Special Events

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Poetry & Flow at the Broadway Hotel 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Led by Cindy Calvin, inspired by the festival’s visiting poets

Join Cindy Calvin to connect an appreciation for poetry with the power of yoga for a transformative experience. Cindy will guide a short, gentle asana practice and meditation, which will open participants to their own writing. Then a discussion on poetry will lead into a thoughtful writing session.

Authors in Schools at Daniel Boone Regional Library 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

Keynote Authors: Pedro Martin and Ellen Oh 

We are doubly pleased to announce that this year we’re bringing TWO authors into the Columbia public schools. The Authors in the Schools keynote speakers in 2025 are Pedro Martin and Ellen Oh. In addition to visiting four schools across Columbia on Friday, the two authors will appear at the Columbia Public Library on Saturday morning. Readers ages 10 and up are invited to see Ellen Oh at 10 a.m. and Pedro Martin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the library.

Ediciones Vigía at The Broadway Hotel, Ridgeline Room 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Juanamaria Cordones Cook

Come and learn about a different kind of book! Dr. Juanamaria Cordones-Cook discusses Ediciones Vigía, an independent publishing house located in Matanzas, Cuba. Handmade using collaged, repurposed materials, their books are created by artisans who volunteer at the press. No more than 200 copies of any title are produced – each book is exquisite, truly a work of art in itself.

Sponsored by the University of Missouri Libraries

Fold: Art Book Fair at stop-gap projects 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Local (and locally connected) authors, artists, zine makers, and small presses

A pop-up shop/mini art book fair featuring local (and locally connected) authors, artists, zine makers, and small presses. The exhibition, Fold, is a month-long book and zine show featuring over 60 book makers and small presses. Come read – and shop!

New York Times Books of the Century – Tournament of Champions at The Broadway Hotel, Katy Ballroom 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Come and find out!

Inspired by the appearance of Pachinko in The New York Times’s list of the best books of the 21st century, we’re wrapping up Saturday with this all-star game, which promises to be interesting, possibly educational, and – most of all – fun. Eight of this year’s festival guests have chosen their favorite book from The New York Times list, and will participate in this not-entirely-serious Tournament of Champions where you, the audience, will determine which book will win.

Dismal Niche Concert at Compass Inc. 7:30 p.m. doors / 8 p.m. show

K. Curtis Lyle, Damon Smith and Alex Cunningham Trio

A Jazz Trio of renowned poet K. Curtis Lyle, double bassist Damon Smith and violinist Alex Cunningham will perform Lyle’s The Collected Poem for Blind Lemon Jefferson. See more details here.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Slam! at Ragtag Cinema 6 p.m.

AInspired by this weekend’s roster of poets and performers? In Slam!, multi- hyphenate artist Saul Williams stars as Raymond, a young Black poet who discovers the power of artistic expression after being imprisoned for a petty marijuana charge. Tickets for the general public are $11. Click here for more information.