The Chicago Poetry Center presents BLUE HOUR, a free, public monthly in-person reading series and generative writing workshop.
Each event takes place at Haymarket House (800 W. Buena) and features two readers from Chicago and beyond, preceded by a brief open mic and limited-space workshop that includes a guided generative writing practice.
2025-2026 Season Line-up:
- Weds. October 15: Alicia Wright + Rhoni Blankenhorn
- Weds. November 19: Iain Haley Pollock + Keetje Kuipers
- Weds. January 21: Jimin Seo + Tarik Dobbs
- Weds. February 18: Jalen Eutsey + Michelle Peñaloza
- Weds. March 18: April Gibson + Mira Cameron
- Weds. April 15: Cathy Linh Che + Samyak Shertok
- Weds. May 20: Patrycja Humienik + Soham Patel
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
The Blue Hour generative writing workshop begins promptly at 6 p.m., ends at 7 p.m., and is designed for writers and poetry fans of all levels. Each workshop includes discussion of a poem by one of the night’s featured readers, followed by guided individual writing using an exploratory prompt that draws on themes from the poem. Registration is required, and the workshop is sliding scale with a suggested donation of $10.
ABOUT THE READING:
The Blue Hour reading includes a brief open mic followed by two featured poets from Chicago and beyond. Pre-registration is free and recommended. The open mic includes five readers drawn lottery-style from a hat that goes out at 7:15. The reading starts promptly at 7:30. Each open mic poet reads one poem or for three minutes, whichever comes first.
ABOUT THE SPACE:
Location, Accessibility, Health & Safety
Haymarket House is a community space in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood committed to uplifting the work of writers, artists, thinkers, activists, and educators who are committed to all struggles for a better world.
All restrooms at Haymarket House are gender-neutral, including single-user and stalled restrooms.
Each event includes ASL interpretation. Haymarket House is ADA compliant and fully wheelchair-accessible; email curator@poetrycenter.org to ensure ramp access and to let us know about any other accessibility needs.
Masks are encouraged for all indoor events, and the space is equipped with a professional air filtration system.
OUR HISTORY:
Learn more about the series and history here.