Experience Four Days of Poetic Revolution
The vibrant spirit of New Orleans' literary scene is set to explode this spring as the New Orleans Poetry Festival (NOPF) marks its milestone 10th anniversary.
From April 10-13, the festival will transform the New Orleans Healing Center and surrounding venues into a dynamic hub of poetic expression, bringing together over 700 poets from across the globe for an unprecedented celebration of verse.
This landmark gathering stands apart from traditional literary conferences, embracing contemporary poetry's unconventional and experimental nature. With more than 80 major readings, roundtable discussions, and workshops, NOPF has established itself as one of the Gulf South's premier poetry events, fostering an environment where innovation and artistic risk-taking thrive.
The festival kicks off with a powerful Locals Night Opening Gala at the historic Saturn Bar, showcasing seven of New Orleans' most compelling voices. The momentum continues through an enriching weekend featuring international performances, including a special French Poetry & Translation night complete with jazz accompaniment. The Saturday evening Main Event headlines experimental political poets Ariana Reines and Tongo Eisen-Martin at Café Istanbul.
Event Details
- Dates: April 10-13, 2025
- Location: Multiple venues centered around the New Orleans Healing Center
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Features: Over 80 events including readings, workshops, and a small press fair
Event Highlights
- Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m.: Locals Night Opening Gala, a reading by a wide range of seven local poets, from established names in the scene as well as rising stars, at the Saturn Bar, located at 3067 St. Claude Ave.
- Friday, April 11, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Open Mic Session at St. Roch Tavern, 1200 St. Roch Ave.
- Friday, April 11, 7 p.m.: International Night: French Poetry & Translation, features three French poets accompanied by a French jazz musician at Café Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Room 252
- Saturday, April 12, 7 p.m.: Main Event, leading experimental political poets Ariana Reines and Tongo Eisen-Martin headline a performance Saturday evening at Café Istanbul.
- Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Readings, Roundtables, Workshops & Small Press Fair, an eclectic mix of over 70 readings, roundtables, and free poetry workshops at the New Orleans Healing Center, featuring nearly 400 poets as participants and a small press book fair representing over 50 small presses, arts organizations, and bookmakers at the New Orleans Healing Center
