Celebrate National Poetry Month in Montpelier this April
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This April, Vermont’s capital transforms into a city of verse as PoemCity 2025 returns to downtown Montpelier for its annual celebration of National Poetry Month.
Presented by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library with generous support from Vermont Humanities, PoemCity invites locals and visitors alike to experience the magic of poetry woven throughout the community.
Now in its 15th year, PoemCity is more than a festival—it’s a movement.
Over 300 original poems written by Vermonters will adorn shop windows, cafés, and storefronts across downtown, turning everyday walks into lyrical adventures.
But that’s just the beginning.
PoemCity is a Month-Long Celebration of Language, Art, and Community
Throughout April, PoemCity offers a packed calendar of readings, performances, workshops, and family-friendly events.
Whether you’re a lifelong poetry lover or just curious, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Here are a few highlights from this year’s incredible lineup:
- Vision & Voice Exhibit: A stunning collaboration between Vermont poets and visual artists, on view at the Center for Arts and Learning throughout April.
- Farmers Night: The Laureates Three on April 2: A powerhouse kickoff event featuring Poets Laureate from Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine: Bianca Stone, Jennifer Militello, and Julia Bouwsma.
- I Am Poetry Workshop on April 4: An intergenerational, interactive experience celebrating self-expression and collective creativity through poetry.
- PoemCity Anthology Book Launch & Open Mic on April 6: Featuring readings by Bianca Stone, Chard deNiord, and Toussaint St. Negritude, with an open mic for poets featured in the 2025 anthology.
- Mi’kmaq Creation Stories with Poetry and Song on April 9: A hybrid event with Julie Pellissier-Lush, Indigenous Poet Laureate of Prince Edward Island, blending stories, song, and poetry.
- Kids Open Mic Poetry Night on April 14: A heartwarming evening where young poets take the stage and share their voices.
- Rootstock Poets Reading on April 19:Featuring local literary talents published by Rootstock Publishing, including Scudder Parker, Eva Zimet, Kim Ward, and more.
- Astrobridge Artistry Book Launch on April 27: Ashley Anne Strobridge presents a nature-themed poetry reading, art exhibit, and book signing to celebrate Earth Week.
A Community That Speaks in Poetry
PoemCity is an open invitation to slow down and see the world differently.
Whether you stumble across a verse in a shop window, attend a reading, or create your own poem at home, you’ll be part of a shared celebration of words, art, and community.
“PoemCity is an expression of who we are,” says a spokesperson from the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. “It invites everyone to participate—whether as a writer, a listener, or simply someone walking through town with fresh eyes.”
Don’t miss your chance to experience Montpelier like never before. Celebrate National Poetry Month in Montpelier this April and become part of PoemCity 2025.
See the full calendar of events at Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier.
Check out More Incredible Vermont Events in April and May.
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