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Join us at the 2025 Poetry Palooza!
April 4-5, 2025
Des Moines, IA
What is Poetry Palooza?
Inspired by an educational and entertainment event of nearly 20 years ago, this creative experience – Poetry Palooza! – has been a long time in the making.
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In partnership with Humanities Iowa and the Iowa Poetry Association, we are hosting Poetry Palooza! a dynamic, interactive, and integrated performing arts experience.
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This festival celebrates esteemed poets, cultivates students and emerging talent, and demonstrates the positive power of poetry.
Schedule of Events
Friday, April 4, 2025
Various Times | Featured Poets Visiting Classrooms Around the State
Learn About Youth Workshops
5:30 - 6:45 p.m. | Welcome Reception & Award Ceremony
Featuring: The James A. Autry Award
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Featured Poet Performance & Book Signing
Featuring: Ross Gay, Jane Wong, Vince Gotera, & Kelsey Bigelow
Saturday, April 5, 2025
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. | Coffee Networking
Grab coffee and pastries while getting to know the other attendees before the workshops kick off!
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Poetry Workshops
Led by Vince Gotera & Kelsey Bigelow
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Lunch
Lunch will be available for purchase in the Grand View Cafeteria. Go through the line, get what you want, grab a seat, and enjoy your lunch as the Feature Poet Panel gets underway!
12:00 - 1:15 p.m. | Feature Poet Panel
Join poets Ross Gay, Jane Wong, Vince Gotera, and Kelsey Bigelow as they discuss how poetry builds community in times of conflict, the poet's role in creating change, poets they recommend, and the value of poetry in today's oppositional world.
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Poetry Workshops
Led by Ross Gay & Jane Wong
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Open Mic
Emceed by Poetry Unplugged host Miguel Ramirez
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | IPA Poetry Slam Finals
Featuring: Top Iowa Spoken Word Poets
Emceed by Kelsey Bigelow
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