Skagit River Poetry Festival 2014

Our May 15-18, 2014 Skagit River Poetry Festival 2014 lineup is guaranteed to inspire, entertain, and enlighten.

Kick-off night brings two of the Northwest’s most original thinkers, humorists, and writing dare-devils together on stage for the first time: Sherman Alexie, Native American poet, novelist, screenwriter, and stand-up comic; and novelist, poet, critic, and essayist Tom Robbins, described by one critic as one of the world’s most “dangerous writers.”

Over the four-day event, you’ll meet such literary luminaries as former  U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass, National Book Award winner Mark Doty,  Jamaican born poet and musician Kwame Dawes,  and Native American artist and author  Elizabeth Woody.

The festival is an outgrowth of our dedication to expose youth to the joys of poetry. Every year, the Skagit River Poetry Foundation places poets in 200 classrooms, serving more than 10,000 students.  During the festival’s “Students Only Day” Friday, high school students interact one-on-one with festival poets. Saturday’s schedule and Sunday’s workshops are open to all poetry lovers, all ages.

Skagit River Poetry Festival 2014 Schedule

Our 8th biennial festival, with readings, conversations and workshops, will be held May 15-18 in the historic town of La Conner, Washington.

Friday’s Schedule
Saturday’s Schedule

Skagit River Poetry Festival 2014 Special Events

Poets Table Dinner May 15, 5:30-7:30 Maple Hall Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of local cuisine and Washington wines while visiting with festival poets at your table.

An Evening with Sherman Alexie and Tom Robbins May 15, 8:00-10:00, La Conner Elementary School Gym Kick off the four day festival with two of the Northwest’s most lyrical, literary rock stars, Sherman Alexie (“The Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven”) and Tom Robbins (“Even Cowgirls Get the Blues”) who will swap wit, wordplay, and wild wisdom together on opening night. Moderated by former Seattle PI entertainment reporter, ML Lyke.

Visual Art, Poetry & Music~ Live painting with Fritha Strand during the Friday and Saturday Night Samplers Paintings auctioned after the Sampler each evening to benefit SRPF

Festival After Hours: Join the Jefferson Rose Band and Festival poets for an after hours poetry and music jam, Saturday, May 17 after the poetry sampler. Venue TBA

Buy your tickets today!