Live Literary Events
The third annual Flower City Poetry Festival is a three-night, open-air celebration of New York State’s poetic and musical talent.
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Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle into the Highland Park Bowl, Rochester’s stunning outdoor amphitheater, for evenings of nationally renowned writers, beloved regional poets, and powerhouse local musicians.
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Stay after each performance to meet the artists and have books signed.
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ASL interpreted | Mobility-friendly.
June 10–12, 2026
Highland Bowl, Highland Park — Rochester, NY
Gift Economy Tickets | Pay What You Can ($0–$50)
2026
Wednesday, June 10
Willa Carroll
Sarah Freligh
Aries Jordan
Music by The Dead Metaphor Soirée
Thursday, June 11
Amanda Eke
Emanuel Xavier
Youth Poets from Rochester High Schools
Music by The Rochester Oratorio Society and TYES
Friday, June 12
Kimiko Hahn
Marie Howe
Leonora Simonovis
Music by Adrienne Mack Davis
1137 South Ave
Rochester, NY 14620
Third Presbyterian Church
4 Meigs St
Rochester, NY 14607
Festival History
Formerly known as Poetry in the Highland Park Bowl, the Flower City Poetry Festival has welcomed distinguished poets and musicians with roots in New York State, including Albert Abonado, Chen Chen, Cornelius Eady, Patricia Spears Jones, and many more.
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Support the Festival
Interested in supporting the festival? Please contact Chris Fanning.
