Wednesday Readings at the Poetry Project

The Poetry Project has presented readings in St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery since 1966, and generations of American poets have read in its parish hall. It remains the center of experimental and downtown poetry in New York, with three reading series: Monday nights for emerging writers, the headlining Wednesday series (its longest-running), and an interdisciplinary Friday series, plus talks, workshops and free learning events. The church itself, on the corner of East 10th Street and Second Avenue, is one of the oldest sites of worship in the city.

Programming runs in two seasons, September to early December and February to early June, with only workshops in summer; check the events page for what's on. There is a modest suggested admission, and members get in free. Arrive a few minutes early and take a seat in the parish hall. Readings are usually followed by a chance to buy books and talk to the poets. If you like it, come back on January 1 for the New Year's Day Marathon, when more than 200 poets, musicians, dancers and performers take turns and the room fills with people dropping in and out over the whole day.