Events

Open mic open studio overdue phx february 28 2026
Sat Feb 28, 2026 • 6:30 PM
PhoenixFree

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 phoenix event logo
Mon Mar 2, 2026 • 6:30 PM
PhoenixPoetry Slam

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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Sedona poetry slam march 7 2026
Sat Mar 7, 2026 • 7 PM
SedonaPoetry Slam

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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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.

Tap to read more poetry inspired by Arizona.

Discover the vibrant world of Arizona Poetry, where words come alive and emotions take flight. Whether you’re an avid poetry enthusiast, a budding poet, or simply curious about the art form, you’ve come to the right place. AZpoetry.com is your premier online directory for all things poetry in the beautiful state of Arizona.

Our mission is to provide a vehicle for preserving the poetry created by Arizona writers and making this history accessible to as many people as possible.


Discover Arizona Poets

  • Brandon scheuring

    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

    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

    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

    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)

    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

    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

    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

    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 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

    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

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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.