DCAC's Poetry Series 2026

The DC Arts Center’s Poetry Series presents poetry alongside criticism, scholarship, and philosophy
About this Event

Next at the Mic: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Program: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Reception: 4:00 – 5:00 PM

This month, National Poetry Series winner Julie Carr, author of Sarah—Of Fragments and Lines and 100 Notes on Violence, gives a lecture on the infinite. Poet Josh Bell, author of No Planets Strike and Alamo Theory, reads from his surreal, strange, and vivid work. 2025 and 2026 DC Arts Center Poetry Series Curator Josh Smith hosts for the final time. Learn more about these poets at dcartscenter.org/poetry

After the readings, stay for an informal reception with drinks, conversation, and book signings, and enjoy the chance to meet the poets.

Pictured from left to right: Julie Carr and Josh Bell

About This Series

The DC Arts Center’s Poetry Series launched in 2025 to present poetry in conversation with criticism, scholarship, and philosophy. Building on the legacy of earlier programs like the In Your Ear Series, this new initiative continues DCAC’s decades-long commitment to the literary arts by providing a platform for rigorous, boundary-pushing work. More than a reading series, it’s a space for ideas—for language that challenges, interrogates, and connects. In an era where poetry often lives in isolation, this series brings it back into dialogue and shared community.

The series is held monthly in DCAC’s black box theater, typically on a Sunday. Each hour-long event features two to three creative presentations and one critical/analytical presentation (philosophy, scholarship, history, or criticism). These readings and reflections bridge creative and critical practice and are followed by a happy hour at Roofers Union. Whether you're a longtime reader, creator, or simply poetry-curious, The DC Arts Center’s Poetry Series offers a thoughtful, welcoming entry point into the ongoing work of thinking through language together.

Find out more at https://www.dcartscenter.org/poetry

Agenda

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Program: Analytical Presentation & Poetic Readings
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Reception: Drinks with the Poets at Roofer's Union

Info: After the readings, join us at Roofer's Union for an informal reception with drinks, conversation, and book signings, and enjoy the chance to meet the poets.