National Take a Poet to Lunch Day (January 6th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every January 6th
Tagged as:	Food & Drink Hobbies & Activities Poetry
What's the hashtag?	#NationalTakeaPoettoLunchDay
When was it founded?	1995
Who founded it?	Arnold Adoff
We first published this page on:	Jun 8th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Jun 8th, 2025

Contents

Is there a poet that you’d love to sit across from, maybe over a bowl of soup or a slice of pie? Someone whose words made you pause or feel seen in a way nothing else quite did?

National Take a Poet to Lunch Day is your moment. No stage, no spotlight—just real conversation and shared bites.

It’s about treating poetry like something alive, not locked in dusty pages. You’re not just meeting a poet. You’re inviting their world into yours, one forkful at a time.

Maybe they’ll talk about what inspired a certain line. Maybe they’ll ask what you had for breakfast and turn it into a haiku. The point isn’t fancy food or deep debate.

It’s about warmth, presence, and the kind of small magic that only happens when people connect with no rush. A poet brings their whole self to the table. When you do the same, something quietly powerful unfolds.

How to Celebrate National Take a Poet to Lunch Day

National Take a Poet to Lunch Day offers a delightful opportunity to connect with poets and celebrate their craft. Here are some creative ways to mark the occasion:

Host a Poetry Potluck

Invite friends to a gathering where each person brings a favorite dish and a poem to share. This blend of food and verse creates a warm, communal atmosphere.

Encourage guests to read their chosen poems aloud, fostering a shared appreciation for poetry.

Organize a Sidewalk Poetry Display

Use chalk to write poems on sidewalks in your neighborhood or near local cafes. This spontaneous art can brighten someone’s day and introduce passersby to new verses.

Ensure the messages are positive and accessible to all ages.

Share Poems on Social Media

Select a poem that resonates with you and post it on your social media platforms. Add a personal note about why it speaks to you.

This simple act can inspire others to explore poetry and share their own favorites.

Create a Mini Poetry Library

Set up a small, free-standing box in your community filled with poetry books and pamphlets. Encourage neighbors to take a poem and leave one in return.

This exchange promotes literary sharing and discovery.

Attend a Local Poetry Reading

Check out local bookstores, libraries, or community centers for poetry readings or open mic nights. Participating in these events supports local poets and offers a chance to experience poetry in a lively setting.

History of National Take a Poet to Lunch Day

National Take a Poet to Lunch Day began in 1995. American poet and educator Arnold Adoff came up with the idea. He wanted a lighthearted way to connect poets with people outside academic or formal settings.

Sharing lunch felt easy, familiar, and welcoming. It removed barriers and made room for real conversations about writing, creativity, and life.

The idea grew slowly. A few people picked it up through poetry circles and small events. It wasn’t created by a company or major organization.

There was no big launch or media splash. Instead, it spread through word of mouth and a few mentions in literary communities. Over time, fans of poetry started marking the day in their own creative ways.

Now, the day lives on quietly in different parts of the country. Some people meet local poets for coffee. Others invite poets to school lunches or community meals. The idea isn’t tied to rules or rituals. Its charm lies in its simplicity.

It reminds people that poetry doesn’t need a stage or spotlight. Sometimes, it just needs a seat at the table. And a sandwich. Or maybe pie.

Whatever the food, the real treat is in the exchange of stories, ideas, and laughter.

National Take a Poet to Lunch Day