The 2026 Red Dirt Poetry Festival is set to take place from the 20th – 23rd August. Running over 4 days the festival is a celebration of poetry and spoken word located in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
Since 2014, Red Dirt Poetry Festival has grown into one of the most iconic literary events in the country. With the main venue set in the shadows of the Ntaripe Ranges the festival spreads poetry across the town including extensive school workshop programs and night time programming.
Featuring an eclectic lineup of poets from across Australia and overseas, Red Dirt Poetry Festival is a celebration like no other bringing you performance, installations, panels and workshops designed to excite, entertain and inspire.
The opening night is an astronomical extravaganza, in collaboration with the Chilean International Festival of Poetry and Science, the event will feature local, interstate and poets from Chile. Set to take place under the stars at White Gums on Arrernte Country this is truly an event not to be missed.
Festival Director Laurie May says of the program, “this year we have decided to go even bigger with our ambitions in order to bring you a festival that continues to centre poetry and multi-arts while affirming that Central Australia is truly the home of Australian poetry.”
While the festival program won’t be released until July 15th early-bird tickets will be available from the 1st of June.
Check out the website wwww.reddirtpoetryfestival.com or www.reddirtpoetry.com.au for more information.
