About
Mission
- Celebrate Diverse Poetry – Host readings, workshops, and interactive events to showcase poetry in all its forms.
- Empower Local Voices – Provide paid opportunities for Arkansas poets and collaborate with businesses to amplify literary arts.
- Ensure Accessibility – Offer free programming, educational resources, and inclusive spaces to engage all community members.
Vision
- Re-imagine Public Spaces – Transform venues into dynamic stages for poetic expression.
- Elevate Arkansas Arts – Establish Hot Springs as a hub for innovative, community-driven literary culture.
- Inspire Lifelong Engagement – Foster a lasting appreciation for poetry through our programs.
Schedule
November 1, 2025
Festival Launch Party
Kick off the festival with an exciting launch party featuring music, readings, and community celebration.
November 2, 2025
People’s Poetry Fair
A showcase of local organizations, poets, and initiatives aimed at making poetry accessible to all, featuring educational resources, free books, and activities for the community.
Poetry Playground
A creative space to engage with poetry through games and interactive booths.
Sunday Night Live
A free-for-all where performers come together to share their talents in an open and inviting atmosphere.
November 3, 2025
Fiction Writer’s Cafe
This program is equal parts learning fiction writing techniques, writing and sharing, and just hanging out with friends.
Downtown Poetry Crawl
Adventurers explore downtown, visiting various businesses and restaurants to discover scattered poems and solve riddles to win prizes,
November 4, 2025
Writing Workshop
A hands-on workshop focusing on enhancing writing skills and exploring new techniques.
November 5, 2025
Wednesday Night Poetry
Wednesday Night Poetry is the longest running consecutive weekly open mic series in the country, never missing a single week since February 1, 1989.
November 6, 2025
Writing Workshop
A hands-on workshop focusing on enhancing writing skills and exploring new techniques.
November 7, 2025
Gallery Walk
Held the first Friday of every month since 1989, Gallery Walk features the opening of new art exhibitions in downtown galleries.
November 8, 2025
Online Workshop with Worker Writers School (NYC)
This special workshop invites local writers to engage with the rich literary traditions of low-wage workers.
Spa City Slam x Lemon Pepper Poetry Slam
A poetry slam featuring talented poets competing for the title of Hot Springs Poetry Festival's Slam Champion.
Workshops at Emergent Arts
A hands-on workshop focusing on enhancing writing skills and exploring new techniques.
Sponsors, Partners & Venues
Coming Soon
Poets
Coming Soon