By Rachel Powers

April is National Poetry Month, and this week brings us the 8th annual Long Beach Poetry Festival. On Wednesday, Davian Freeman hosts an African-American Poetry Night, and the festival ends Saturday evening with readings from local poets. In between you can catch CSULB MFA students presenting their work (Thursday), intimate readings at the Viento y Agua Coffeehouse and Gallery (Friday), and poetry penned by dog lovers for their pets (Saturday). Featured poets include Bill Mohr, Linda Albertano, and slam poet G. Murray Thomas. Two events deserve special mention: African-American Poetry Night will be held at the venerable Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, and the canine tributes will take place at the Dog Beach Zone. This last event is hosted by Haute Dog, and yes, there will be prizes.

The 8th Annual Long Beach Poetry Festival. Various locations. 562.881.2370. Wed 7pm; final event, Sat 7pm. Call for more information.

Tags: To Do