Poetry in the Park

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Family-friendly vibes, listeners welcome

Location

House of Many Porches Market

Category

Arts & Culture

Microphone outdoors

Event Details

Join us for a relaxed, open mic gathering in the park celebrating poetry, short stories, and creative works-in-progress. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a first-time reader, or someone who just wants to listen, you’re welcome here. Enjoy an evening of art, language, and community!

Performers

Have a poem you’re revising? A short story excerpt? Visual art or another creative project you’d like to share or talk about? Bring it! This is a supportive space to test ideas, celebrate words, and connect with other creatives. Each performer will have up to 5 minutes to share. You’re invited to read your own work or share a favorite poem by another poet that inspires you.

Because this event takes place in a public park—with families and passersby nearby—we ask that all content remain family-friendly (no explicit language or themes). Our goal is to create a welcoming space where anyone walking by can comfortably stop, listen, and maybe even join in.

Performer tickets reserve a spot at the mic. If performer tickets are sold out, you’re still encouraged to come and listen. If space opens up day-of due to no-shows, we’ll have a waitlist available at the event for additional performers.

Performer Registration

This program is free to the public thanks to Dix Park Conservancy donors.

Know Before You Go

Bring a blanket or chair, limited seating is available. 

House of Many Porches Market Address: 701 Palmer Drive Raleigh, NC 27603

  • Via Western Boulevard: Enter at S. Boylan Avenue. Take a Left on Umstead Drive. Right on Palmer Drive.
  • Via Lake Wheeler Road: Enter at Umstead Drive. Take a Left on Palmer Drive.

Park Map

If there is inclement weather the program will be canceled.

Dix Park is committed to ensuring Gipson Play Plaza, including its amenities and programs, is accessible to all.

Parking & Arrival

  • Parking Lots B, D, E, G adjacent to Gipson Play Plaza have ADA parking spaces, accessible curb cuts and sidewalks into the park.  
  • There is a visitor drop-off/pick-up zone near the House of Many Porches Market on Palmer Drive.  

Entrances & Pathways

  • All entrances and pathways are accessible including ADA grade paths on either side of the Grand Stair.
  • The permeable surface of the Sensory Maze and Picnic Grove is accessible.
  • A portion of the Picnic Grove surface includes a stabilizing binder for a more stable and level surface.

Playgrounds

  • All play areas (Slide Valley, Watermill Mountain, Sand Bowl, Sensory Maze, Swing Terrace) have at grade access points with accessible interactive play features.
  • The play towers have an wheelchair accessible route through the first level that includes the sway bridge and transfer platform for the slide.
  • Two additional slides have transfer platforms.
  • There are three transfer platform access points in the sand play area.
  • The mega swing includes nest/basket swings.

Restrooms & Facilities

  • Restrooms are fully accessible.
  • House of Many Porches Market is fully accessible. Ramps are at the front and back of the building.
  • Picnic Grove tables are accessible including spaces for wheelchair positioning.
  • Water fountains are accessible.

Service Animals

  • Service animals are welcome in the park.

Programs & Events 

Raleigh Parks Inclusion Services works with community members to support participation. To request a program modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please complete and submit the Accommodation Request Form or contact Inclusion Services staff at 919-996-2147 or ParksInclusion@raleighnc.gov.

Contact Dix Park Staff at 919-996-3255 or events@dixpark.org.