The Chattanooga Poetry Festival brings together artists and poetry enthusiasts for a weekend of creativity and expression.
This April, Chattanooga will celebrate its rich literary heritage with the ‘Rhyme N Chatt’ event, marking 25 years of promoting poetry in the community. The weekend will feature a variety of activities, including open mic poetry, workshops, and the unveiling of a ‘Poetry Pathway’. April 12 has been designated as ‘Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry Day’ to highlight the creative spirit of the city. Join in the festivities that promise art, laughter, and connections through the power of words!
Get ready, Chattanooga! This April, your city will be bathed in the beautiful sounds of poetry as Rhyme N Chatt celebrates an amazing 25-year legacy of fostering poetry and artistic expression within the community. Mark your calendars for April 11 and April 12, 2025, as the city comes alive with a weekend dedicated entirely to the art of words and rhythm!
April 12 has been officially declared Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry Day by the City of Chattanooga. This designation highlights the importance of poetry in enriching the local culture and encourages residents to engage with art in their everyday lives. It’s a day to celebrate creativity and connection!
The festivities kick off with the Poetry & Punchlines Open Mic event, blending the fine art of poetry with a splash of humor. This special gathering commemorates both National Poetry Month and National Humor Month, which is bound to spark laughter and inspiration! Hosted by the energetic 6One, this event features talented poets including Kate Landers, Kelly Watts Williams, and the exciting guest performer Gemini Fox hailing from Tampa, Florida. To top it all off, DJ C-Grimey will be spinning tracks to keep the energy high.
As if that wasn’t enough, an Ekphrastic Writing Workshop will be led by spoken word artist Gemini Fox. This workshop invites participants to explore their personal writing styles in a supportive environment, making it a must-attend for anyone looking to deepen their connection to the craft.
On April 12, the Literary Lair Poetry Open Mic hosted by Ian Seaton and The Poetic Diva offers a cozy space for local poets and storytellers to share their work. This intimate setting allows for heartfelt connections and raw expressions of creativity.
Then, at Renaissance Park, prepare for the unveiling of the Poetry Pathway. This unique installation will showcase poetry from local writers, inspired by the stunning landscape of the park. Visitors will be able to engage with QR-coded signage to experience the poetry as they stroll through the greenery, and enjoy live performances from featured poets and local musicians. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistic spirit of Chattanooga!
As the weekend wraps up, the Poetry & Jazz Wind Down will provide a smooth transition into a relaxing evening. Saxophonists Frank B and Swayyvo will set the mood, accompanied by guest spoken word artist Gemini Fox. Plus, those hoping to share their own poetic talents can sign up for open mic spots!
Tickets for the Poetry & Jazz Wind Down are available for just $20 online or at the door, ensuring that everyone has the chance to partake in this enchanting evening of art and expression.
Rhyme N Chatt ramps up the excitement even further with regular events. Interactive Open Mic Poetry Nights happen every third Tuesday of the month and are entirely free for the community. There’s also Stretch Your Mind – Yoga Meets Poetry, a free event every third Thursday, where participants can blend yoga with poetry writing prompts. And don’t forget the Fresh Out The Shoebox Interactive Open Mic Poetry Sessions, which welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to share their voices!
To mark this significant anniversary, Rhyme N Chatt has published a Commemorative Poetry Anthology, highlighting the incredible work of local writers throughout the years. This nonprofit organization remains committed to providing safe spaces for poetry advancement and expression in Chattanooga.
With numerous literary organizations like SoLit and the Chattanooga Writers’ Guild also nurturing creative writing in the area, Chattanooga stands as a vibrant hub for literary expression and artistic growth.
Join the celebration of poetry, laughter, and creativity! This weekend promises to be one for the books—don’t miss out!
News Summary Amazon.com Inc. has acquired a 618,000-square-foot industrial facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, for $116…
News Summary On January 30, 2026, the Hunter Museum of American Art will debut 'The…
News Summary Chattanooga has passed a significant update to its tree ordinance, the most comprehensive…
News Summary The Chattanooga community is mourning the loss of Jeffrey David Terrell, a talented…
News Summary Families flocked to the Read House's Silver Ballroom for the Chattanooga Ballet's enchanting…
News Summary The latest round-up of arrests in Hamilton County reveals various legal troubles among…