The 2026 Dodge Poetry Festival, the largest poetry festival in the United States, will take place from October 15 to 17 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and other venues in Newark. This year's festival features a lineup that includes the U.S. Poet Laureate, Pulitzer Prize winners, bestselling novelists, and award-winning poets.
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Attendees can look forward to a variety of events, including free poetry workshops, a Family Fun Day, readings from Poet Laureates and Def Jam Poetry alumni, and a performance by rock icon Patti Smith. The festival also offers a walkable village for book signings and literary activities, ensuring an experience suitable for all ages and interests.
Notable figures involved in this year's festival include Newark native Ysabel Y. González, who holds a BA from Rutgers University and an MFA in Poetry from Drew University, serving as Producer of Poetry & Social Impact at NJPAC. Acclaimed poet Marc Bamuthi Joseph, a TED Global Fellow and winner of multiple prestigious awards, will also be participating.
Festival-goers will have the chance to meet acclaimed poets such as Elizabeth Acevedo, Tyehimba Jess, Aja Monet, Danez Smith, Jive Poetic, Mayde del Valle, and José Olivarez. The festival encourages attendees to discover new voices and engage in conversations about change through poetry and performance.
Additionally, Young Artist Day is scheduled for October 16 at 9 AM at NJPAC, featuring multiple events spread across seven stages in downtown Newark. Noteworthy highlights include a Thursday night mixer and open mic hosted by EvoluCulture, writer workshops in collaboration with the Academy of American Poets, and readings by Cave Canem and other prominent literary groups.
Please note that festival passes do not cover special ticketed events, such as those featuring Patti Smith and others.
Doug Doyle, News Director at WBGO, has conducted interviews with Ysabel Y. González and Marc Bamuthi Joseph, providing insights into their roles in this year’s festival.