WELCOME TO POETRY215.COM! THIS SITE IS MAINTAINED BY PHILLY BASED POET CHRISTOPHER K.P. BROWN AKA KP ULTRA ALONG WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PHILADELPHIA SPOKEN WORD POETRY COMMUNITY. OUR GOAL IS TO INCLUDE ALL UPCOMING POETRY EVENTS OCCURRING IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA. BELOW YOU WILL FIND OUR CALENDARS WHICH INCLUDE THE EVENT DATE, THE EVENT NAME, THE EVENT VENUE, THE EVENT ADMISSION FEE, AND A LINK TO MORE INFO FOR EACH EVENT. Any flyers on our site are clickable so that you can simply click the flyer and find tickets & more info for the event. IF YOU’D LIKE FOR US TO ADD YOUR EVENT TO OUR CALENDAR OR IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO ANSWER, PLEASE CLICK ON THE GENERAL INQUIRIES OR SUBMIT EVENT TAB ABOVE IN OUR MENU BAR. THERE IS NO FEE TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR SITE. HOWEVER, IF YOU’D LIKE FOR US TO PROMOTE YOUR EVENT (POST FLYER ON OUR SITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS) WE CHARGE $30 TO DO SO. WE WANT TO HELP GET PEOPLE OUT TO MORE POETRY EVENTS! THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR SITE AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT A POETRY EVENT SOON!
PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY
Established in October of 2014, Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party is a popular, West Philadelphia-based open-mic poetry event and creative community platform. It was founded by the poet and organizer Christopher “KP” Brown (also known as KP ULTRA).
Known affectionately as Breedlove, it operates as a welcoming, church-like, and supportive space designed for poets, musicians, and artists.
The event encourages creatives to explore different types of freedom—spiritual, political, and creative. It operates on an empowering culture where the poem always belongs to the poet, encouraging writers to freely test out and workshop pieces.
It regularly features live performances from both local and national poets, and provides a space for community healing and expression.
The name is a direct homage to the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, in Toni Morrison’s seminal 1970 novel, The Bluest Eye. In the novel, Pecola is an eleven-year-old Black girl in a society that devastates those who don’t fit the “blonde, blue-eyed” standard of beauty. The open mic’s name reclaims her narrative, turning her story into a space centered on Black creative liberation and artistic self-love.
BLUE STOOP’S VIRTUAL SUMMER MASTERCLASSES
JULY – AUGUST 2026
Blue Stoop is thrilled to announce a new lineup of low-cost creative writing masterclasses for adults of all experience levels. This summer’s slate features five celebrated poets and novelists: Danez Smith (Homie, Black Movie, Don’t Call Us Dead, Bluff), N. K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy, The Great Cities Duology, The Inheritance Trilogy), Chen Chen (Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency, Love That For Us, When I Grow Up I Want to be a List of Further Possibilities), Mecca Jamilah Sullivan (Big Girl, Blue Talk & Love, The Poetics of Difference), and Philly’s own Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz, Cry Perfume, Mouthguard).
Enrollment is now open at www.bluestoop.org.
ZOOM CLASS (VIRTUAL)
Sarah Rizzuto’s class Beyond Inspiration to Badass: Where Disability, Activism, and Poetry Meet is being offered on 4 Saturday afternoons from 2-4 EST (July 11. 18, 25 and August 1st) over Zoom for $100. In this generative workshop, we’ll read poems by disabled poets and discuss the intersection of disability and activism.
July is Disability Pride month. You don’t need to identify as disabled to attend. Join me in solidarity and celebration!
Payment options: Cashapp, Zelle, PayPal.
Please email: sbrizzuto@gmail.com with interest.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CHECK-IN
Prioritize your peace and join the community for the Mental Health Awareness Check-In, a dedicated space to pause, connect, and support one another. Because your mind truly matters, this gathering is designed to bring people together to prioritize collective and individual mental well-being. It’s a welcoming environment to check in, share space, and remind ourselves that no one has to navigate life’s challenges alone.
It is more than just a check-in—it is an evening curated to lift your spirits and feed your soul. Attendees can look forward to an amazing lineup of games, live poetry, delicious food, and overall great vibes. Whether you are looking to unwind with some casual gaming, get inspired by powerful spoken word, or simply enjoy good food in a supportive atmosphere, this event offers the perfect blend of connection and relaxation.
The event takes place on August 22ND, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 2832 Girard Ave in Philly. Admission is $10, and you can conveniently pay in person or via CashApp at $BABILUV85. Pull up, take care of yourself, and enjoy a night dedicated to the reminder that you matter.
Food by Queen Ivie
WRITING BODY AND DESIRE: A MASTERCLASS WITH DR. MECCA JAMILAH SULLIVAN (VIRTUAL)
JULY – AUGUST 2026
Blue Stoop is thrilled to announce a new lineup of low-cost creative writing masterclasses for adults of all experience levels. This summer’s slate features five celebrated poets and novelists: Danez Smith (Homie, Black Movie, Don’t Call Us Dead, Bluff), N. K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy, The Great Cities Duology, The Inheritance Trilogy), Chen Chen (Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency, Love That For Us, When I Grow Up I Want to be a List of Further Possibilities), Mecca Jamilah Sullivan (Big Girl, Blue Talk & Love, The Poetics of Difference), and Philly’s own Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz, Cry Perfume, Mouthguard).
Enrollment is now open at www.bluestoop.org.
VERSE CHORUS VOICE: A MASTERCLASS WITH SADIE DUPUIS (VIRTUAL)
THURSDAY, JULY 16
Blue Stoop is thrilled to announce a new lineup of low-cost creative writing masterclasses for adults of all experience levels. This summer’s slate features five celebrated poets and novelists: Danez Smith (Homie, Black Movie, Don’t Call Us Dead, Bluff), N. K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy, The Great Cities Duology, The Inheritance Trilogy), Chen Chen (Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency, Love That For Us, When I Grow Up I Want to be a List of Further Possibilities), Mecca Jamilah Sullivan (Big Girl, Blue Talk & Love, The Poetics of Difference), and Philly’s own Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz, Cry Perfume, Mouthguard).
Enrollment is now open at www.bluestoop.org.
THE IMAGE THAT HAUNTS: A MASTERCLASS WITH CHEN CHEN
JULY – AUGUST 2026
Blue Stoop is thrilled to announce a new lineup of low-cost creative writing masterclasses for adults of all experience levels. This summer’s slate features five celebrated poets and novelists: Danez Smith (Homie, Black Movie, Don’t Call Us Dead, Bluff), N. K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy, The Great Cities Duology, The Inheritance Trilogy), Chen Chen (Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency, Love That For Us, When I Grow Up I Want to be a List of Further Possibilities), Mecca Jamilah Sullivan (Big Girl, Blue Talk & Love, The Poetics of Difference), and Philly’s own Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz, Cry Perfume, Mouthguard).
Enrollment is now open at www.bluestoop.org.
PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY
Established in October of 2014, Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party is a popular, West Philadelphia-based open-mic poetry event and creative community platform. It was founded by the poet and organizer Christopher “KP” Brown (also known as KP ULTRA).
Known affectionately as Breedlove, it operates as a welcoming, church-like, and supportive space designed for poets, musicians, and artists.
The event encourages creatives to explore different types of freedom—spiritual, political, and creative. It operates on an empowering culture where the poem always belongs to the poet, encouraging writers to freely test out and workshop pieces.
It regularly features live performances from both local and national poets, and provides a space for community healing and expression.
The name is a direct homage to the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, in Toni Morrison’s seminal 1970 novel, The Bluest Eye. In the novel, Pecola is an eleven-year-old Black girl in a society that devastates those who don’t fit the “blonde, blue-eyed” standard of beauty. The open mic’s name reclaims her narrative, turning her story into a space centered on Black creative liberation and artistic self-love.
SPOKEN WORD COMIC CON (ALL DAY EVENT)
PB&J is a Comic Con that celebrates Black existence across sci‑fi, fantasy, comics, and spoken word poetry. It’s a space where spoken word poets, comic creators, cosplayers, gamers, readers, and dreamers come together to build worlds, share stories, and honor the power of Black imagination in every form.
Held inside Germantown’s historic Braid Mills, PB&J is Philly‑coded from the ground up. From the flyers to the panels, from the food to the fashion, this con speaks in Philly slang, walks with Germantown rhythm, and uplifts the voices mainstream cons overlook. It’s a home for Blerds, storytellers, and anyone who knows that Black creativity has always been cosmic.
POETRY215 HAS ALWAYS BEEN A FREE RESOURCE FOR THE PHILADELPHIA POETRY COMMUNITY, BUT WE DO WANT TO PROPERLY COMPENSATE OUR TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS BECAUSE A LOT OF WORK GOES INTO MAINTAINING THE WEBSITE AND OUR SOCIAL MEDIAS. WE ALSO WANT TO EXPAND AND ENHANCE OUR TEAM SO THAT WE CAN BETTER SERVE YOU ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. IF YOU FIND OUR SERVICE TO BE VALUABLE PLEASE DONATE AND SHARE.
*PLEASE TURN YOUR MOBILE PHONE HORIZONTALLY FOR BEST VIEW OF CALENDARS.
| DATE | EVENT | VENUE | PRICE/OTHER INFO | EVENT OR HOST LINK FOR MORE INFO |
| WED JULY 15 6:30-8:30 PM (VIRTUAL) | WRITING BODY AND DESIRE: A MASTERLCASS WITH DR. MECCA JAMILAH SULLIVAN | VIRTUAL | $50 ($30 W/FINANCIAL AID) | FOR REGISTRATION & INFO |
| THURS JULY 16 6:30-8:30 PM (VIRTUAL) | VERSE CHORUS VOICE: A MASTERCLASS WITH SADIE DUPUIS | VIRTUAL | $50 ($30 W/FINANCIAL AID) | FOR REGISTRATION & INFO |
| THURS JULY 16 7:00 PM | STORY & VERSE: A STORYTELLING, POETIC, AND SPOKEN WORD OPEN MIC | SOLLEY THEATER ART COUNCIL OF PRINCETON 102 WITHERSPOON STREET PRINCETON, NJ 08542 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI JULY 17 7-10 PM | LADY SARKAZYM PRESENTS LET’S BUILD FEATURING DATRUTH DAPOET | CODE EVENTS 5519 WOODLAND AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19143 | $20 ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI JULY 17 7:00 PM | POET’S AT MOLLY’S W/ALEX DIFRANCESCO AND JONG YUN WON | MOLLY’S BOOKS & RECORDS 1010 S 9TH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 18147 | PAY WHAT YOU WISH | FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| FRI JULY 17 7:00 – 8:30 PM | NOBLE QUILLS SHOWCASE & OPEN MIC | 161 NORTHAMPTON STREET EASTON, PA 18042 | SUGGESTED DONATION OF AT LEAST $5 | FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| SAT JULY 18 12:30 – 3:30 PM | QUEEN T PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS AN AFTERNOON OF POETRY | HOLMESBURG LIBRARY 7810 FRANKFORD AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19136 | DONATIONS ACCEPTED | FOR DONATIONS & INFO |
| SAT JULY 18 6:00 PM | ARTLOVE OPEN EXPRESSION: SUMMER SHOW | TWO LOCALS BREWING 3675 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | $10-15 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN JULY 19 3:00 PM | CJ SPEAKS PRESENTS: SPOKEN WORD OF PHILLY | THE MOVEMENT 7133 GERMANTOWN AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19119 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR REGISTRATION & INFO |
| SUN JULY 19 3-7 PM | WOMEN, WINE & WORDS HOSTED BY JAY SMOOV | HEROS MARK 5091 UMBRIA STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | $15-25 | FOR MORE INFO OR FOLLOW @WOMENWINEWORDS__ |
| SUN JULY 19 6PM DOORS 7PM EVENT | HOT SPIT SHOW ANNIVERSARY OPEN MIC + FEATURE | 624 S. 24TH STREET (UPSTAIRS ON 6TH ST) | $20-25 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN JULY 19 7:00 PM | THE PHOENIX RISING BOOK LAUNCH PARTY HOSTED BY TATTOOS PUBLISHING | 203 N MARKET STREET WILMINGTON, DE 19801 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN JULY 19 8:00 PM | RUDY FRANCISCO LIVE IN PHILADELPHIA | CSZ PHILADELPHIA HOME OF COMEDYSPORTZ 2030 SANSOM STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 | $35.00 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| MON JULY 20 7:00 – 9:00 PM | PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY FEATURES + OPEN MIC | THE DISCOVERY CENTER 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 | $10 IN ADVANCE $15 AT DOOR | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| THURS JULY 23 1:00 PM | RHYMES AND GOOD TIMES COMMUNITY KICKBACK SERIES | 2201 MARGARET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19137 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR REGISTRATION & INFO |
| THURS JULY 23 7:00 PM | PANEL DISCUSSION: PITCHING AND SELLING POETRY TO TRADITIONAL PUBLISHERS | THE HEAD & THE HAND 2230 FRANKFORD AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19125 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI JULY 24 6-8 PM | ALLEY OPEN MIC PRESENTED BY GOGGLEWORKS AND THE SMILEY HOUSE PROJECT | THORN ALLEY STAGE GOGGLEWORKS 201 WASHINGTON ST. READING, PA 19601 | $5 SUGGESTED DONATION | FOR MORE INFO |
| FRI JULY 24 7:00 PM | SAY IT WIT YA CHEST “LOW RESIDENCY” POETRY SERIES | MALELANI CAFE 6734 GERMANTOWN AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19119 | $10.00 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI JULY 24 7:00 PM | A POETS LOUNGE YUP & COLLECTIVE CLIMB COLLABORATION | 350 S 15TH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI JULY 24 7:30 PM | THE RELEASE OPEN MIC HOSTED BY GODSENT & LADY SYREN | CRYOUT CAVE 601 MLK JR BLVD NEWARK, NJ 07102 | $20-25 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SAT JULY 25 6:00 PM | SPOKEN WORD & POETRY NIGHT WITH PHOENIX RHYMES PRESENTED BY THE MONARCH MOVEMENT | ROYALTY XPERIENCE 2018 DUNCAN ROAD WILMINGTON, DE 19808 | $20 ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SAT JULY 25 7:00 PM | HOUSE OF POETS FEATURING BRANDON LEAKE | INDY HALL CLUBHOUSE 709 N 2ND STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | $10 – 55 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SAT JULY 25 8:00 PM | HERBS & WORDS OPEN MIC SHOW | 3244 N FRONT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19140 | $15-25 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN JULY 26 1:00-3:00 PM (VIRTUAL) | THE IMAGE THAT HAUNTS: A MASTERCLASS WITH CHEN CHEN | VIRTUAL | $50 ($30 W/FINANCIAL AID) | FOR REGISTRATION & INFO |
| SUN JULY 26 4:00-6:00 PM | POETS’ PARTY AT THE LOUNGE | HEMPFIELD APOTHETIQUE 100 WEST WALNUT STREET LANCASTER, PA | FOR MORE INFO | |
| SUN JULY 26 5:00 PM | WHINE & WHISPERS POETRY OPEN MIC | ESSIE’S RESTURANT & LOUNGE 1 GARFIELD AVENUE CLEMENTON, NJ 08021 | $10 – 15 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN JULY 26 5:00 PM | LAST SUNDAY OPEN MIC & KARAOKE | 117 RESTAURANT 117 CHESTNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | $5-15 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN JULY 26 2:00 – 5:00 PM | SOULETRI SUNDAYS OPEN MIC EXPERIENCE | TWO LOCALS BREWING 3675 MARKET STREET SUITE #100 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19133 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| TUES JULY 28 7:00 – 9:00 PM | COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS AN OPEN MIC SPOKEN WORD NIGHT | WALNUT STREET WEST LIBRARY 201 SOUTH 40TH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104 | FREE ADMISSION FREE COFFEE & REFRESHMENTS | FOR MORE INFO |
| TUES JULY 28 7:00 – 9:00 PM | PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY FEATURES + OPEN MIC | THE DISCOVERY CENTER 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 | $10 IN ADVANCE $15 AT DOOR | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| TUES JULY 28 7:30 PM | TRACK CHANGES: ZACK BLACKWOOD & GION DAVIS | SOLAR MYTH 1131 SOUTH BROAD STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147 | DONATIONS ACCEPTED | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| WED JULY 29 7:00 PM | HOUSE POET 31: ROCKET’S RED GLARE | FERGIE’S PUB 1214 SANSOM STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107 | $5-15 SUGGESTED DONATION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| WED JULY 29 7:00 PM | SPILLED INK OPEN MIC POETRY READING | INKWELL 1125 HAMILTON STREET ALLENTOWN, PA | $10.00 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| THURS JULY 30 6:00 PM | POET’S PRESS WRITING WORKSHOP WITH URSULA RUCKER & YOLANDA WISHER | LOVE NOW MEDIA 932 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107 | FREE | FOR REGISTRATION & INFO |
| FRI JULY 31 6:00 PM | OPEN HEART POETRY: SUMMER SESSIONS | THE PERFECTING CHURCH 274 DELSEA DRIVE WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ | FREE – $40 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI JULY 31 6:00 PM | VOICES OF WILMINGTON: A COMMUNITY READING SERIES JULY READING | NORTH WILMINGTON LIBRARY 3400 NORTH MARKET STREET WILMINGTON, DE 19802 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
MO’ BETTA LOVE POEMS: A MASTERCLASS WITH DANEZ SMITH
JULY – AUGUST 2026
Blue Stoop is thrilled to announce a new lineup of low-cost creative writing masterclasses for adults of all experience levels. This summer’s slate features five celebrated poets and novelists: Danez Smith (Homie, Black Movie, Don’t Call Us Dead, Bluff), N. K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy, The Great Cities Duology, The Inheritance Trilogy), Chen Chen (Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency, Love That For Us, When I Grow Up I Want to be a List of Further Possibilities), Mecca Jamilah Sullivan (Big Girl, Blue Talk & Love, The Poetics of Difference), and Philly’s own Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz, Cry Perfume, Mouthguard).
Enrollment is now open at www.bluestoop.org.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 (ALL DAY EVENT)
PB&J is a Comic Con that celebrates Black existence across sci‑fi, fantasy, comics, and spoken word poetry. It’s a space where spoken word poets, comic creators, cosplayers, gamers, readers, and dreamers come together to build worlds, share stories, and honor the power of Black imagination in every form.
Held inside Germantown’s historic Braid Mills, PB&J is Philly‑coded from the ground up. From the flyers to the panels, from the food to the fashion, this con speaks in Philly slang, walks with Germantown rhythm, and uplifts the voices mainstream cons overlook. It’s a home for Blerds, storytellers, and anyone who knows that Black creativity has always been cosmic.
CHISEL IN HAND: REVISION STRATEGIES FOR FICTION, A MASTERCLASS WITH N. K. JEMISIN
JULY – AUGUST 2026
Blue Stoop is thrilled to announce a new lineup of low-cost creative writing masterclasses for adults of all experience levels. This summer’s slate features five celebrated poets and novelists: Danez Smith (Homie, Black Movie, Don’t Call Us Dead, Bluff), N. K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy, The Great Cities Duology, The Inheritance Trilogy), Chen Chen (Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency, Love That For Us, When I Grow Up I Want to be a List of Further Possibilities), Mecca Jamilah Sullivan (Big Girl, Blue Talk & Love, The Poetics of Difference), and Philly’s own Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz, Cry Perfume, Mouthguard).
Enrollment is now open at www.bluestoop.org.
PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY
Established in October of 2014, Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party is a popular, West Philadelphia-based open-mic poetry event and creative community platform. It was founded by the poet and organizer Christopher “KP” Brown (also known as KP ULTRA).
Known affectionately as Breedlove, it operates as a welcoming, church-like, and supportive space designed for poets, musicians, and artists.
The event encourages creatives to explore different types of freedom—spiritual, political, and creative. It operates on an empowering culture where the poem always belongs to the poet, encouraging writers to freely test out and workshop pieces.
It regularly features live performances from both local and national poets, and provides a space for community healing and expression.
The name is a direct homage to the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, in Toni Morrison’s seminal 1970 novel, The Bluest Eye. In the novel, Pecola is an eleven-year-old Black girl in a society that devastates those who don’t fit the “blonde, blue-eyed” standard of beauty. The open mic’s name reclaims her narrative, turning her story into a space centered on Black creative liberation and artistic self-love.
PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY
Established in October of 2014, Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party is a popular, West Philadelphia-based open-mic poetry event and creative community platform. It was founded by the poet and organizer Christopher “KP” Brown (also known as KP ULTRA).
Known affectionately as Breedlove, it operates as a welcoming, church-like, and supportive space designed for poets, musicians, and artists.
The event encourages creatives to explore different types of freedom—spiritual, political, and creative. It operates on an empowering culture where the poem always belongs to the poet, encouraging writers to freely test out and workshop pieces.
It regularly features live performances from both local and national poets, and provides a space for community healing and expression.
The name is a direct homage to the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, in Toni Morrison’s seminal 1970 novel, The Bluest Eye. In the novel, Pecola is an eleven-year-old Black girl in a society that devastates those who don’t fit the “blonde, blue-eyed” standard of beauty. The open mic’s name reclaims her narrative, turning her story into a space centered on Black creative liberation and artistic self-love.
PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY
Established in October of 2014, Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party is a popular, West Philadelphia-based open-mic poetry event and creative community platform. It was founded by the poet and organizer Christopher “KP” Brown (also known as KP ULTRA).
Known affectionately as Breedlove, it operates as a welcoming, church-like, and supportive space designed for poets, musicians, and artists.
The event encourages creatives to explore different types of freedom—spiritual, political, and creative. It operates on an empowering culture where the poem always belongs to the poet, encouraging writers to freely test out and workshop pieces.
It regularly features live performances from both local and national poets, and provides a space for community healing and expression.
The name is a direct homage to the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, in Toni Morrison’s seminal 1970 novel, The Bluest Eye. In the novel, Pecola is an eleven-year-old Black girl in a society that devastates those who don’t fit the “blonde, blue-eyed” standard of beauty. The open mic’s name reclaims her narrative, turning her story into a space centered on Black creative liberation and artistic self-love.
*PLEASE TURN YOUR MOBILE PHONE HORIZONTALLY FOR BEST VIEW OF CALENDARS.
| DATE | EVENT | VENUE | PRICE/OTHER INFO | EVENT OR HOST LINK FOR MORE INFO |
| SUN AUG 2 4:30 – 8 PM $5 ADMISSION $20 TABLES FOR TICKETS & INFO | SE PA POETS & PAGES SHOWCASE HOSTED BY MANNY CARTAGENA | ANTIETAM VALLEY RECREATION & COMMUNITY CENTER 905 BYRAM STREET READING, PA 19606 | $5 ADMISSION $15 FOR BOOK TABLE | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| MON AUG 3 6:30-8:30 PM (VIRTUAL) | MO’ BETTA LOVE POEMS: A MASTERLASS WITH DANEZ SMITH | VIRTUAL | $50 ($30 W/FINANCIAL AID) | FOR REGISTRATION & INFO |
| THURS AUG 6 6:30-8:30PM (VIRTUAL) | CHISEL IN HAND: REVISION STRATEGIES FOR FICTION, A MASTERCLASS WITH N.K. JEMISIN | VIRTUAL | $50 ($30 W/FINANCIAL AID) | FOR REGISTRATION & INFO |
| THURS AUG 6 6:30 PM | VOICES UNHEARD POETRY & OPEN MIC NIGHT | 319 N 11TH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SAT AUG 8 1:00 PM | GRILLS & GRIOTS ANNUAL POETRY SERIES | WILLINGBORO LAKES COUNTY PARK 60 BEVERLY-RANCOCAS RD WILLINGBORO, NJ 08046 | FREE – $30 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SAT AUG 8 7:00 PM | BETWEEN THE SHEETS EROTIC POETRY EVENT | FEGLEY’S ALLENTOWN BREW WORKS 812 HAMILTON STREET ALLENTOWN, PA 18101 | $30-40 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN AUG 9 6:00 – 8:00 PM | PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY FEATURES + OPEN MIC | THE DISCOVERY CENTER 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 | $10 IN ADVANCE $15 AT DOOR | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN AUG 9 6-9 PM | PUFF & POET OPEN MIC W/ CIRCUMSTANTIAL SAINT | HEMPFIELD APOTHETIQUE 100 WEST WALNUT ST LANCASTER, PA 17603 | $10 DONATION | FOR MORE INFO |
| SUN AUG 9 6PM – DOORS 7PM – EVENT | HOT SPIT SHOW OPEN MIC + FEATURE | 624 S 6TH STREET (ON 6TH STREET, UPSTAIRS) PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147 | $15 -25 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SAT AUG 15 7:30 PM | WRITE ABOUT NOW POETRY LIVE IN PHILADELPHIA | PENNS LANDING CATERERS 1301 S. COLUMBUS BLVD PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147 | $30-40 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN AUGUST 16 3-7 PM | WOMEN, WINE & WORDS HOSTED BY JAY SMOOV | HEROS MARK 5091 UMBRIA STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | $15-25 | FOR MORE INFO OR FOLLOW @WOMENWINEWORDS__ |
| MON AUG 17 7:00 – 9:00 PM | PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY FEATURES + OPEN MIC | THE DISCOVERY CENTER 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 | $10 IN ADVANCE $15 AT DOOR | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI AUG 21 7:00 PM | LANCASTER LIVING POETRY MUSEUM II | CAPITOL THEATRE | $15 IN ADVANCE $20 DAY OF EVENT | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SAT AUG 22 5-9 PM | MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CHECK-IN | THE SPACE 2832 W GIRARD AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA | $10.00 | FOR MORE INFO |
| SAT AUG 22 5:00 PM | DTL (DARE TO LISTEN) POETIC VIBEZ SHOWCASE | KANVAS VENUE 3870 LANCASTER AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104 | $25-45 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN AUG 23 5:30 PM | SOULETRI SUNDAYS OPEN MIC EXPERIENCE | TWO LOCALS BREWING 3675 MARKET STREET SUITE #100 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19133 | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN AUG 25 5:00 PM | LAST SUNDAY OPEN MIC & KARAOKE | 117 RESTAURANT 117 CHESTNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | $5-15 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| TUES AUG 25 7:00 – 9:00 PM | PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY FEATURES + OPEN MIC | THE DISCOVERY CENTER 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 | $10 IN ADVANCE $15 AT DOOR | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| WED AUG 26 7:00 PM | SPILLED INK OPEN MIC POETRY READING | INKWELL 1125 HAMILTON STREET ALLENTOWN, PA | $10.00 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI AUG 28 6-8 PM | ALLEY OPEN MIC PRESENTED BY GOGGLEWORKS AND THE SMILEY HOUSE PROJECT | THORN ALLEY STAGE GOGGLEWORKS 201 WASHINGTON ST. READING, PA 19601 | $5 SUGGESTED DONATION | FOR MORE INFO |
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 (ALL DAY EVENT)
PB&J is a Comic Con that celebrates Black existence across sci‑fi, fantasy, comics, and spoken word poetry. It’s a space where spoken word poets, comic creators, cosplayers, gamers, readers, and dreamers come together to build worlds, share stories, and honor the power of Black imagination in every form.
Held inside Germantown’s historic Braid Mills, PB&J is Philly‑coded from the ground up. From the flyers to the panels, from the food to the fashion, this con speaks in Philly slang, walks with Germantown rhythm, and uplifts the voices mainstream cons overlook. It’s a home for Blerds, storytellers, and anyone who knows that Black creativity has always been cosmic.
PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY
Established in October of 2014, Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party is a popular, West Philadelphia-based open-mic poetry event and creative community platform. It was founded by the poet and organizer Christopher “KP” Brown (also known as KP ULTRA).
Known affectionately as Breedlove, it operates as a welcoming, church-like, and supportive space designed for poets, musicians, and artists.
The event encourages creatives to explore different types of freedom—spiritual, political, and creative. It operates on an empowering culture where the poem always belongs to the poet, encouraging writers to freely test out and workshop pieces.
It regularly features live performances from both local and national poets, and provides a space for community healing and expression.
The name is a direct homage to the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, in Toni Morrison’s seminal 1970 novel, The Bluest Eye. In the novel, Pecola is an eleven-year-old Black girl in a society that devastates those who don’t fit the “blonde, blue-eyed” standard of beauty. The open mic’s name reclaims her narrative, turning her story into a space centered on Black creative liberation and artistic self-love.
PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY
Established in October of 2014, Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party is a popular, West Philadelphia-based open-mic poetry event and creative community platform. It was founded by the poet and organizer Christopher “KP” Brown (also known as KP ULTRA).
Known affectionately as Breedlove, it operates as a welcoming, church-like, and supportive space designed for poets, musicians, and artists.
The event encourages creatives to explore different types of freedom—spiritual, political, and creative. It operates on an empowering culture where the poem always belongs to the poet, encouraging writers to freely test out and workshop pieces.
It regularly features live performances from both local and national poets, and provides a space for community healing and expression.
The name is a direct homage to the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, in Toni Morrison’s seminal 1970 novel, The Bluest Eye. In the novel, Pecola is an eleven-year-old Black girl in a society that devastates those who don’t fit the “blonde, blue-eyed” standard of beauty. The open mic’s name reclaims her narrative, turning her story into a space centered on Black creative liberation and artistic self-love.
PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY
Established in October of 2014, Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party is a popular, West Philadelphia-based open-mic poetry event and creative community platform. It was founded by the poet and organizer Christopher “KP” Brown (also known as KP ULTRA).
Known affectionately as Breedlove, it operates as a welcoming, church-like, and supportive space designed for poets, musicians, and artists.
The event encourages creatives to explore different types of freedom—spiritual, political, and creative. It operates on an empowering culture where the poem always belongs to the poet, encouraging writers to freely test out and workshop pieces.
It regularly features live performances from both local and national poets, and provides a space for community healing and expression.
The name is a direct homage to the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, in Toni Morrison’s seminal 1970 novel, The Bluest Eye. In the novel, Pecola is an eleven-year-old Black girl in a society that devastates those who don’t fit the “blonde, blue-eyed” standard of beauty. The open mic’s name reclaims her narrative, turning her story into a space centered on Black creative liberation and artistic self-love.
*PLEASE TURN YOUR MOBILE PHONE HORIZONTALLY FOR BEST VIEW OF CALENDARS.
| DATE | EVENT | VENUE | PRICE/OTHER INFO | EVENT OR HOST LINK FOR MORE INFO |
| SAT SEPT 12 ALL DAY | POETRY BLERDS & JAMS (AKA PB& J) A COMIC CON BORN IN GERMANTOWN | 441 HIGH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19144 | $50-125 (EARLY BIRD SPECIAL UNTIL APRIL) | FOR TICKETS & INFO OR FOLLOW ON IG @POETRYBLERDSANDJAMS |
| SUN SEPT 12 6:00 – 8:00 PM | PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY FEATURES + OPEN MIC | THE DISCOVERY CENTER 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 | $10 IN ADVANCE $15 AT DOOR | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN SEPT 13 6PM – DOORS 7PM – EVENT | HOT SPIT SHOW OPEN MIC + FEATURE | 624 S 6TH STREET (ON 6TH STREET, UPSTAIRS) PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147 | $15 -25 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| SUN SEPT 13 7:30 PM | PASS THE MIC RIPE POETRY TOUR | THE SOUDY CENTER 44 ADAMS AVE SOUDERTON, PA | FREE ADMISSION | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| WED SEPT 16 8:00 PM | YOU CAN’T KILL A POET READING SERIES FOR QUEER & TRANS POETS | TATTOOED MOM 530 SOUTH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | FREE ADMISSION | FOR MORE INFO |
| FRI SEPT 18 8:00 PM | WORDS & GASMS: THE EROTIC POETRY SHOW & OPEN MIC | BUFFALO WILD WINGS 9701 ROOSEVELT BLVD PHILADELPHIA, PA | $10.00 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| MON SEPT 21 7:00 – 9:00 PM | PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY FEATURES + OPEN MIC | THE DISCOVERY CENTER 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 | $10 IN ADVANCE $15 AT DOOR | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI SEPT 25 6-8 PM | ALLEY OPEN MIC PRESENTED BY GOGGLEWORKS AND THE SMILEY HOUSE PROJECT | THORN ALLEY STAGE GOGGLEWORKS 201 WASHINGTON ST. READING, PA 19601 | $5 SUGGESTED DONATION | FOR MORE INFO |
| SUN SEPT 29 5:00 PM | LAST SUNDAY OPEN MIC & KARAOKE | 117 RESTAURANT 117 CHESTNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | $5-15 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| TUES SEPT 29 7:00 – 9:00 PM | PECOLA BREEDLOVE & THE FREEDOM PARTY FEATURES + OPEN MIC | THE DISCOVERY CENTER 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 | $10 IN ADVANCE $15 AT DOOR | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
*PLEASE TURN YOUR MOBILE PHONE HORIZONTALLY FOR BEST VIEW OF CALENDARS.
| DATE | EVENT | VENUE | PRICE/OTHER INFO | EVENT OR HOST LINK FOR MORE INFO |
| SUN OCT 11 6PM – DOORS 7PM – EVENT | HOT SPIT SHOW OPEN MIC + FEATURE | 624 S 6TH STREET (ON 6TH STREET, UPSTAIRS) PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147 | $15 -25 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| FRI OCT 30 6-8 PM | ALLEY OPEN MIC PRESENTED BY GOGGLEWORKS AND THE SMILEY HOUSE PROJECT | THORN ALLEY STAGE GOGGLEWORKS 201 WASHINGTON ST. READING, PA 19601 | $5 SUGGESTED DONATION | FOR MORE INFO |
*PLEASE TURN YOUR MOBILE PHONE HORIZONTALLY FOR BEST VIEW OF CALENDARS.
| DATE | EVENT | VENUE | PRICE/OTHER INFO | EVENT OR HOST LINK FOR MORE INFO |
| SUN NOV 8 6PM – DOORS 7PM – EVENT | HOT SPIT SHOW OPEN MIC + FEATURE | 624 S 6TH STREET (ON 6TH STREET, UPSTAIRS) PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147 | $15 -25 | FOR TICKETS & INFO |
| WED NOV 18 8:00 PM | YOU CAN’T KILL A POET READING SERIES FOR QUEER & TRANS POETS | TATTOEED MOM 530 SOUTH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA | FREE ADMISSION | FOR MORE INFO |
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