The 15th Annual New York City Poetry Festival
About this Event
The New York City Poetry Festival Presents: A Modern Odyssey
This summer, join thousands of poets & poetry lovers at the 15th Annual New York City Poetry Festival as we cross the wine-dark sea of New York Harbor & invoke the muses on Governors Island—our poetic Ithaca.
On July 18–19, 2026 from 11 am - 6pm, NYC PoFest returns to Nolan Park for a two-day celebration of poetry, community, & creative homecoming! For one glorious weekend, Governors Island transforms into a vibrant poetry village—a place where poets & poetry lovers gather to read, listen, collaborate, daydream, & revel among picturesque Victorian houses & beneath the wide green canopies of century-old trees.
Join us! Cross the harbor & come home to poetry.
What to Expect
- Back-to-back 30-minute readings on our five stages: The Brinkley, The White Horse, The Algonquin, The Blackbird, & The Beckett, featuring a non-hierarchically curated schedule of groups alongside headlining poets (TBA)
- Back-to-back 30-minute readings at our Youth Festival, featuring youth poets & headlined by PSNY’s Youth Poetry Contest winners
- The Poetry Brothel Stage, featuring private readings from PSNY’s infamous literary cabaret
- The Ring of Daisies Open Mic, a safe, joyful, & gloriously unpretentious space where anyone can perform inside a giant, literal ring of daisies
- 100+ independent vendors in our Vendor Village, featuring poetic treasures ranging from books to vintage clothes to jewelry
- Interactive art installations, including the Unsent Letter Mailbox, poetry films, & typewriter poetry
- Smorgasburg-worthy food trucks
- Harbor views, open lawns, & sprawling picnic vibes
- A snazzy VIP area for PSNY members
- A vibrant community of poets & poetry lovers from across New York City & beyond
About NYC PoFest
The New York City Poetry Festival unites the vibrant & wildly diverse poetry community of New York City & beyond, inviting poetry organizations & collectives of all kinds to bring their unique styles & voices. At the heart of the festival is a deeply held belief that poetry should be free & for all. We believe poetry belongs everywhere—in parks, ferries, gardens, & public squares—not just in bars, bookstores, & universities.
For one weekend each summer, the festival brings poets out into the daylight to gather, read, teach, listen, perform, experiment, collaborate, & celebrate the strange, beautiful art of language together.
By gathering the largest community of poets in the country, The New York City Poetry Festival is a weekend of literary magic that shines a bright public light on poetry!
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Harper Zacharias at [email protected].
Become a PSNY Member!
Join The Poetry Society of New York (PSNY) & enjoy free access to our exclusive VIP tent at the festival, along with year-round invitations to PSNY events, workshops, & literary adventures. Explore our membership levels here!
Why Attend?
NYC PoFest is for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned poet, a casual poetry fan, or simply looking for an inspiring weekend outdoors. It’s a place to discover new voices, share your own, & experience poetry in ways you never have before. With no barriers to entry (beyond a $2.75 ferry ride) & absolutely no rules about what poetry should sound like, this festival truly belongs to the people.
Learn More
For more details, visit:
newyorkcitypoetryfestival.com
poetrysocietyny.org
Terms & Conditions
Tickets & Entry
All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, except in the event of a cancellation by the organizer.
Tickets may be transferred to another guest prior to the event, but each ticket grants admission to one person only.
Admission is subject to venue capacity and compliance with all event policies.
Age Requirement
If this event is listed as 18+ or 21+, as specified on the event page, a valid government-issued photo ID may be required for entry.
No exceptions will be made for underage guests.
Event Format & Content
PSNY events are often immersive experiences and may include adult themes, intimate conversation, and explicit language. By attending, you acknowledge and consent to participation in an immersive environment. No physical contact is required, and guests are always free to opt out of any interaction.
Photography, Video & Recording
Photography, audio recording, and video recording are strictly prohibited, unless explicitly permitted by the organizers.
By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed by the event organizers for promotional or archival purposes, unless otherwise stated.
Code of Conduct
Guests are expected to behave respectfully toward performers, staff, and fellow attendees.
Harassment, inappropriate behavior, or failure to follow staff instructions may result in immediate removal without refund.
Performers’ boundaries must be respected at all times. PSNY full code of conduct can be found here: https://poetrysocietyny.org/code-of-conduct
Accessibility & Special Needs
Please contact the organizers in advance with any accessibility needs or questions so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Health & Safety
Attendees agree to comply with all venue rules, local regulations, and health and safety guidelines in effect at the time of the event.
The organizers reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any guest whose presence poses a safety risk.
Event Changes or Cancellation
The Poetry Society of New York reserves the right to modify the event format, performers, schedule, or venue as necessary.
In the event of cancellation, ticket holders will be notified and refunds will be issued according to Eventbrite policies.
Assumption of Risk
Attendance is voluntary, and guests assume all risks incidental to participation in a live, immersive event. By attending this event, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify The Poetry Society of New York, Inc. and its affiliates from any claims or liabilities arising from your participation in the event, including but not limited to violations of event policies or harm caused to others.
Mailing List
By registering for this event, you are opting into The Poetry Society of New York’s mailing list and those of its affiliates. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Thank you so much to all of our sponsors for the 15th Annual New York City Poetry Festival!
The Brinkley: July 18th
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Chronic Fagtigue
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday Morning Poets
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Nuyorican Poets Cafe
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Hudson Balley Writers Center (HVWC)
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Milk Press
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Italian American Writers Association
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Masqueerade
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
CavanKerry Press
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
HEADLINER READINGS: HALA ALYAN & NATALIE DIAZ
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Scientists & Poets
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Poets of Queens
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
The Jersey City Poetry Festival
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Black Lawrence Press
The Brinkley: July 19th
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation (VONA)
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Poets Network & Exchange
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
RA OPEN MIC
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
The Adroit Journal
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
There's A Lot to Unpack Here
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Alice James Books
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Brooklyn Poets
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Brooklyn Writer's Foundry
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
HEADLINER READINGS: FATIMAH ASGHAR AND HANIF ABDURRAQIB
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Button Poetry
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
The Written Word is Dead
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Seasonal Reflections
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Hot People Read Poetry
The Algonquin: July 18th
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Searching for Home Collective
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Revista Ajkö Ki
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
The Northeast Coast
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
FUFMA Poets & Writers Live
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Stanchion Lit Mag & Book Press
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
TroubleMakers Art Collective
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Poets House
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
White Rabbit
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
La Casa Collective
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
The {Poetry} Unfold
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Mictastic!
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Dandy of the Underworld art collective
The Algonquin: July 19th
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Universal Poets' Club, LLC
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
The SOMA Network
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Darklight Publishing
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Dreams in Hiding Writing
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Storytelling on Orchard Street
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Hybrido Literary Magazine
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Poetry is Gay
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
NYC Climate Writers Collective
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Nueva York Poetry Press
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Rizoma Literairio
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
MFA AA
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Poetry Fighters
The Beckett: July 18th
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
KGB Monday Night Poetry Series
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Plataforma PLACA
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Poetry Camp
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
The Haus of Expression
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Brooklyn Women's Writing Group
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
The Scene Life Inc.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
The Asian American Writers' Workshop
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Turrialba Literaria
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
The Sanctuary NJ
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Grace Issues
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Poetryencounters
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Queens Reading Series
The Beckett: July 19th
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Too Much & Extra
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
ii Publishing
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Poetry-on-Hudson
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
El Arco & La Flecha Editores
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Poets Out Loud
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Poets Wear Prada
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Nueva New York Poetry Review
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Encuentro de Poetas Iberoamericanos: Poeta en Nueva New York
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Sakura Series
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
The Resilient Souls Collective
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Energetic Investments
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Indirect Books
The White Horse: July 18t
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Langston's Parlor
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Souletri
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
The Rainbow Project
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Phoenix Poetry Open Mic
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Forgotten Ground Regained
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Manhattanville University MFA Program
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Poetchella
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
First Tuesdays
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Get Fresh Books Publishing
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Easy Paradise
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Flower Power Poetry
The White Horse: July 19t
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The WildStory: A Podcast of Poetry and Plants
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
NYC Resistor
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Trans* Poetics Research Group
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Brownstone Poets
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
All Walks Society
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Movimiento Literario Palabra y Punto
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Jersey City Writers
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
The Human Arts Collective
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Neuroautic Institute Press
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Shabdaguchha
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Abstract Voices
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
S.P.E.A.K Open Mic
The Blackbird: July 18th
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Mocha Mic with Millie
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
WAYE: A Poetry Reading Series
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Poets With Purpose
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
House of Khaos
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Spoken Moon Open Mic
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
BROOKLYNBIHARN
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Pen + Brush
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Slapering Hol Press (SHP) housed in the Hudson Valley Writers Center
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Crowe's Nest
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Poetry & Potions Open Mic
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Hibrido Literario
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
SMUT NITE
The Blackbird: July 19th
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Trio House Press
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
No, Dear
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
The Rose Garden Events
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Quote Unquote
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Pink Trees Press
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Pen Pal Poets
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Graywolf Press
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
The Why Collective
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Sing2Me Read2Me, Baby!
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
IntersectionsMag
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Poetry For All
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
bi/Coa: Base Intercultural / Community of the Americas
Youth Festival Stage: 18
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cypress Hills Ascend Middle School
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Life is Precious
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Stella High Charter Academy and Get Lit
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
The Lionfish -- Youth Poetry Magazine of Poets House
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
The Rose Garden Events
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
The Little Bookshop
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Youth Contest Winners / Headliners
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Coalition for Hispanic Family Services Arts & Literacy
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
International School of Brooklyn
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Youth Contest Ambassadors
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
The Bokeh Review
Youth Festival Stage: 19
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Teachers and Writers Collaborative
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
The SOMA Network
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
826NYC
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Girls Write Now
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Writopia Lab
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Harlem Bomb Shelter
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Ms/Hs x22:
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Youth Contest Ambassadors
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
House of SpeakEasy
Where is it happening?
USD 0.00 to USD 55.20
