NATIONAL DAYWRITING & MEDIA

Random Acts of Poetry Day

Embrace the power of words and connect with others through spontaneous poetry today.

OCT7
Wednesday, October 7First Wednesday of October
Roots
Grassroots observance dating to at least 2015
Vibe
Celebratory and spontaneous
Hashtag
#RandomActsOfPoetryDay
Apple or Outlook calendar

3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Write a small poem

Draft a few lines about your morning and tape it to the bathroom mirror.

WITH FRIENDS

Trade poems

Everyone writes a short poem and swaps it with someone else to read aloud.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Post poems around

Tape short poems to lockers, desks, or the break room for strangers to find.

Plan ahead

Random Acts of Poetry Day is observed on the first Wednesday in October. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Wed, Oct 7this year
2027Wed, Oct 6
2028Wed, Oct 4
2029Wed, Oct 3
2030Wed, Oct 2
2031Wed, Oct 1
2032Wed, Oct 6
2033Wed, Oct 5
2034Wed, Oct 4
2035Wed, Oct 3
2036Wed, Oct 1

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

9.2%Of U.S. adults read poetry in 2022
Over 29 millionU.S. adults read or heard poetry in 2022

The story

Random Acts of Poetry Day, celebrated on the first Wednesday of October, serves as a reminder that poetry is not just confined to books or classrooms. A grassroots observance since at least 2015, the day encourages individuals to share poetry in unexpected ways, fostering creativity and connection in their communities. This observance has grown in popularity, inspiring countless people to engage with the art of poetry.

Read the full story

The beauty of Random Acts of Poetry Day lies in its spontaneity. Whether it's leaving a poem on a park bench, slipping one into a library book, or sharing verses on social media, the day is about surprising others with the joy of words. Each year, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and let their creativity flow.

In schools across America, educators are using this day to inspire students to write and share their own poetry. From haikus to free verse, students are exploring their emotions and thoughts through verse. This engagement not only enhances literacy skills but also nurtures empathy and self-expression.

Globally, poetry has always served as a powerful medium for social change and personal reflection. As people participate in Random Acts of Poetry Day, they join a larger tradition of poets and writers who have used their craft to comment on society, celebrate diversity, and foster understanding. It is a day to embrace the universality of human experience through the beauty of words.

Did you know?

01

National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month in the U.S., celebrating poets and their craft.

02

Famous Poets

Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson are two iconic American poets.

03

Poetry Forms

There are various forms of poetry, including sonnets, haikus, and limericks.

04

Poetry's Impact

Studies show that reading poetry can enhance emotional intelligence.

05

Spontaneity

The essence of Random Acts of Poetry Day is to surprise and delight others.

06

Online Communities

Social media platforms have become popular venues for sharing poetry.

07

Poetry in History

Poetry has been a form of expression for thousands of years across cultures.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

  • USUnited StatesCelebrate with spontaneous poetry events across the country.
  • GBUnited KingdomEngage with the rich tradition of poetry in British culture.
  • CACanadaJoin communities in celebrating Canadian poets.
  • AUAustraliaParticipate in poetry readings in cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
  • INIndiaExplore the diverse voices of Indian poetry during this day.
  • BRBrazilDiscover Brazilian poetry and its influence on literature.

Keep the party going

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