From the Bayou, We Speak

A Multilingual Showcase and Open Mic

Free The details

A Multilingual Showcase and Open Mic

Saturday, November 14, 2026 · 3:00–5:00 PMCentral Library (Jesse H. Jones Building), 1st floor
500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77002

The event is free for all ages. Registration is required and seats are limited.

What to expect

  • Bilingual readings of the poems in this collection
  • Poets and community orators reading in five languages
  • An open mic for anyone who wants to share
  • Families and all ages welcome

Your host

Madison “Maddie” PetawayHost · Houston's 2020 Youth Poet Laureate

Madison “Maddie” Petaway, Houston's 2020 Youth Poet Laureate, hosts the afternoon.

Meet the collaborators

Getting there

Parking in the Julia Ideson Building and Central Library garage is free on Saturdays. Enter from Lamar Street.

Metered street parking is also available nearby.

Get directions

Before you go

Meet the poems first

Read the poems and see the art ahead of time, so you can listen for your favorite lines on the day.

Enter the reading roomSee the art

Event recording

Can't make it? The full recording will be posted here after November 14.