Article Text
Fairfax County will celebrate National Poetry Month in April with events combining poetry, food, visual art and an Earth Day festival.
The “Poetry &” initiative, supported by ArtsFairfax and led by Fairfax County Poet Laureate Angelique Palmer, begins April 7 and continues throughout the month. Palmer, whose term runs through September 2027, said the program is designed to show how poetry can complement culinary and visual arts.
Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, located at 6641 Old Dominion Drive in McLean, will launch the series Tuesday, April 7, with a three-course prix fixe dinner created in collaboration with Palmer and ArtsFairfax.
The $40 Bayou-inspired menu reflects the roots of Palmer and chef David Guas. It includes wood oven-roasted oysters, crawfish étouffée with a buttermilk biscuit, and bananas Foster tarte Tatin.
The menu will remain available through April 14. That evening, Neutral Ground will host Palmer and Guas for a conversation, drink specials and a live poetry reading from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The series will move to the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton on April 16 for a workshop connecting poetry and visual art. Participants will draw inspiration from “Flourish,” an exhibition currently on view, and create ekphrastic poems that describe or respond to artwork. Both new and experienced poets may participate and share their writing.
Palmer will close the Earth Day festival at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston with a poetry reading April 25.
On April 28, she will appear with Fava Pot chef Dina Daniel at The Boro in Tysons for a one-night event exploring how food and language help shape culture, identity and heritage. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.