upon your shoulders, pulls you close, and whispers in your ear: I’m not screwing around....

Writers Carl Carlsen, Ginny Connors, and James Scrimgeour create poetry from historical sources. The rich history of Essex County MA, as well as its three largest cities (Lynn Salem, and...

Sometimes a poem calls for a different voice—one that’s not your own. Writing using a persona can free you to write about difficult subjects or experiences. It can help a...

The influence of John Keats on Emily Dickinson is well remarked on. One of the more interesting influences is through the concept of negative capability, which he identified as “…when...

Fly on over to The Good Witch of Salem shop to design your own necklace for the MOM in your life! 💕 This person can be anyone that you view...

A special themed open mic event featuring visiting animals from the Pets & People Foundation. Please bring your poems about animals to share. For the safety of the animals who...

A reading by four poets celebrating 25 years of distinguished publishing by Autumn House Press. All four poets have found innovative ways to craft poetry from pain: the poems in...

Lily Poetry Review Books is pleased to share a sampling of some of its 2023 poets reading from their new books. Featuring Kelly DuMar, Richard Hoffman, Deborah Leipziger, Josette Akresh-...

Hermit crabs are not suited to one shell for life. They constantly seek their optimal environment, one that allows them to grow as they need to. Such is the way...

Lisa Forte-Doyle has taught Creative Writing and advised a creative writing club for over 25 years. Several of Lisa’s students have become professional, published writers and/or teachers of English. This...

West Coast style Street Tacos & Southern favorites.

The New England Poetry Club was founded in 1915 by Robert Frost, Conrad Aiken, and Amy Lowell. Now in 2022, the club offer grants for diverse populations, contests, writing seminars...

Poet and Vocalist Charles Coe will offer a presentation combining music and spoken word. He will read samples of his poetry, including work from “Purgatory Road,” his fourth collection. He will also...

Poetry doesn’t always have to be broody and dark! We’ll read some poems by poets who are bringing the joy back to poetry, including: Ross Gay, Aimee Nezhukumathil, Sandra Beasley,...

Join poet Colleen Michaels for a game-themed workshop at Bit Bar in Salem!

Our photo streams show what we care about and hope to preserve, what moves and mystifies us, the people, places and experiences that bring meaning into our lives. Writing poetry...

On this expert-guided, interactive and deep-dive into the Witch Trials explore in rare detail how a house and neighborhood reveal stories of terror and survival as they witnessed one of...

On Friday, May 5, 6-8pm, Salem Arts Association is hosting a Cinco de Mayo-themed reception celebrating the Drawn Together exhibit.  Festivities will include the opportunity to draw a live model who will...

Support local artists at East Regiment Beer Company with their Friday Night Music series. Each week will highlight a new local artists that will take the stage to fill the...

Please join us for the opening headline event of the Festival! This reading will feature poets Andrea Cohen and January Gill O’Neil. The event will open with a special performance...

Fresh off a sold-out show, Hello Friends Productions brings the NEW Broadway Review, “Once Upon A Time” to the Hammond Castle Museum! Act I combines songs from Broadway greats such...

Stop by Bit Bar every Friday night for a live viewing of Ru Paul’s Drag Race with local Drag Queen Miz Diamond.

A poetry slam open to any team.

Enjoy a live DJ set every Friday night at the Village Tavern Salem with great food and drinks. Enjoy a night out on the town with the Salem community.