By Sam Pierstorff
@ninjapoet
We are back with our signature event: Poetry Night & Haiku Battle! And this time, there are no rules. On Wednesday, August 13, from 7:30–9:30pm at Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, the Modesto Artists Movement invites you to an evening of poetic freedom and creative chaos.
The theme for this month’s haiku battle is simple: Anything Goes—which means every topic, tone, and twist is fair game. From absurd punchlines to lyrical heartbreaks, deep messages or shallow jokes, the stage is yours. Bring your best and boldest three-line haiku masterpieces and prepare to battle bracket-style. Everyone in the audience will receive a free kazoo to blast for their favorite haiku!
Hosted under the stars in downtown Modesto, this event has grown into a hub for poets, writers, and fans from all across the Central Valley. Poetry Night opens with an uncensored open mic—where all voices are welcome—and includes optional live musical accompaniment from percussionist Dave Rogers and cellist/pianist Marina John Hanna, adding texture to every reading.
Whether you come to perform or to soak it all in, you’ll witness the raw power of poetry, spontaneous brilliance, and a community that believes in the transformative power of the arts. Winners take home $100 for Best Poem and Haiku Champion—plus eternal bragging rights.
Come early, stay late, and be part of Modesto’s creative uprising. When we say anything goes, we mean it. _____
Here are some cool word related events where you can step up to the mic, and take the next step.
* August 3 (Sunday)
• Open Mic Music Night | 6 PM–9 PM
* August 13 (Wednesday)
• Poetry Night & Anything Goes Haiku Battle | 7:30 PM
* August 16 (Saturday)
• Punk Rock Show | 6 PM–10 PM
* August 17 (Sunday)
• Open Mic Music Night | 6 PM–9 PM
* August 20 (Wednesday)
• Comedy Writing Workshop | 6 PM–7 PM
• Comedy Open Mic | 7:30 PM
