Home Events > Special Events Sacramento Poetry Day Gala

Sacramento Poetry Day Gala

Unleash the magic of words and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of poetry at the Sacramento Poetry Day gala! On October 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the enchanting Sacramento Library Galleria will come alive with the rhythmic beat of stanzas and the lyrical flow of verses. This extraordinary celebration, hosted by Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye, will honor the city’s most powerful poets for their invaluable contributions to our city's poetic legacy.

The night will be alive with art, culture, and camaraderie. Indulge in food and beverages, share moments with like-minded individuals, and become part of a poetic journey that transcends boundaries and brings us closer together. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or new to the world of verse, this event is for you. Come celebrate the beauty of Sacramento's poetic heritage. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and uplifted – it's a night you won't want to miss!

Reserve gala tickets

About the Host
Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye wears a black brimmed hat and dark sunglasses while looking up and away from the camera. He is wearing a light colored V neck shirt, a tan jacket, 2 necklaces, and an untied scarf around his neck. One hand is grasping the scarf and has a purple ring on it.

Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye wears a black brimmed hat and dark sunglasses while looking up and away from the camera. He is wearing a light colored V neck shirt, a tan jacket, 2 necklaces, and an untied scarf around his neck. One hand is grasping the scarf and has a purple ring on it.

Whether sharing stages with legendary beat poets or your favorite Hip Hop emcees, Andru Defeye’s unorthodox writing and performance style has made him a fixture behind microphones around the country. 2020 saw the release of his critically acclaimed Frequency album followed shortly after by his crowning as the youngest Poet Laureate in California capitol history. In 2021, Defeye was listed by Sacramento Magazine as one of the city’s 100 business leaders and nominated to receive an honorary doctorate from CSUS. In 2022 he joined the ranks of some of the most celebrated poets in the country as an Academy of American Poets fellow and brought Sacramento Poetry Day (October 26) to life creating a locally sourced curriculum, collection, and contest and bringing it to over 250,000 youth in the Sacramento area.

From Sacramento to Staten Island and SXSW, Andru Defeye served as the Director of Communications for Sol Collective from 2009-2020. In 2014 Defeye founded Zero Forbidden Goals, a support system for creatives dedicated to innovating arts equity, experiences, and education. ZFG’s guerrilla art activations including National Guerrilla Poetry Month, Chainlink Poetry, The Intersection, and The First Church of Poetry have been covered and recreated around the globe.

Special thanks to our partners