2026 Poetry Palooza!

April 16-18, 2026
DMACC & Grand View University
Des Moines, IA

Martín Espada

Kimberly Blaeser

Jewel Rodgers

Kelli Lage

Jennifer L. Knox

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Poetry Workshop with Martín Espada

DMACC Building 7 Conference Room

1100 7th Street Des Moines, IA 50314

5:30 - 6:45 p.m. | Welcome Reception & James A. Autry Award for Poetry & Leadership

Grand View Viking Theater

Heavy hors d'oeuvres provided

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Featured Poet Performance & Book Signing

Grand View Viking Theater

Featuring: Martín Espada, Kimberly Blaeser, Jewel Rodgers, Kelli Lage, & emcee Jennifer L. Knox

9:30 - 10:00 a.m. | Coffee Networking

Grand View University Student Center Lobby

10:00 - 11:30 | Poetry Workshops led by Kimberly Blaeser & Kelli Lage

Grand View University Student Center Conference Rooms

12:00 - 1:15 p.m. | Featured Poet Panel with Kimberly Blaeser, Jewel Rodgers, and Kelli Lage, moderated by Jennifer L. Knox

Grand View University Cafeteria

Lunch available for purchase from the cafeteria

1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Poetry Workshops led by Jewel Rodgers & Jennifer L. Knox

Grand View University Student Center Conference Rooms

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Open Mic hosted by Poetry Unplugged's Miguel Ramirez

Grand View Viking Theater

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Iowa Poetry Association's Poetry Slam Finals hosted by Kelsey Bigelow

Doors open at 6:30

Grand View Viking Theater