Hot Springs Poetry Festival returns Nov. 1-8 with readings and workshops
Hot Springs, Ark. (KATV) — The Hot Springs Poetry Festival returns in November with literacy events, workshops and poetry readings set to take place November 1-8.
According to a release, the festival welcomed over 300 participants in 2025. Since the first installment, organizers aim to make poetry accessible to individuals from all walks of life while also seeking paid opportunities for Arkansas poets and forging partnerships.
The annual event begins on Bud Kenny Day, which is Sunday, November 1. Kenny, who died October 2, 2019, was considered a well-respected mentor and trailblazer in the Hot Springs community through poetry.
He launched what later became the nation's longest running weekly open mic series, Wednesday Night Poetry.
November 1 kicks the festival off by honoring the late Hot Springs native's work and contribution to literacy and poetry for generations.
From 1-5 p.m. on that day, Garland County Library will host the Poetry Playground. Interactive activities for all ages include collage, blackout poetry, haiku, zine-making and magnetic poetry.
Also in the afternoon, Sandy Longhorn and Annika Warrick will host writing workshops at the library. Attendees are encouraged to attend the festival's kickoff and zine release party at Kollective Coffee from 6-9 p.m.
Online writing shops and an online open mic will occur over the course of the week, alongside Wednesday Night Poetry at Kollective Coffee + Tea on November 4.
"Jazzoetry!," an all-vinyl DJ set celebrating the close ties of jazz and poetry, is set to be hosted by Static on Ouachita Friday, November 6, during the city's Gallery Walk.
Club House Hot Springs will run a full day of programming Saturday, November 7, where workshops on publishing, zine-making and somatic poetry will occur.
Saturday afternoon, from 2-3 p.m., Pulitzer Prize finalist James McWilliams will discuss the life and work of Arkansas poet Frank Stanford. Two workshops and a featured reading will take place after the event concludes.
Scheduled from 6-7 p.m., the featured reading comes from Ellie Black's new collection, "Revelator."
The Spa City Poetry Slam will close the evening out, featuring Little Rock's Lemon Pepper Poetry Slam and more than $1,000 in prizes.
Sunday, November 8, the festival concludes with the Spa City Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Club House Hot Springs. Attendees will find local authors, book signings, readings, and literary organizations from across the Natural State.
Later in the evening, "Big Gay Poetry" will take place from 5-7 p.m. The affair recognizes LBGTQ+ poets and the legacy of Sibling Rivalry Press.
Slated to close the festival will be a documentary screening of "Come See Me in the Good Light," by poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley from 7-9 p.m.
With support from Emergent Arts, Kollective Coffee + Tea, Club House Hot Springs, Sibling Rivalry Press and the Community Literacies Collaboratory, this year's festival is presented by Garland County Library.
Click here to view the complete schedule.