Iowa City Poetry Alfresco 2026

Now in its fourth year, Iowa City Poetry Alfresco is back for an evening of open-air progressive readings. This event will take place outdoors on Saturday, May 2, 5-8 pm, at various private residences, businesses, and parks in the Northside Neighborhood (the area bounded by East Market, North Linn, Brown, and North Governor). It will culminate with a final reading at Happy Hollow Park with an open air party to follow. Everyone is welcome!

These in-person readings will take place every half hour from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Iowa City Poetry Advisory Council member David Duer says, “This event will provide a great opportunity to celebrate the vast wealth of literary voices in Iowa City and eastern Iowa.” The 20-minute readings will be miked to allow all attendees to enjoy. The after party at Happy Hollow Park, with food & drink, will offer a space where everyone can reflect, connect, and celebrate. 

Schedule & map coming soon!

READERS

Chris Apling · Miriam Alarcón Avila · Philip Beck · Alina Borger · Rodney Dailey II · Andy Douglas · Rebecca Entel · Elizander Espenschied · Miguel Espiritu · Susan Fuchtman · Cecile Goding · IC Speaks Youth Poets · Iowa City Poetry Slam Poets · Haley Johannesen · Laura Johnson · Karthik Keramalu · Becca Klaver · Margaret LeMay · Lyrical Ley · Emmylane Linh  ·  Warren C. Longmire · Jenny MacBain-Stephens · Ehsan Ahmed Mehedi · Henry Morray · Ish Muhammad  ·  Linda Muller  ·  Dianna Penny · Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey · Griffin Rockwell · Carolien Roorda · Amanda Rossmiller · Elizabeth Sloan · Joe Sloma · Brandon Smith ·  Corinne Stanley · Ko Ko Thett  ·  Carol Tyx  ·  and more!