Mamdani’s Inaugural Poet Cornelius Eady Returns Home to Rochester for Flower City Poetry Fest
From June 10–12, Writers & Books will host the third annual Flower City Poetry Fest at the Highland Park Bowl. This three-night, free to the public, open-air celebration of poetry and music brings together acclaimed voices and local talent for an unforgettable literary experience.
Headlining the festival is Cornelius Eady, the Rochester-born-and-raised award-winning author who wrote and recited his poem “Proof” for thousands gathered at NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration last January. He will sell and sign copies of his new book, Proof, which centers around the inaugural poem. Eady will be joined by 2025-2027 NY State Poet Laureate, Kimiko Hahn, and Venezuelan American poet Leonora Simonovis, who won the Colorado Prize for Poetry for her debut collection, Study of the Raft.
Each evening features three poets alongside live musical performances. Audiences can meet the artists, purchase books from Ampersand Books, and enjoy book signings following each event. Popcorn will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, or lawn chairs.
The full lineup includes more than a dozen other New York-based musicians and writers, including Syracuse poet Amanda Eke, host of the international spoken word documentary series, The Poet Speaks. Explore the full lineup: wab.org/poetry-festival. Festival programming also highlights emerging voices. On Thursday, June 11, Writers & Books and the Rochester Oratorio Society will present the winners and finalists of the 2026 Teen Poetry Contest. The winning poem, “Freedom” by Bronwyn Capps of School of the Arts, will be adapted into a choral performance by the Rochester Oratorio Society. On Wednesday, June 10, the festival will feature the 2026 Poetry Festival Contest winner, Willa Carroll, alongside other artists.
“Flower City Poetry Fest is about bringing world-class poetry home to Rochester while celebrating the incredible creative voices in our own communities,” said Michael Solis, Executive Director of Writers & Books.
Flower City Poetry Fest is presented in partnership between Writers & Books and the Highland Park Conservancy. The event is fully accessible and ASL interpreted. Performances begin each evening at 6:00 PM.
Note: The line-up for the festival originally included Marie Howe, but her appearance has been rescheduled for the 2027 Flower City Poetry Festival.
WRITERS & BOOKS, 740 University Avenue, Rochester, promotes reading and writing as lifelong activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enrich their lives and the intellectual, social, and cultural vibrancy of their communities. The organization engages youth and adults with the literary arts through writing workshops, readings, presentations, and intersectional activities. Writers & Books owns and operates Ampersand Books, an in-house independent bookstore, and Gell: A Finger Lakes Creative Retreat, sited on 24 acres in Naples, NY. To learn more, visit www.wab.org.