New Orleans Poetry Festival

April 16-19, 2026

Individual reader proposals open on January 15, 2026, close on January 29, 2026, and notifications will be sent on February 4, 2026.

Individual Reader Proposals are open!

Individual poets may apply to read in a Lagniappe Reading. Each reader is allotted eight minutes and will read alongside five other poets. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer honoraria for Lagniappe Readings.

Poets who participated in a Lagniappe Reading in 2025 are not eligible to apply. Additionally, poets who appear on any reading accepted for the 2026 festival are ineligible to apply as Individual Readers. This restriction does not apply to poets reading in the 2026 Opening Night: Last Splice.

Lagniappe Readings take place throughout the festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In 2025, 35 poets out of 133 applications were selected to form seven Lagniappe Readings.

Individual Reader submissions open January 15, 2026, close January 29, 2026, and notifications will be sent on February 4, 2026.

Wondering about where to stay or what happens when and where? Check out our FAQ page.

Keep NOPF Free by Donating

We believe poetry should be free and accessible to all, but organizing the festival comes with significant costs. If you're able, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to NOPF, or better yet, set up a recurring gift. Click here to access our easy-to-use donation portal.