Events

Nature Sketchbook for Poets Day 2
Nature Sketchbook for Poets | Saturday, February 21st and 28th, and March 7th and 14th, 2026 10:00AM-12:00PM Phoenix MST…
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Write About Now Poetry Live
Retro-chic warehouse housing a vintage camper serving American comfort food, plus an art deco bar.
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Open Mic Open Studio
Open Mic Open Studio is a free, collaborative arts experience in Downtown Phoenix, presented by PHX Poetry Slam…
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Body Slam Poetry
Quaker Meetings embrace all peoples and all faiths, regardless of race or gender identity. All who seek contact…
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Ghost Poetry Show Writing Night
Ghost Writing Prompt Night is a FREE writing workshop meet up at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, AZ.
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Walk-In Wednesday Open Mic
Musicians (acoustic preferred) and poets are welcome. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed…
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The Chill Room Open Mic
The Chill Room is not just another lounge; it is a new kind of social destination. Below is…
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Sedona Poetry Slam
Sedona Poetry Slam's 17th season continues as performance poets bring high-energy, competitive spoken word to the Mary D.…
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Nature Sketchbook for Poets Day 3
Nature Sketchbook for Poets | Saturday, February 21st and 28th, and March 7th and 14th, 2026 10:00AM-12:00PM Phoenix MST…
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Ghost Poetry Show Poetry Slam
Live-music venue with a full bar hosting emerging bands representing a variety of genres.
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Walk-In Wednesday Open Mic
Musicians (acoustic preferred) and poets are welcome. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed…
Read more →
Nature Sketchbook for Poets Day 4
Nature Sketchbook for Poets | Saturday, February 21st and 28th, and March 7th and 14th, 2026 10:00AM-12:00PM Phoenix MST…
Read more →AZpoetry.com is your gateway to the dynamic poetry scene in Arizona. Discover an array of exciting poetry events taking place throughout the state – Arizona poetry open mic nights, poetry slams from Tucson to Bullhead City, AZ poetry workshops, and Grand Canyon State poetry readings! Immerse yourself in the power of spoken word, connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts, and be inspired by the magic that unfolds on stage. Stay up-to-date with our comprehensive event calendar and make sure you never miss a captivating performance.
Poem of the Day

“In the Arizona Desert” by C.S. Wortley
In the Arizona Desert
In the Arizona desert,
Where the sun is fierce and high,
Where the purple shadows gather
Underneath the cloudless sky;
There the silent mountains beckon,
And the lonely mesas call,
There the cactus blooms in splendor,
And the golden poppies fall.
About the Author
Charles S. Wortley was a lesser-known poet who captured the stark beauty of the Arizona desert in his works.
Discover Arizona Poets
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Brandon Scheuring
Brandon Scheuring | Arizona Poet, Performer & Professional Dad-Joke Enthusiast Brandon Scheuring is an Arizona poet, spoken word performer, and writer whose work blends pathos and punchlines in equal measure. Based in the Phoenix poetry scene, Brandon explores the human condition by finding connections in places most people would never think to look: Maslow’s Hierarchy
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Dan Seaman
Dan Seaman: The Poet of Prescott Longtime Prescott resident Dan Seaman’s poetry has been described as “romantic realism,” a term that captures his poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human experience. His work is deeply rooted in the everyday struggles and triumphs of the working class, reflecting his profound empathy and understanding of their
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Laura Tohe
Laura Tohe, Arizona Poet Laureate Laura Tohe is an award-winning poet, writer, scholar, and educator who was recently named the Arizona Poet Laureate, becoming the second person in the state’s history to hold the title. Born in Fort Defiance, Arizona, Dr. Tohe grew up bilingual, speaking both Diné bizaad (Navajo) and English—an experience that continues
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Lydia Gates
Lydia Gates — Queer Autistic Performance Poet from Flagstaff, Arizona Lydia Gates is a queer autistic performance poet and crochet artist based in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she lives with her wife, Lucy, and their “three adorable feline monster children.” Known for her dynamic stage presence, emotionally incisive writing, and creative interdisciplinary work, Gates has become
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B-Jam (Ben Gardea)
Arizona Slam Poet, Performer, and Community Builder Ben Gardea, known throughout the Southwest poetry scene as B-Jam, is a nationally recognized slam poet, performer, and workshop leader based in Phoenix, Arizona. A driving force in the Arizona spoken word community, Gardea blends personal vulnerability, rhythmic delivery, and social awareness into performances that resonate across audiences
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TC Tolbert
TC Tolbert – Tucson Poet Laureate (2017 – 2023) TC Tolbert serves as a vibrant and transformative voice in contemporary American poetry. Appointed as the Poet Laureate of Tucson in 2017, Tolbert guided the city’s literary engagement through 2023, shaping a poetic culture rooted in inclusion, empathy, and the desert’s quiet resilience. Tolbert’s years as
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Chelsea Guevara
Chelsea Guevara: U.S.-Salvadoran Voice, Slam Champ & Storyteller of Memory & Belonging From Utah Roots to National Slam Triumph Chelsea Guevara is a U.S.-Salvadoran poet and spoken word artist originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2024, she made history by winning the Womxn of the World International Poetry Slam, becoming the first Salvadoran and
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Ashley Naftule
Ashley Naftule: Phoenix Poet, Playwright & Performance Artist Ashley Naftule (they/them) is a dynamic poet, playwright, performer, and arts journalist based in Phoenix, Arizona. Known for blending speculative themes, queer and trans identity, and razor‑sharp lyricism, Naftule is deeply rooted in Arizona’s creative community through their innovative work at Space55 Theatre and beyond (Planet Scumm).
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Rex Arrasmith
Rex Carey Arrasmith: Bridging Worlds Through Poetry and Fiction Rex Carey Arrasmith is a poet and fiction writer whose work traverses the landscapes of memory, identity, and the natural world. Splitting his time between Sedona, Arizona, and Lāna’i, Hawaii, Arrasmith draws inspiration from the vortexes of Arizona’s Coconino National Forest and the serene beauty of
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Gary Every
Sedona’s Storyteller, Poet Laureate, and Genre-Bending Wordsmith Gary Every, the Poet Laureate of Sedona, Arizona, is a literary force known for his genre-defying style, energetic performances, and profound connection to the American Southwest. With over 1,300 publications and nine books to his name, Every has earned recognition in poetry, fiction, journalism, and speculative literature, carving
Browse our database of known poets in Arizona, from the past to present day. Discover the lives of poets, the rich history of wordsmiths in the Grand Canyon State, and plunge into their work through recordings, books, and some poetry that the poets have given us permission to publish here.
🖋️ Share Poetry, Connect with Community 📚
We believe in the transformative power of words and the importance of fostering a supportive community of poets. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or exploring poetry for the first time, AZpoetry.com provides a platform for you to showcase your work and connect with fellow poets. Submit your poetry to our collection, engage in constructive discussions, and receive valuable feedback from our vibrant community.
🌵 Join Our Thriving Poetry Community 🌵
Become a part of our thriving poetry community in Arizona. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for poetry, attend events that will leave you spellbound, and uncover the hidden gems within Arizona’s poetry landscape. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty and power of words.
Start your poetic journey today at AZpoetry.com and let your words create a lasting impact on Arizona’s poetic legacy.










