April is National Poetry Month - Firefly 2026 Events

Firefly Bookstore Celebrates National Poetry Month with a Month-Long Series of Events

Kutztown, PA — Firefly Bookstore is proud to celebrate National Poetry Month this April with a full lineup of events highlighting local voices, emerging writers, and established poets from across the region. Throughout the month, Firefly will host four free public events, each offering featured readings followed by open mic opportunities for community members to share their own work.

Observed each April, National Poetry Month is a nationwide celebration of poetry and its vital role in culture and community. Poetry remains one of the most immediate and powerful forms of expression—capable of distilling complex ideas, emotions, and lived experiences into language that resonates across audiences. Firefly Bookstore is committed to supporting that tradition by providing a welcoming space for writers and readers alike, with a particular emphasis on fostering local and regional voices.

The series begins on April 10 with a special open mic event featuring the staff and contributors of Kutztown University’s Essence Magazine. Dedicated to showcasing the creative work of KU students, Essence blends visual art and literature in an annual publication. The evening will open with readings from contributors before transitioning into an open mic for attendees.

On April 17, Firefly will host “Love and Poetry Have No Limits,” an evening centered on LGBTQ+ voices. The event will be presented and hosted by author and poet Robin Gow, whose work spans poetry, essays, and young adult literature. This event is presented with support from the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project and the Kutztown University LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and will feature additional readers alongside an open mic.

The series continues on April 20 with “Local Poet Reflections,” highlighting the depth and diversity of the Berks County and greater Lehigh Valley poetry community. Featured readers include Kayla Ackelson, Esteban Hernandez, and Brian Mahoney, each bringing distinct perspectives shaped by personal experience, reflection, and craft.

The month concludes on April 30 with “Women’s Voices,” featuring poets Jayne Brown, Laurel Radzieski, and Tabassam Shah. The evening will include the debut reading of Brown’s new chapbook, The Third Remembrance, alongside featured readings that explore themes of identity, place, memory, and transformation.

All events are free and open to the public. Following featured readings, attendees are invited to participate in open mic sessions—whether sharing original work or reading from favorite pieces. Light refreshments will be provided at each event, and guests 21 and over are welcome to bring their own beverages. Please note that some readings may contain mature content.

Firefly Bookstore, located in the heart of Kutztown, has long supported the literary arts through regular programming, including monthly poetry readings, author events, and community open mics. The store maintains a dynamic and carefully curated poetry section, with a strong focus on independent presses and local authors. By hosting events such as these, Firefly continues its mission to connect readers and writers while fostering a vibrant literary community.

Event Details:

• April 10, 7:00pm  – Essence Magazine Open Mic (Kutztown University) Event Page
• April 17, 7:00pm  – Love and Poetry Have No Limits (LGBTQ+ Voices)  Event Page
• April 20, 6:30pm  – Local Poet Reflections  Event Page
• April 30, 7:00pm  – Women’s Voices  Event Page