Hot Springs Poetry Festival ~ ~ ~
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

5:00 PM

Kick off the festival with an exciting launch party featuring music, readings, and community celebration.

November 2, 2025

1:00 - 6:00 PM

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.

1:00 - 6:00 PM

A creative space to engage with poetry through games and interactive booths.

7:00 PM

A free-for-all where performers come together to share their talents in an open and inviting atmosphere.

November 3, 2025

4:30 PM

This program is equal parts learning fiction writing techniques, writing and sharing, and just hanging out with friends.

Adventurers explore downtown, visiting various businesses and restaurants to discover scattered poems and solve riddles to win prizes,

November 4, 2025

6:00 - 7:00 PM

A blend of yoga and poetry to inspire creativity and relaxation.

5:00 - 6:00 PM

A hands-on workshop focusing on enhancing writing skills and exploring new techniques.

November 5, 2025

6:00 PM

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

5:00 PM

A hands-on workshop focusing on enhancing writing skills and exploring new techniques.

November 7, 2025

6:00 - 9:00 PM

Held the first Friday of every month since 1989, Gallery Walk features the opening of new art exhibitions in downtown galleries.

November 8, 2025

Sponsors, Partners & Venues

Coming Soon

Poets

Coming Soon