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Dodge Poetry Festival at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Dates: 10/15/2026 - 10/17/2026
📍 Theatre: New Jersey Performing Arts Center
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The Dodge Poetry Festival, North America's largest poetry festival, returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center October 15–17, 2026. The festival features poet and punk rock icon Patti Smith, U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze, Elizabeth Acevedo, Pulitzer Prize winner Tyehimba Jess, Def Poetry Jam alumni, and dozens of other poets and spoken word artists. Events include a Def Poetry Reunion, readings by poets from Cave Canem, Kundiman, and CantoMundo, writing workshops, Young Artists Day, and a free Family Fun Day on NJPAC's Chambers Plaza. A full roster of participating poets and additional programming will be announced in June 2026.
Cast and Creative Team for Dodge Poetry Festival at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Cast
Evie Shockley
Ensemble
Danez Smith
Ensemble
Frank X Walker
Ensemble
Michael Wiegers
Ensemble
Patti Smith
Ensemble
Meg Day
Ensemble
Anthony Cody
Ensemble
Stephanie Burt
Ensemble
Kimberly M. Blaeser
Ensemble
Tyehimba Jess
Ensemble
Elizabeth Acevedo
Ensemble
Arthur Sze
Ensemble
Terrance Hayes
Ensemble
Marc Bamuthi Joseph
Ensemble
Carol Moldaw
Ensemble
Naomi Shihab Nye
Ensemble
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Ensemble
Aja Monet
Ensemble
Adrian Matejka
Ensemble
Creative Team
David Rodriguez
Executive Producer
Angela Thomas
Media Contact
NJPAC
Producer
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Producer
Ysabel Y. Gonzalez
Producer
News About Dodge Poetry Festival at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Patti Smith to Headline Dodge Poetry Festival at NJPAC
July 13, 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and 'punk poet laureate' Patti Smith will perform a night of songs and stories at NJPAC in Newark as part of the Dodge Poetry Festival, one of the nation's largest poetry celebrations.
Patti Smith to Perform Songs and Stories at NJPAC's Dodge Poetry Festival
June 30, 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and punk poet laureate Patti Smith will perform at NJPAC's Prudential Hall in Newark as part of the Dodge Poetry Festival, joining a lineup of celebrated literary voices.
DEF POETRY JAM REUNION to Take Center Stage at NJPAC During Dodge Poetry Festival
June 03, 2026 NJPAC will host an exclusive DEF POETRY JAM reunion during the Dodge Poetry Festival, featuring alumni performances and a tribute to Abiodun Oyewole, founding member of The Last Poets.
The Dodge Poetry Festival Will Return To Newark In October
April 23, 2026 North America's largest poetry festival, produced by NJPAC, will present Patti Smith, U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze, a Def Poetry Jam reunion, and writing workshops at its upcoming Newark edition.
DODGE POETRY FESTIVAL Presents A Free Family Fun Day At NJPAC
October 11, 2024 Explore the 20th Annual Dodge Poetry Festival's Free Family Day on October 19th in Newark, featuring interactive poetry activities, workshops, and performances for all ages at NJPAC.
Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Mc Lyte, Dupré Doitall Kelly + More Come To NJPAC This Fall
August 26, 2024 NJPAC has announced a powerful event featuring Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, and Dupré Doitall Kelly, focusing on social justice through spoken word.
Rafi Bastos Brings His UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY Tour To NJPAC
July 31, 2024 Brazilian comedian Rafi Bastos is bringing his Unfamiliar Territory Tour to NJPAC, offering a night of laughter and cultural insights. Join him for an entertaining performance that bridges cultural gaps.
Author Josh Wolf Brings His HIGH ON LIFE Tour To NJPAC In December
July 30, 2024 Popular standup comedian, actor, and NY Times Best-Selling author Josh Wolf has announced his High On Life Tour, scheduled to take place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Friday, December 13th at 7 PM.
Taalam Acey's Spoken Word Apex Returns to NJPAC Next Month
July 23, 2024 Poet/Curator Taalam Acey honed his poetic skills growing up in Newark. Now known as “The Godfather of Spoken Word,” Acey triumphantly returns home to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's (NJPAC) Victoria Theater on Saturday, August 24, 2024, to curate Spoken Word Apex, an illuminating night of poetry, visual arts and music, as part of NJPAC's Dodge Poetry series.
Nikki Giovanni to Present Her Poetry With Musicians Javon Jackson and Christian McBride
July 17, 2024 Nikki Giovanni, a renowned writer and civil rights activist, will present her poetry alongside musicians Javon Jackson and Christian McBride at NJPAC.
Joan Baez Will Present Her Poetry at NJPAC
July 17, 2024 Singer, songwriter, and activist Joan Baez takes on a new role as a published poet at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The event will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Dodge Foundation and NJPAC to Present Poetry Events in Lead-Up to 20th Dodge Poetry Festival
July 11, 2024 The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (Dodge Foundation) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) will continue their 2024 Dodge Poetry initiative this summer, with a series of events leading toward the debut of the reimagined Dodge Poetry Festival this fall. Learn about the events!
Taalam Acey Presents SPOKEN WORD APEX At NJPAC, September 8
August 21, 2023 With 17 CD's and eight books to his credit, the globe-spanning, award-winning, Newark-born, Georgia-based poet/curator Taalam Acey – “The Godfather of Spoken Word” – is one of the most impactful and inspirational artists of our time.
New Jersey Symphony Opens Centennial Season With Yefim Bronfman, Michelle Cann
September 12, 2022 The New Jersey Symphony and Music Director Xian Zhang open the Symphony's milestone centennial season with a pair of classical programs featuring pianists Yefim Bronfman and Michelle Cann.
New Jersey Symphony Announces 2022–23 Centennial Season, Extends Xian Zhang's Contract
March 11, 2022 The New Jersey Symphony and Music Director Xian Zhang announce the Symphony's landmark 2022–23 centennial season—and an extension of Zhang's music director contract through the 2027–28 season.About the Theatre
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New Jersey Performing Arts Center Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)?
The North to Shore Festival (6/13/26-6/28/26)
Patti Smith: Songs and Stories (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Def Poetry Reunion (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Patti Smith: Songs and Stories (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Def Poetry Reunion (10/15/26-10/17/26)
What shows have played recently at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)?
New Jersey Ballet - New Voices. Bold Visions. (4/24/26-4/25/26)
Nimbus Dance & NJ Symphony Present Firebird and Dark Water (3/7/25-3/9/25)
Backstage Pathways (10/3/24-5/17/24)
Hillary Clinton Live (9/17/24-9/17/24)
Nimbus Dance & NJ Symphony Present Firebird and Dark Water (3/7/25-3/9/25)
Backstage Pathways (10/3/24-5/17/24)
Hillary Clinton Live (9/17/24-9/17/24)
What shows are coming up next at New Jersey Performing Arts Center?
Patti Smith: Songs and Stories (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Def Poetry Reunion (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Hablando Huevadas (10/28/26-10/28/26)
15th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition (The SASSY Awards) (11/22/26-11/22/26)
Def Poetry Reunion (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Hablando Huevadas (10/28/26-10/28/26)
15th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition (The SASSY Awards) (11/22/26-11/22/26)
What shows have played recently at New Jersey Performing Arts Center?
The North to Shore Festival (06/13/26-06/28/26)
Ben Folds with New Jersey Symphony (06/13/26-06/13/26)
New Jersey Ballet - New Voices. Bold Visions. (04/24/26-04/25/26)
Nimbus Dance & NJ Symphony Present Firebird and Dark Water (03/07/25-03/09/25)
Backstage Pathways (10/03/24-05/17/24)
Hillary Clinton Live (09/17/24-09/17/24)
Ben Folds with New Jersey Symphony (06/13/26-06/13/26)
New Jersey Ballet - New Voices. Bold Visions. (04/24/26-04/25/26)
Nimbus Dance & NJ Symphony Present Firebird and Dark Water (03/07/25-03/09/25)
Backstage Pathways (10/03/24-05/17/24)
Hillary Clinton Live (09/17/24-09/17/24)
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A Beat of Our Own McCarter Theatre Center (10/07-10/25) |
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Jessica Vosk Mayo Performing Arts Center (9/18-9/18) |
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What the Constitution Means to Me Pioneer Productions Company/Morris Museum (9/19-9/20) |
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The Lost Virginity Tour Barn Theatre (9/18-10/04) |
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The Old Ladies Bar Players Guild of Leonia (9/18-9/27) |
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Opening Weekend: Beethoven's "Emperor" & Schubert's "Great" New Jersey Performing Arts Center (10/24-10/24) |
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Dvořák's "New World" Symphony Count Basie Center for the Arts (5/01-5/01) |
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KHAN!!! The Musical Brook Arts Center (9/18-9/27) PHOTOS |
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Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini State Theatre New Jersey (1/24-1/24) |
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Xian Zhang Conducts Mozart New Jersey Performing Arts Center (4/04-4/04) |
