Poetry in London
55 upcoming events
Poetry in London doesn't just live between the covers of a book. It's read aloud in cafés, spat out on slam stages, murmured at an intimate reading or shouted at an open mic. We've gathered everything that keeps the poetry scene beating: readings, recitals, open mics and meet-the-author sessions.
Whether you're more free-verse-in-a-Belleville-cellar or grand-recital-in-a-library, you'll find the next date right below this intro. The list updates itself, every day.
Also worth a look
Events — poetry in London
Tomorrow
2 events
Wednesday 24 June
3 events
Thursday 25 June
3 events
Writing with Joy : at The Poetry Pharmacy
Poets in Putney - Poetry Open Mic Night - 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY + AFTERPARTY!
Up Next Poetry Cohort #4 HEADLINE SHOW
Friday 26 June
6 events
Black Art and Poetry Group
The Gargle - LIVE!
Research is Poetry
Poetry reading: Ellen Renton launches ‘You and Yours’
Poetry reading: Ellen Renton launches ‘You and Yours’
It Sounds Like Courage
Saturday 27 June
1 event
Sunday 28 June
1 event
Monday 29 June
3 events
Tuesday 30 June
1 event
Wednesday 1 July
2 events
Thursday 2 July
1 event
Sunday 5 July
1 event
Monday 6 July
1 event
Tuesday 7 July
1 event
Thursday 9 July
2 events
Friday 10 July
2 events
Saturday 11 July
1 event
Tuesday 14 July
1 event
Thursday 16 July
1 event
Friday 17 July
1 event
Saturday 18 July
1 event
Sunday 19 July
1 event
Tuesday 21 July
2 events
Saturday 25 July
2 events
Wednesday 29 July
1 event
Friday 7 August
1 event
Tuesday 11 August
1 event
Saturday 29 August
1 event
Friday 4 September
1 event
Friday 11 September
1 event
Sunday 27 September
1 event
Saturday 24 October
1 event
Venues — poetry in London
7 coming upDIY anarchist events hub — London
6 coming upSmall, lively venue in Hackney with everything from folk nights to drag shows. Regular life drawing sessions, markets and club nights keep the calendar full. You can catch intimate gigs, cabaret roulette and community events like Pride fayres. Vibe is friendly and unpretentious, often DIY and queer-forward. Easy to drop into for a spontaneous evening out.
5 coming up
4 coming upRadical & peace bookshop near King's Cross since 1945
3 coming upWandsworth · ambiance Marrakech
3 coming upCommunity arts centre — London
2 coming up
2 coming upLe pub-salle de rock indie et punk de New Cross — simple, bruyant, authentique
2 coming up
1 coming up
1 coming up
1 coming upFrequently asked questions
Where can I hear poetry in London?
Open mics and readings mostly happen in cultural cafés, bookshops, libraries and a few theatres. The most active spots show up in the venue list above.
Are there free poetry events in London?
Yes, a good share of open mics and readings are free or pay-what-you-can. The price is shown on every event.