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 Bloomington Street, North Linn Street, Brown Street, and North Governor Street). 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.

We are now seeking readers for Iowa City Poetry Alfresco 2026. If you are a poet living in our area and would like to share your work during the event, please fill out the Reader Application. Our team will get back to you with more details.