Jersey City Poetry Festival (JCPOFEST) is a festival for The People, illuminating the tapestry of human connection that transcends the boundaries of individual studies and mediums. We celebrate the joy of literacy and literature!
Established in 2024, JCPOFEST is not just a festival—it is a homecoming of voices, a gathering of questions, a place where poetry shakes hands with science, where philosophy sits beside technology, and where all art forms exist like a harmonious ecosystem. It is a celebration of who we are, where we wander, what we wonder, and how we shape the world around us.
JCPOFEST is rooted in community, energized by innovation and inspires us to envision new ways of being together, of dreaming together. As part of the year round events leading to the festival weekend, multidisciplinary experiences invite us into a poem not just as readers, but as witnesses, as participants, as makers of sacred spaces that nurture collective imagination.
JCPOFEST doesn’t just speak—it listens.
JCPOFEST, in partnership with local writers, artists, organizations and local businesses, is a gift wrapped in hope, vision, and the urgent need to remind us about the mystery, fragility and majesty of our planet earth and those who inhabit it.
The Festival takes place September 19-21, 2025
9/20 - SYNERGY : Immersive Interdisciplinary (Noon - 10pm)
- Poetic Experience:
* Venue: Museum of Jersey City History - 298 Academy St, Jersey City, NJ
* Poets and Artist Showcase - exploring the SYNERGY between the language arts, science, philosophy, technology and all forms of artistic expressions.
I. Buenaventura, Producer / Melida Rodas Executive Producer
SYNERGY TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!
HEADLINERS:
* Jeff Dess Poet and Master of Ceremonies
Public Speaker/ Author /Poet / Educator / Co-Founder of Trill or Not Trill
* Melida Rodas , Poet Laureate of Jersey 2025 - 2026
Educator / Interdisciplinary Curator / Executive Producer & Founder of JCPOFEST
* Rashad Wright Poet Laureate Emeritus
Author of Romeo’s Whiskey, 2X “Grand Slam Champion of Jersey City Slam”
Poet / Filmmaker / Dancer / Educator / Program Director for the MFA in Contemporary Theatre Performance at The New School
Author / Poet / Journalist / Essay - New York Times, Editor - Luna Luna Magazine
Award Winning International Violinist / Composer / Experimental Artist
Tenor Saxophone / Bilingual - Multidisciplinary Artist / Visual Art / Music / Fusion Victor Sotomayor - Keyboard, Gabriel Balado - Bass, Chris Paredes - Drums
PANEL DISCUSSION:
“Poetry to Move the People” - Curated by I. Buenaventura
MUSEUM TOURS AND EXHIBITIONS:
* Museum of Jersey City History / The Apple Tree House
* "Legendary Arenas and The Legends Who Performed There" - Curated by Peter Begans
FILM POEMS :
* "Eye Write" - Curated by Melida Rodas
TYPE WRITER WORKSHOPS & POETRY:
* Qwert Poetry aka Pierce Logan - custom poems and workshops - explore analog writing technology.
SCULPTURE GARDEN:
* "Grounded" - Curated by Tina Maneca
ST. JOES - ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS - WEARABLE ART:
* Upcycled - Honoring the Legacy of Musical Lyricists
"EARTH" - 100 Words Ensemble
Scott Pleasants, Poet Laureate of Teaneck , NJ
Cara Hagan
Lisa Marie
Cynthia Atkins
Rachel Therres
Aileen Bassis
Aurelia Luciano / Golden Light Poetry
Buttered Roll
Cyn Grace Sylvie
Ms. Jenn
William J Van Sickell
Carmen Vega
A.Sal
NJCU Writers:
Brother Nev
The Jersey City Poetry Festival / aka JCPOFEST
*ALL ACCESS 3-DAY PASS CLICK HERE!
* Unlimited entry to all performances, panels, workshops, and special events for all three days. September 19, 20, and 21st
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Poet Laureate of Jersey City 2025 - 2026
Founder / Creative Director /
Interdisciplinary Curator / Executive Producer
Producer / Panel Curator / Editor /
Communications
Production Manager / Sculpture Garden Curator / Financial Officer & Compliance Coordinator
Technical Director/ Equipment Manager /
Stage Crew Lead
Photographer
