Poetry Fest submission window is open until Oct. 1.
By Lana Pierce
The Hot Springs Poetry Fest is currently accepting submissions for its 2025 Festival Zine. Set to honor the Spa City’s legendary literary legacy, the events include spoken word slams, a launch party, a poetry crawl and scavenger hunt, and open mic nights.
Poets and artists are encouraged to contribute original works reflecting the diversity of Arkansas’s literary community. The submission window is open until October 1. There will be a zine release party at the opening kick-off event, November 1.
NOV 1–Event Kick-Off: Poetry Fest Launch Party at Kollective Coffee + Tea.
NOV 3–Activities: Win prizes at the Poetry Crawl and Scavenger Hunt in downtown Hot Springs, attend free writing and poetry workshops at the Garland County Library and Emergent Arts, enjoy the Historic Wednesday Night Poetry open mic night, Yoga Poetics, and more.
NOV 8 – Closing Ceremony: Enjoy the Spa City Slam + Lemon Pepper Poetry Slam of Little Rock, where poets will compete for the title of Hot Springs Poetry Fest Slam Champion.
Founded as a grassroots initiative, the Hot Springs Poetry Fest honors the city’s poetic history while nurturing new talent through inclusive and engaging programming. According to co-organizer Samm Binns, this year’s fest will celebrate “diverse poetry, local voices, and accessibility for all.” New and established poets and artists are encouraged to attend. For more information about submissions to the Festival Zine, email hotspringspoetryfest@gmail.com.
For media inquiries, submission guidelines, or sponsorship opportunities, contact organizers Catherine Buercklin and Samm Binns at hotspringspoetryfest@gmail.com.
Lana Pierce is an author and 19-year veteran of the NLR Fire Department who lives in Hot Springs and owns RetroFit.
