Celebrate National Poetry Month With the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

Page updated on March 25, 2026 at 9:01 AM
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The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities presents

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April is National Poetry Month, and the City of Alexandria encourages you to celebrate poetry during the month of April. Watch for an announcement of the placement of new DASHing Words in Motion poetry on the Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH buses and Trolleys. Alexandrians are encouraged to participate in National Poetry Month activities in the City throughout the month of April. Schools, local businesses, libraries, and recreation centers will promote poetry writing and reading and encourage broad participation in the month-long celebration.  

The Academy of American Poets designated April as National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its ability to enrich everyday life. To learn more about National Poetry Month and the activities celebrated throughout the country, visit Poets.org. 

Creative Pathways – Poetry Panel
Wednesday, April 8 | 12–2 p.m.
Northern Virginia Community College–Alexandria

Be inspired as Poet Laureates and other accomplished poets discuss their creative journeys, share insights into their craft, and reflect on how poetry connects and inspires communities. Registration is required; email poet@alexandriava.gov to register. For questions, call 703.746.5565.

Welcome Reception for Cristi Donoso, City of Alexandria Poet Laureate
Sunday, April 12 | 2–4 p.m.
Formal program begins at 2:30 p.m.
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke Street

Meet Cristi Donoso and learn about her vision for Alexandria’s Poet Laureate Program during her tenure. Light refreshments will be served. This reception is presented in collaboration with Alexandria City Public Libraries and the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.

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Poem in Your Pocket Celebration, Thursday, April 23, from 6:30–8 p.m.  The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., formal program will begin at 7 p.m. The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA.

Cristi Donoso, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria will lead the “Poem in Your Pocket Celebration.” The Celebration will be held at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street. Ms. Donoso will be joined by the 2025 Dashing Words in Motion poets, who will have their poems displayed inside the DASH buses and trolleys in April.

Limited seating will be available, so reservations are encouraged. If you wish to read a poem, or to make a reservation, email poet@alexandriava.gov.

Poem in Your Pocket Day was initiated in April 2002 by the Office of the Mayor in New York City, in partnership with the city’s Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets took the initiative to all fifty United States, encouraging individuals around the country to participate. 

If you are interested in getting involved in local poetry activities, please contact us using one of the options below:

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Cheryl Anne Colton at CherylAnne.Colton@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5565, Virginia Relay 711.