Reimagining The Youth Poetry Festival
This year, we’re reimagining The Youth Poetry Festival like never before. As part of the 2025 New York City Poetry Festival and our bold festival theme—Poetopia—we’re handing the mic to the next generation of visionaries, changemakers, and poetic firestarters! The Youth Poetry Festival Stage is a glimpse into the poetic future we’re all dreaming of: one that is just, joyful, and radically creative. This space centers youth voices as agents of transformation, imagination, and truth-telling.
Who You'll See
Expect powerful performances from:
Finalists for the Youth Poet Laureate position
Students from public and private school programs
Poets from nonprofit writing organizations across NYC and beyond
Teen slam teams bringing the heat
And our Youth Poetry Contest winners Kassidy Khuu, Emma Hoff, and Brian Chan headlining the stage with work that stuns and inspires
Want to Host a Reading?
Featured Organizations
Teachers and Writers Collaborative
Teachers & Writers Collaborative (T&W) celebrates the imagination through transformative writing and arts education for youth and lifelong learners. Our programs and publications inspire classroom innovation and create greater equity in and through the literary arts.
T&W programs include: writing workshops for youth, art workshops for seniors, and training for teachers. In addition, T&W hosts the NY Poetry Out Loud recitation competition and the NY Youth Poet Laureate program for teens in New York State. To support the teaching of creative writing, we publish Teachers & Writers Magazine and an assortment of books for educators.
Writopia Lab
Writopia Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in New York City in April 2007. Dedicated to fostering a love of writing in young people, Writopia offers creative writing workshops and camps for kids and teens. Each workshop is limited to eight students and led by a published author or produced playwright trained in Writopia’s time-tested methodology. Year after year, Writopia Lab students earn more national recognition for their writing than any other group of young writers in the country.
Parlé Endeavors
Parlé Endeavors is a nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering young adults and supporting youth development through mentorship, scholarships, grants, exposure, and hands-on experience. With a focus on the arts, media, journalism, entrepreneurship, and related fields, the organization creates meaningful opportunities that nurture creativity, leadership, and professional growth in the next generation.
92NY’s Young Writers Workshop
92NY’s Young Writers Workshop is an immersive summer program that invites talented teen writers from across the country to gather in New York City for transformative workshops in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Led by some of the city’s most inspiring creative writing teachers, the workshop offers a warm, supportive environment where young writers can expand their craft, explore new forms, and build lasting connections with peers and mentors.
Important Information
The Poetry Society of New York is committed to empowering young voices and creating inclusive programming for all ages. Please be aware that participants may encounter potentially triggering and/or graphic content when engaging with the larger festival space. We emphasize the importance of content warnings and strive to create a safe, age-friendly atmosphere. However, there is a possibility that children may encounter more explicit poetry and performances. This community gathering aims to uplift all voices and experiences, and we ask for your understanding and support in maintaining a respectful environment for everyone.
Thank you for being a part of the Youth Poetry Festival and for your continued support. Let's celebrate the power of poetry together!
