The 2026 Dodge Poetry Festival will take place in Newark from October 15 to 17, featuring an array of poetry, spoken word, and musical performances across seven stages. This year’s lineup includes acclaimed figures such as Patti Smith, Elizabeth Acevedo, and U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze.
Read More
Patti Smith, known for her influential song "Gloria" from her 1975 album Horses, is set to headline with her performance titled “Patti Smith: Songs and Stories” on October 16 at 8 p.m. at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall. Attendees will need a separate ticket for this event. Smith has made significant contributions to poetry, including her 2005 book “Auguries of Innocence” and her memoir “Just Kids,” which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2010.
The festival, presented by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and NJPAC, is recognized as North America’s largest poetry festival. Since its inception in 1986, the biennial event has aimed to promote poetry as an art form and advocate for social justice, attracting over 150,000 attendees.
Festival curator Ysabel Y. González emphasized the importance of poetry as a means of expression and community bonding. “Poetry gives us a voice,” she noted, highlighting its ability to empower individuals both privately and publicly.
The festival will include sessions on various topics such as “What We Do With Grief” and “The Art of Revision.” October 16 will feature Young Artist Day, allowing high school students and teachers to attend programs at no cost.
On October 17, highlights will include Family Fun Day and two ticketed events at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater, featuring a reunion of poets from HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam” and a multimedia presentation by filmmaker Nelson George.
González shared insights into the festival's planning process, aiming for a vibrant experience that celebrates a diverse range of poets and voices. She expressed excitement for the opening session titled “Praise & Reclamation,” featuring several prominent poets and blending music with poetry.
This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant gathering that offers attendees the opportunity to engage with poetry in various forms, fostering connection and inspiration within the Newark community. For more information and updates about the festival, visit njpac.org/series/dodgepoetry or grdodge.org/our-work/dodge-poetry.