The Hot Springs Poetry Festival returns November 1–8, bringing a week of free literary arts programming to Hot Springs. Organizers are accepting submissions, proposals, and applications from poets, workshop leaders, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and community partners.
Founded in 2025, the Hot Springs Poetry Fest is a literary arts initiative dedicated to elevating Arkansas arts and artists while celebrating the unique literary legacy and traditions of the Natural State.
The festival is currently seeking:
Poetry and visual art submissions for the 2026 Festival Zine
Workshop, reading, panel, and event proposals
Arkansas poets and literary artists interested in performing
Vendors, small presses, literary magazines, and arts organizations for the Poetry Book Fair
Volunteers for festival operations and event support
Sponsors and community partners committed to supporting accessible arts programming
Organizers encourage submissions that reflect the diversity, creativity, and cultural richness of contemporary Arkansas arts. Festival programming will include readings, workshops, open mics, performances, film screenings, interactive literary activities, and community events designed for audiences of all ages and experience levels. For submission guidelines, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, partnership inquiries, or media requests, email contact@hspf.org.
