The 14th Annual New York City Poetry Festival | Nolan Park
Arts
Literary Arts
POETOPIA AWAITS: The 14th Annual New York City Poetry FestivalJuly 12–13, 202511:00 AM – 6:00 PM ESTNolan Park, Governors IslandFREE-TO-ATTENDWhat’s Your Poetopia?Every summer, The Poetry Society of New York (PSNY) transforms Governors Island into a sun-drenched poetry wonderland for the New York City Poetry Festival (NYC PoFest). For two unforgettable days, poets and poetry lovers of all kinds gather to shout poetry to the skyline, explore interactive art, snack on Smorgasburg-level treats, and immerse themselves in the magic of words. This year’s theme, Poetopia: Reimagining Poetic Futures, invites festival-goers to co-create a world where poetry is a communal resource, hierarchy dissolves, and language is truly free. With eight stages, headliner readings, live performances, open mics, vendor villages, and immersive experiences, NYC PoFest is a place where poetry comes alive in every form imaginable. Festival Highlights100+ poetry collectives & organizations performing on five main stages: The Brinkley, The Blackbird, The White Horse, The Beckett, and The AlgonquinNew! Youth Poetry Festival Stagefeaturing poets under 18, including 2025’s National & State Youth Poet LaureatesHeadliner Readings (3–4 PM daily): Naomi Shihab Nye (19 Varieties of Gazelle, The Tiny Journalist), Eileen Myles (Chelsea Girls, a “Working Life”), Sam Sax (Bury It, Madness), Anne Waldman & Andrew Whiteman (celebrating their new sonic poetry collaboration, Your Devotee in Rags)The Ring of Daisies Open Mic – a safe, inclusive space where anyone can perform inside a giant, literal ring of daisies! (Sat & Sun, 12:00–2:30 PM & 4:30–5:30 PM)Poetopia Vendor Village– 100+ independent artisans, booksellers, zine makers, jewelry designers, & moreImmersive poetry-meets-art installations exploring poetry’s intersection with technology, sustainability, music, and movementThe Poetry Brothel– an unforgettable literary cabaret blending 1920s glamour with modern poetic rebellionA space of transformation – NYC PoFest is more than a festival; it’s a place to imagine a more inclusive, equitable, and poetry-filled world!Why Attend?NYC PoFest is for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned poet, a casual poetry fan, or just looking for an inspiring weekend outdoors. It’s a place to discover new voices, share your own, and experience poetry in ways you never have before. With no tickets, no barriers to entry (beyond a $2.75 ferry ride), and no rules on how poetry should sound or look, this festival truly belongs to the people. Mark your calendars. Bring a poem in your pocket. Poetopia awaits! RSVP now and step into Poetopia! For more details, visit newyorkcitypoetryfestival.com or poetrysocietyny.org.
Information Source: eventbrite