The goal of the Magic City Poetry Festival is to spread a love of contemporary poetry to the Greater Birmingham area through community-focused, free programming. Last year, we hosted open mics, a community conversation/keynote panel, featured poetry readings, and a community poetry showcase. This year, we hope to expand our open mic events, bring in Sonia Sanchez for our keynote speaker, host a poetry block party with the Woodlawn Street Market, name a Birmingham River-poet and host a reading, host an “in translation” reading, and create literary festivities for adults and children throughout the month. Our philosophy is that poetry is for everyone, and because of that, every event is free and open to the public.