• $29 VIP Ticket To The 14th Annual New York City Poetry Festival (a $56 value)

What is poetry, really? Words on a page? Clowns in colorful socks? Accordion music? Parasols? Nature? Abandoned buildings? A solar-powered merry-go-round? These are simply a few of the magical, poetic experiences you will encounter at The 14th Annual New York City Poetry Festival hosted by The Poetry Society of New York. Get ready for another weekend of the arts, libations, stunning imagery and unforgettable memories!

This incredible soirée brings together over 100 poetry collectives and organizations, performing across five main stages: The Brinkley, The Blackbird, The White Horse, The Beckett, and The Algonquin. This year introduces the exciting Youth Poetry Festival Stage, spotlighting poets under 18, including the 2025 National and State Youth Poet Laureates.

Each afternoon, Headliner Readings feature acclaimed voices such as Naomi Shihab Nye, Eileen Myles, Sam Sax, and a special performance by Anne Waldman & Andrew Whiteman celebrating their new sonic poetry collaboration, Your Devotee in Rags. Plus, the beloved Ring of Daisies Open Mic invites all to share their work inside a giant, literal ring of daisies in a safe, inclusive environment.

Beyond the stages, NYC PoFest offers a rich landscape of poetic expression and community. The Poetopia Vendor Village hosts 100+ independent artisans, booksellers, zine makers, and creatives, while immersive installations explore poetry’s intersections with technology, sustainability, music, and movement.

One of the festival’s most talked-about experiences, The Poetry Brothel, serves up an unforgettable literary cabaret merging 1920s glamour with bold, contemporary poetics. More than just a festival, NYC PoFest is a space of transformation, a vibrant, living testament to the power of verse to shape a more inclusive, equitable, and poetry-filled world.

As you mingle, read, listen, and create in the festival’s enchanting poetry village, take a dreamy detour to the VIP Tent, a haven stocked with tasty treats and refreshing sips to match. Whether it’s a swirl of tipples such as Absinthia Absinthe, a crisp pour from Brooklyn Brewery, a glass of Lost Poet Wine, or a splash of gin or whiskey, there’s a perfect potion waiting to cool you down and lift your spirits.

There's even more fun to be had, whether it's hitting up street food vendors, shopping art, and of course, you'll also benefit from an annual membership to The Poetry Society of New York that comes with a ton of other perks to be found here.

Whether you're a word magician or simply love the summer sunshine vibes, this bewitching assemblage will inspire & wow in every way...

Your $29 VIP Ticket (a $56 Value) Includes:

• Admission To The 14th Annual New York City Poetry Festival At Governors Island from 11:00am until 6:00pm on Saturday July 12, 2025, & on Sunday July 13, 2025 (ticket includes admission to both days).
• Access to the Exclusive VIP Tent.
• A Selection of Complimentary Wines, Beers & Spirits from brands such as Brooklyn Brewery, Lost Poet Wine, Pomp & Whimsy, Absinthia Absinthe, New York Distilling Company, and non-alcoholic beverages such as Guayaki Yerba Mate, water, and more to enjoy.
• Complimentary Snacks.
• An Assortment of Foods from brands such as Everything About Crepes, Veda Bakery, and Crispin Dopamine and more for purchase.
• Poetry Performances by various creatives, including headliners like Naomi Shihab Nye, Eileen Myles, Anne Waldman, Sam Sax, and Andrew Whiteman.
• An Annual Membership to The Poetry Society of New York with perks listed here.
• 100+ Poetry Collectives & Organizations performing on five main stages: The Brinkley, The Blackbird, The White Horse, The Beckett, and The Algonquin.
• Youth Poetry Festival Stage featuring poets under 18, including 2025’s National & State Youth Poet Laureates.
• Headliner Readings: Naomi Shihab Nye (19 Varieties of Gazelle, The Tiny Journalist), Eileen Myles (Chelsea Girls, a “Working Life”), Sam Sax (Bury It, Madness), Anne Waldman & Andrew Whiteman (celebrating their new sonic poetry collaboration, Your Devotee in Rags).
• The Ring of Daisies Open Mic – a safe, inclusive space where anyone can perform inside a giant, literal ring of daisies!
• Poetopia Vendor Village with 100+ independent artisans, booksellers, zine makers, jewelry designers, & more.
• Immersive Poetry-Meets-Art Installations exploring poetry’s intersection with technology, sustainability, music, and movement.
• The Poetry Brothel – an unforgettable literary cabaret blending 1920s glamour with modern poetic rebellion.

New York Poetry Festival's Website | Tickets