top of page

Join us at Poetry Palooza!

Poetry of Place & Echoes of Earth

April 19-20, 2024
Grand View University, Des Moines, IA

What is Poetry Palooza?

Inspired by an educational and entertainment event of nearly 20 years ago, this creative experience – Poetry Palooza! – has been a long time in the making. 

​

In partnership with Humanities Iowa and the Iowa Poetry Association, we are hosting Poetry Palooza! a dynamic, interactive, and integrated performing arts experience.

​

This festival celebrates esteemed poets, cultivates students and emerging talent, and demonstrates the positive power of poetry.

2024 Schedule of Events

Friday, April 19, 2024

Various Times | Featured Poets Visiting Classrooms Around the State
Learn About The Youth Workshops

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception
Featuring: Debra Marquart receiving the James A. Autry Award and Lucille Morgan Wilson receiving the Iowa Honorary Poet Laureate Award
Viking Theater & Lobby
Grand Vi
ew University

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | IPA Poetry Slam Finals
Featuring: Top Iowa poets competing for state championship
Viking Theater
Grand View University

 

Saturday, April 20, 2024

10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Poetry Workshops
Led by Traci Brimhall, Jennifer L. Knox, and Paul Brooke
Conference Rooms
Grand V
iew University

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Feature Poet Panel
*Lunch available for purchase (order ahead of time)
Featuring: Camille Dungy, Traci Brimhall, Jennifer L. Knox, Deb Marquart, and Paul Brooke
Moderated by Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey

Dining Hall
Grand View University




1:15 - 3:00 p.m. | Poetry Workshops
Led by Camille Dungy, Debra Marquart, and Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey
Conference Rooms
Grand View University

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | "The Cities of the Plains" Book Launch & Reading
Hosted by Paul Brooke
Speed Lyceum
Grand View University

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Open Mic
Emceed by Kelsey Bigelow
Viking Theater
Grand View University

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Featured Poets Performance
Featuring: Camille Dungy, Traci Brimhall, Jennifer L. Knox, Debra Marquart, and Paul Brooke
Emceed by Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey

Doors Open at 6:30 p.m.
Viking Theater

Grand View University

2024 Palooza Poets_Graphic.png

Meet the poets

We are excited for our 2024 lineup of Feature Poets!

Getting Around

Need some guidance on where everything is for Poetry Palooza? You can find a map to the venue, our hotel partner, and more on our Travel page.

bottom of page