Celebrations of Place

In Summer and Fall 2024, Poetry in Public will be showcasing poetry at events around King County. We invite you to connect with poets, find inspiration, and celebrate the written word. Events are free and open to all and will include an open mic!

Readings will celebrate poetry selected for placement on transit through an open call in Fall 2023. You may have seen these poems on your daily commutes, visits, or other trips around the county since they were installed on many King County Metro buses and Sound Transit light rail. The poetry showcases will be rooted in community, showcasing selected poets alongside professional writers.

Last summer, you may have attended one of our workshops or found inspiration on the 4Culture website, and we have new resources to guide your poetry writing journey on the theme “Places of Landing” inspired by those poems and your daily experience of place.

We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

Open Mic: Poetry in Public

Tuesday, June 11
Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Works in Progress is Hugo House's open mic series, celebrating diverse storytelling formats and crafts.

Pista sa Nayon

Sunday, July 28
Seward Park Amphitheater, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118

Pista sa Nayon is a beautiful expression of cultural pride and traditions among local Filipinos.

Youth Poetry Reading

Thursday, August 15
Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th Street, Redmond, WA 98052

The Old Firehouse Teen Center empowers teens through art and service leadership opportunities.

Festival Sundiata

Saturday, August 24
Seattle Center, 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109

Festival Sundiata is a wonderful family event at Seattle Center that celebrates the arts and educates the community about people of African descent who form a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities.

Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias

Check back soon for date and time!
Seattle Center, 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109

Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate their national independence day in the month of September.

Salmon Homecoming

Saturday, September 21
Pier 62, 1951 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101

The annual Salmon Homecoming celebrations include cultural presentations, such as Northwest traditional gatherings, Pow Wows, and Cedar Canoe events.

Places of Landing Self-Guided Poetry Hike

Sunday, September 29
Mt. Si Trailhead

Join Poet Planner Laura Da’ at the Mount Si Trailhead and pick up the Path Becomes Poem booklet of poetry prompts to guide your hike up Mount Si or walk along the short ADA-accessible trail at the trailhead.