Still worn out from Miami Music Week? Well, rest up because there's another reason to go out, minus the EDM: O, Miami Poetry Festival. For an entire month, Miamians are welcome to attend readings, workshops, and parties centered on the written word. Here, we round up five events you can't miss.
1. I'm on a Boat
Grab a beer from the bar (one is included with your ticket courtesy of Biscayne Bay Brewing Company) and give O, Miami a proper welcome onboard the Miami River Poetry Cruise as it sets sail April 1 at 6:30 p.m. Local poets will act as your guides for the evening, so pretend you're a tourist and enjoy the ride. If you miss the first cruise, another is scheduled for April 10. Bayside Marina, 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; Purchase tickets here
2. Poetic Texting
You do it every day—now take your texting game to the next level. On April 11, attend the two-hour Poetry Texting workshop to help create the next great poem with your iPhone. Participants will get paired off to have text conversations using lines from poems by Jim Moore, Louise Gluck, and Pablo Neruda. The result? A one-of-a-kind collaborative piece that proves we all have a little poet in us. The Chill Concept, 114 NE 20th Terrace, Miami; Sign up here (space is limited)
3. Party Like a Poet
It's Miami, so even the poets know how to party. Come to ArtCenter/South Florida on April 17 for the Jai-Alai—O, Miami's literary magazine—release party to enjoy sips of Jai-Alai IPA courtesy of Cigar City Brewing, readings from local writers, and digital art projections. An exclusive edition of the magazine will be available in a coin-operated Zine Machine during the event (don't forget your quarters). 800 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach
4. An Ode to Chocolate
Chocolate lovers and poetry readers unite at the Like a Box of Chocolates event on April 20 at Miami Beach's Le Chocolatier. At 7 p.m., host Haya Pomrenze and other poets will read their chocolate-themed works aloud; at 8 p.m., it's your turn to hop on stage for open mic. (Email hayasubmissions@gmail.com to schedule your own reading.) 1840 NE 164th St., North Miami Beach
5. Learn to Write While You Walk
Skip the gym (gasp!) on April 25 and instead, take a walk with Miami native and writer Nathan Deuel. During the three-hour How to Write About Walking workshop, mosey around Miami Beach while getting tips and guidelines for translating your experience into writing. Sign up here
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FACEBOOK.COM/OMIAMIFESTIVAL