Get ready for a massive dose of culture just a quick train ride away.
North America’s largest poetry festival is officially returning this fall.
The Dodge Poetry Festival will take over downtown Newark from October 15–17, 2026.
Produced by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and NJPAC, this biennial event transforms the city into a hub for spoken word, hip hop, and social justice.
A massive downtown takeover
You can expect the energy to be completely electric. The festival is spreading out across seven different stages throughout downtown Newark.
It is not just about quiet readings in dark rooms. The event celebrates poetry as a performing art and a community resource.
There is a packed lineup of special events. You can dive into Newark’s EvoluCulture Open Mic & Mixer on Thursday, October 15. This free event kicks off at 7 p.m. with host Sean Battle and DJ The IZM.
On Saturday, October 17, you can check out Do the Write Thing, a multimedia conversation spotlighting Brooklyn’s Black bohemian arts movement.
Punk royalty and ‘Def Poetry’ legends
The 2026 lineup is absolutely stacked. Punk rock icon Patti Smith will deliver a special “Songs and Stories” performance.
You can also catch a highly anticipated Def Poetry Reunion featuring alumni from Russell Simmons’ groundbreaking HBO series.
They will be joined by heavy hitters like 2025–2026 U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze, best-selling novelist Elizabeth Acevedo, and Pulitzer Prize winner Tyehimba Jess.
Dozens of acclaimed and emerging poets will also take the stage.
How to get tickets (and what is free)
You do not need to empty your wallet to enjoy the arts. There is a free Family Fun Day on Chambers Plaza featuring drumming, dancing workshops, and live readings.
High school groups can also attend Young Artist Day on Friday, October 16, for free daytime programming.
For the main events, 3-day and 1-day passes are on sale now.
Just remember that these festival passes do not include special ticketed events, which you must purchase separately.
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