FAQ: 9th Cascadia Poetry Festival Hosted by Cascadia Poetics Lab

What is the Cascadia Poetry Festival?

The Cascadia Poetry Festival is a gathering that explores poetry’s connection to environmental, political, historical, and sociological pursuits within the Cascadia bioregion, featuring workshops, panel discussions, and readings.

When and where is the 9th Cascadia Poetry Festival taking place?

The festival is scheduled from October 10-12, 2025, in Seattle, WA, with events hosted at the Rainier Beach Community Club, Kubota Garden, and Redwing Café.

Who are some of the featured speakers at the festival?

Featured speakers include Brenda Cárdenas, Jim Dott, Brenda Hillman, Zach Charles, Roberto Harrison, Alicia Hokanson, Robert Lashley, Lorin Medley, Rhea Melina, Gabriella Gutiérrez y Muhs, Roxi Power, Robert Michael Pyle, Paul Nelson, Sharon Thesen, Matt Trease, Jason Wirth, and Katie Sarah Zale.

What types of workshops will be offered at the festival?

Workshops will explore ekphrasis, investigation, lyric and form, the connection between internal and external worlds, and poetry in times of crisis.

How can I register for the festival?

Registration for gold passes, workshop packages, reading packages, and student passes is available via the festival website at https://cascadiapoeticslab.org/cascadia-poetry-festival-9/.

Who sponsors the Cascadia Poetry Festival?

Sponsors include 4Culture, Creative West, National Endowment for the Arts, Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, ArtsFund, La Sala, Subud Greater Seattle, and ArtsWA.

What is the purpose of the Cascadia Poetry Festival?

The festival aims to consider how prioritizing natural and cultural boundaries over arbitrary political ones can address climate change and other pressing social and political issues through poetry.

Is there an afterparty for the festival?

Yes, an afterparty will be hosted by Greg Bem of Carbonation Press and Cascadia 2050 at Jude’s in Rainier Beach.

How can I get more information about the festival?

More information is available at https://cascadiapoeticslab.org/ and the complete schedule can be found at https://cascadiapoeticslab.org/2025-cascadia-poetry-festival-9-schedule/.

Who can I contact for interviews or more information about Cascadia Poetics Lab?

Founding Director Paul E. Nelson is available for interviews at (206) 422.5002 or [email protected].