The Split This Rock Poetry Festival brought poets and writers to Washington, D.C. on the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, in the midst of the presidential election, for four days of collaboration, learning, and performance. The festival featured readings, workshops, panel discussions, youth programming, activism, and walking tours—opportunities to build community and celebrate the many ways that poetry can act as an agent for change. Hundreds joined us as we celebrated poetic diversity and the transformative power of the imagination.
The official bookseller of the festival is Busboys and Poets Books. Visit the store or website to find progressive books to activate your mind and community, run by Teaching for Change.
Thursday, March 20 Click here to read bios of featured readers.
Location Key:
BMHS—Bell Multicultural High School, 3101 16th Street NW
LR—Busboys and Poets Langston Room, 2021 14th Street NW (corner of 14th and V Streets NW)
All are accessible. Click here for more information about venues.
| Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| 1:00 p.m. Press Conference | |||
| 2:00-6 p.m. Registration Begins, LR Click here to register today! Rates increase after March 10. You will receive an email confirmation, but registration packets will not be sent in advance. Come to registration to pick up your packet and badge. On-site registration will also be accepted. |
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5:00-7 p.m. Opening Celebration & Featured Reading by Sonia Sanchez, Busboys & Poets |
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8:00 p.m. Featured Reading, BMHS
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| 10:00 pm Opening Night After-Party, Marvin Bar and Restaurant, 2007 14th Street, NW |
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