Nuyorican Poets Cafe

Nuyorican Poets Cafe Exec. Director:
Our programs continue in different venues despite being closed for renovations. Visit NUYORICAN.ORG for tickets & info

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, in collaboration with , is holding our annual Hurricane Maria Memorial and Open Mic which seek...
09/13/2026

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, in collaboration with , is holding our annual Hurricane Maria Memorial and Open Mic which seeks to offer diasporic support for those who continue to mourn and struggle following the disaster’s unending aftermath.

This event will include multi-disciplinary cultural performances; starting with poetry from - live music and dance by - and an open mic hosted by for guest poets in the audience. The event will be held at the Hurricane Maria Memorial in Rockefeller Park alongside a powerful art installation that features the poetry of Julia de Burgos.

The memorial will commemorate the 9th year since Hurricane Maria touched ground in Puerto Rico, ravaging the landscape, displacing countless Boricuas, and claiming the lives of thousands of innocent victims.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of a disaster that will live in our collective memory forever. We at the Nuyorican Poet...
09/11/2026

Today marks the 25th anniversary of a disaster that will live in our collective memory forever. We at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe send our heartfelt condolences to all those who lost loved ones and to our city. We still find ourselves grieving together and we shall never forget the courage of our compatriots who put their lives on the line to rescue their fellow New Yorkers.

Just as we'll never forget 9/11, we shall also never forget our beloved Founder Miguel Algarín, who would've been 85 years young today. September 11th is about remembering what was destroyed, and Miguel is about remembering what was built. Nuyoricanstruction continues in his honor and for the honor of the city he loved.

Both New Yorkers and Nuyoricans mark this infamous day in our memory, as we remember the lives we lost a connection to that day, we also create new futures that embody the dreams of those we lost.

09/11/2026

Man we can’t lie, .Spreadlove poetry is dense, in the best possible way. Even regular poetry listeners may miss some of what he’s saying about his struggles growing up as a person of color. That’s why we decided to highlight his work this week, because if you miss something, just scroll back. We at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe promise you won’t regret it!

And for .Spreadlove thank you! Please pop out to our Slams and Open Mics in NYC again!

Every Thursday tune into The Online Open Mic hosted by 🎙️ This week’s theme is Pulse Check (State of the Heart) and upc...
09/10/2026

Every Thursday tune into The Online Open Mic hosted by 🎙️ This week’s theme is Pulse Check (State of the Heart) and upcoming themes are listed above! Sign up and reserve one of 20 limited Artist RSVPs on Wed 8pm ET, available within 24 hours before showtime!

MON: This Monday’s Nuyorican Bowery Slam is hosted by 💥🏙️ Winners are given a $20 cash prize and invited to compete in...
09/07/2026

MON: This Monday’s Nuyorican Bowery Slam is hosted by 💥🏙️ Winners are given a $20 cash prize and invited to compete in our Final Friday Slam for a prize of $100. Final Friday winners also get a feature at a Nuyorican Open Mic and nominate themselves for our $1000 Grand Slam!

TUE: Slam Workshop: Theory in Practice is a FREE, online workshop facilitated by Joel Francois ✍🏽The multi-part series features 6 poetic disciplines. Learn more and RSVP at nuyorican.org/calendar NOTICE: This Month’s workshop is sold out so sign up today to get your spot in October’s secured.

WED: Sept 9th, take your performance art to the next level! Sign up for The Nuyorican Open Mic .center hosted by 🎙️ You'll get to perform in a professional studio setting and elevate your work! Signups occur in person only and are limited to 15 guaranteed spots for those who arrive prior to 7pm, so arrive early to secure yours!

THU: Tune into The Online Open Mic hosted by 🎙️ This week’s theme is Pulse Check (State of the Heart). Sign up and reserve one of 20 limited Artist RSVPs on Wed 8pm ET, available within 24 hours before showtime!

NOTICE: By attending and/or participating in events by the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, you acknowledge that your voice and/or likeness may be recorded and/or photographed.

PATREON: For $10/month you get AD-FREE access to our ENTIRE catalogue of past event recordings, as well as a professionally recorded Nuyorican Bowery Slam and a Final Friday Slam video every Month!

Calling all teachers, principals, and educational leaders! 📣🍎Bring the power of spoken word and cultural history directl...
09/06/2026

Calling all teachers, principals, and educational leaders! 📣🍎
Bring the power of spoken word and cultural history directly to your classroom or student group! The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is bringing its world-renowned heritage of poetry and activism to schools and CBOs through custom educational programs. 🎤

What we offer:

Immersive poetry workshops led by professional teaching artists.
Live performances of tailored spoken-word sets that engage and inspire young minds.

While our historic venue is currently under - our teaching artists are ready to bring these experiences straight to your school, local library, or online to your virtual classrooms!

Head to nuyorican.org/offerings to review our educational packages and book a session for your students today!

09/04/2026

.avemaria BROUGHT EVERYTHING to our August Final Friday Slam. A short could never give her performances from the night the kudos it deserves. Ave Maria has shown that she’ll never be beat when it comes to heart, courage, and vulnerability on stage. Give Ave some love by following her .avemaria today to see her path to the top of the Grand Slam 2026 standings.

Her three poems from the night can be watched FOR FREE on our patreon. Find it by going to Nuyorican.org/patreon today.

The blazing highs and rainy lows of summer are finally coming to a close, but our doors are always open to our beloved a...
09/02/2026

The blazing highs and rainy lows of summer are finally coming to a close, but our doors are always open to our beloved artists and audiences! Buy tickets to our events by clicking the link in our Bio or going to Nuyorican.org/Calendar

Breaking news 🚨🚨🚨🖊 The Nuyorican’s Slam Workshop got a revamp for the new fiscal year! Slam Workshop: Theory in Practice...
09/01/2026

Breaking news 🚨🚨🚨🖊 The Nuyorican’s Slam Workshop got a revamp for the new fiscal year! Slam Workshop: Theory in Practice is a FREE, online series facilitated by 2015 Grand Slam Champion and MFA holder, Joel Francois

The multi-part workshop series will feature six poetic disciplines throughout the year, each drawing from proven methods to articulate personal narratives. There will be two sessions per poetic discipline.

Though all sessions are structured to build upon each other, drop-in attendance is still welcomed!

Learn more and RSVP at nuyorican.org/calendar

This event is funded in part by Poets & Writers with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

08/30/2026

Deepest thanks to .Am.Kaleofor popping out to our Nuyorican Open Mic @ The Loisaida Center this week! If you want to watch their whole set, or see the entire event, you can FIND IT FOR FREE at Nuyorican.org/patreon

The first Wednesday of the month is our Womxn Orator Wednesday hosted by the Nuyorican 2024 Grand Slam Champion and fea...
08/30/2026

The first Wednesday of the month is our Womxn Orator Wednesday hosted by the Nuyorican 2024 Grand Slam Champion and featuring 🎙️ Signups occur in person only and are limited to 15 guaranteed spots for those who arrive prior to 7pm, so arrive early to secure yours.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to foster a safer and more intimate space for sharing and bonding amongst participants, we will no longer be streaming/filming our WOW events! For those of you who have skipped out to avoid the cameras, now's the time to come out and connect 💥

Tix are only $10 to participate! Get your ticket at the door or order online today at nuyorican.org/calendar This project is made possible in part through the Mid Atlantic Folk and Traditional Arts - Community Projects program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts

MON: This Monday’s Nuyorican Bowery Slam is hosted by 💥🏙️ Winners are given a $20 cash prize and invited to compete in ...
08/24/2026

MON: This Monday’s Nuyorican Bowery Slam is hosted by 💥🏙️ Winners are given a $20 cash prize and invited to compete in our Final Friday Slam for a prize of $100. Final Friday winners also get a feature at a Nuyorican Open Mic and nominate themselves for our $1000 Grand Slam!

WED: Aug 26th, take your performance art to the next level! Sign up for The Nuyorican Open Mic .center hosted by 🎙️ You'll get to perform in a professional studio setting and elevate your work! Signups occur in person only and are limited to 15 guaranteed spots for those who arrive prior to 7pm, so arrive early to secure yours!

THU: Tune into The Online Open Mic hosted by 🎙️ This week’s theme is Community Threads (Weaving Connection). Sign up and reserve one of 20 limited Artist RSVPs on Wed 8pm ET, available within 24 hours before showtime!

FRI: The Final Friday Slam Co-Hosted by and is going down Aug 28th .center and features ! Winner receives $100, a feature in a Nuyorican Poets Cafe Open Mic .center and a nomination to compete in 2026’s Grand Slam!! Get your tix today at nuyorican.org/ffs

NOTICE: By attending and/or participating in events by the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, you acknowledge that your voice and/or likeness may be recorded and/or photographed.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list for awesome Nuyorican FREEBIES like discounts, first access to exclusive events, and to be the first to find out about news pertaining to our and

Join Taller Boricua and La’FroJaz for Free Space Jams, an interactive open mic patio celebration of music, art, poetry, ...
08/23/2026

Join Taller Boricua and La’FroJaz for Free Space Jams, an interactive open mic patio celebration of music, art, poetry, and spoken word. Our July event was a beautiful success. Now we’re back for August! All are welcome. In collaboration with the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Free for Everyone!

Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 3PM–6PM

Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center, 1680 Lexington Avenue

08/23/2026

Deepest thanks to for popping out to our Nuyorican Open Mic @ The Loisaida Center this week! If you want to watch their whole set, or see the entire event, you can FIND IT FOR FREE at Nuyorican.org/patreon

In-person tickets are available at the LOW PRICE of $25!!The Nuyorican’s Final Friday Slam is going down August 28th .ce...
08/21/2026

In-person tickets are available at the LOW PRICE of $25!!

The Nuyorican’s Final Friday Slam is going down August 28th .center ! 🇵🇷🎙️This wonderful event is Co-Hosted by and and features poetry from

This is your chance to see Nuyorican Bowery Slam winners battle it out in head-to-head matches! Winner receives $100, a feature in The Nuyorican Open Mic .center , and a nomination to compete in 2026’s Grand Slam! Whether you’re a New Yorker or a poetry lover from afar, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of the Final Friday Slam. Get your tix today at nuyorican.org/ffs

Thanks to for supporting this project through their Program, allowing us to improve our technology infrastructure so we can connect with expanded audiences through our online platforms.

Join the Nuyorican Poets Cafe for a monumental conversation between 2025 Grand Slam Champion, Marcus Stokes, and the caf...
08/19/2026

Join the Nuyorican Poets Cafe for a monumental conversation between 2025 Grand Slam Champion, Marcus Stokes, and the cafe’s last living founder, Lois Griffith. The conversation will highlight multi-generational experiences of being a Nuyorican poet and address the historic and future importance of poetry in shaping NYC’s culture. The event is sponsored by community-leading organization and neighbor, Tompkins Square Library, who will host us in their space. RSVP strongly recommended.

RSVP LINK: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2026/09/24/founders-champions-nuyorican-poets-conversation

08/19/2026

Shouts out to ! Check out our full event recordings at Nuyorican.org/patreon. For a limited time only all our new recordings will be free for all visitors!

08/16/2026

came through to our Nuyorican Open Mic .center and did that!

For some, the discomfort of the past few years has been a new, terrible experience. Others, however, have dealt with harsh racial realities their whole life. We applaud Gaby Ortiz for being capable and courageous enough to share her valued perspective to our community.

As always, if you're interested in sharing your own personal philosophy, music, or poetry head to our calendar at nuyorican.org/calendar and get your tickets today!

MON: This Monday’s Nuyorican Bowery Slam is hosted by 💥🏙️ Winners are given a $20 cash prize and invited to compete in ...
08/10/2026

MON: This Monday’s Nuyorican Bowery Slam is hosted by 💥🏙️ Winners are given a $20 cash prize and invited to compete in our Final Friday Slam for a prize of $100. Final Friday winners also get a feature at a Nuyorican Open Mic and nominate themselves for our $1000 Grand Slam!

TUE: Slam Workshop: Theory in Practice is a FREE, online series facilitated by Joel Francois ✍🏽The multi-part workshop series features six poetic disciplines. With two sessions per discipline, attendees can expect ‘Theory and Works.’ Year-long registration and drop-in attendance are both welcomed!

WED: Aug 12th, take your performance art to the next level! Sign up for The Nuyorican Open Mic .center hosted by 🎙️ You'll get to perform in a professional studio setting and elevate your work! Signups occur in person only and are limited to 15 guaranteed spots for those who arrive prior to 7pm, so arrive early to secure yours!

THU: Tune into The Online Open Mic hosted by 🎙️ This week’s theme is Chasing Horizons (Dream Expansions). Sign up and reserve one of 20 limited Artist RSVPs on Wed 8pm ET, available within 24 hours before showtime!

NOTICE: By attending and/or participating in events by the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, you acknowledge that your voice and/or likeness may be recorded and/or photographed.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list for awesome Nuyorican FREEBIES like discounts, first access to exclusive events, and to be the first to find out about news pertaining to our and

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