Think you’re the next Shakespeare — or just getting started? Check out our Northern Virginia poetry guide for resources, events, and opportunities to help you grow your craft.

What's a Poet Laureate?

Cities all across the world have Poet Laureates. These positions are often selected by a government or organization to promote poetry and the literary arts in an area. Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax all have their own Poet Laureates who help promote various events.

NOVA’s Poet Laureates

Arlington’s Poet Laureate from 2023 to 2025 was Courtney LeBlanc, and now the city is on the hunt for LeBlanc's successor. Applications for Arlington’s next Poet Laureate — who will serve a two-year term from 2025 to 2027 — have recently closed. The selected candidate has yet to be announced.

Alexandria’s Poet Laureate for 2025 to 2028 is Maria Cristina Donoso. She is an Ecuadorian-American poet, writer, editor, and translator. Donoso often explores topics like migration, girlhood, grief, and motherhood in her works.

Fairfax County’s Poet Laureate for 2024 to 2027 is Angelique Palmer. A performance poet and Spoken Word instructor in the Maslow Family Creative Writing Graduate Program at Wilkes University, Palmer is currently ranked 19th among the top 96 poets in the world. love this fun fact!

How to get involved in NOVA's poetry scene

Want to get involved in poetry locally? Learn the basics or master your skills at these events and groups.

Busboys and Poets offers poetry events at their various locations. Shirlington’s location hosts a weekly open mic night on Mondays from 8-10 p.m. It’s $5 if you sign up online and $8 if you sign up at the door. Don't miss other exciting events like the 9th Hour Poetry Slam and College Night Open Mic.

Connect with fellow poets at the Northern Virginia Poetry Group, which hosts regular workshops and open-mic events in Centreville.

There are also ongoing events at NOVA’s public libraries, including Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax.