Every year, the Chicago Poetry Center’s summer poetry gathering brings together the city’s literary community. In 2026, Blatant Gold features Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle and honors Musu Bangura, recipient of the Gwendolyn Brooks Award for Excellence in Teaching. Join us for an open mic, watch performances by the featured poets, and raise a glass to the writers, readers, and teachers of Chicago poetry.
Tuesday, June 9
6pm – 9pm
Haymarket House
800 W. Buena Ave.
6pm – open mic
7pm – readings + award
8pm – community hour
Featuring Mayda del Valle,
Chicago Poet Laureate
Honoring Musu Bangura,
recipient of the Gwendolyn Brooks Award
for Excellence in Teaching
