poetry on the road — International Literature Festival
Bremen's international festival for poetry, slam, and spoken word
About poetry on the road
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Poetry from Around the World in Bremen
When international poetic voices conquer Bremen's stages, it's poetry on the road. The International Literature Festival has been one of the most important poetry festivals in the German-speaking world since 2000. It presents the full diversity of contemporary poetry: different poetic approaches, themes, languages, and forms, from sophisticated poetry to poetry slam and rap, to spoken word.
Over 750 Voices from More Than 60 Nations
Since its first edition in 2000 — which featured Dutch Dada poet Jaap Blonk as a special guest — around 750 renowned and internationally acclaimed authors from more than 60 nations have read in the Hanseatic city, including greats of the poetry scene such as Nobel Prize laureate Herta Müller. The festival is supported by Hochschule Bremen and Radio Bremen.
More Than Just a Classic Reading
poetry on the road consciously goes beyond the classic reading. For over two decades, the festival has relied on a mix of traditional and experimental poetry, classic readings, performances, and the interplay of poetry, music, art, video, and film. The program includes slam poetry, audiovisual projects, and visual sound poetry, as well as a translation collective that translates foreign-language texts live on stage. The festival leaves the large venues and goes into the city's districts — for example, with events in a Sparkasse branch in the Ostertorviertel or in the club of Theater Bremen.
Hanseatic Open-mindedness in Verse
Bremen sees itself as a cosmopolitan literary city, and poetry on the road embodies this claim particularly impressively: a festival that brings the whole world to Bremen and makes the Hanseatic city in the state of Bremen an international stage for poetry. For over two decades, it has brought voices from all continents to the Weser city, thus nurturing the city's cosmopolitan, literary tradition.
poetry on the road — edition 2026
Among the 16 international guests are the multi-award-winning author Martina Hefter, Norwegian poet Øyvind Rimbereid, British poet and T.S. Eliot Prize winner Sarah Howe, and Ghanaian rap artist Ata Kak. The program includes slam poetry, sophisticated poetry, audiovisual projects, and a translation collective. The festival is collaborating with new partners and taking place in locations such as a Sparkasse branch in the Ostertorviertel.
Programme poetry on the road 2026
June 26 to 28, 2026 — Various venues in Bremen
After a year's break, poetry on the road returns in 2026 under the motto poetry on the road... into the future. Poetry, rap, and spoken word will serve as a launchpad and experimental field: the festival explores possible near and distant futures, revolving around the question What if it works?. The program includes slam poetry, sophisticated poetry, audiovisual projects, and a translation collective that translates foreign-language texts live on stage.
International Guests
The 16 international guests from several nations include:
- Martina Hefter — multi-award-winning German author (Deutscher Buchpreis)
- Øyvind Rimbereid — Norwegian poet
- Sarah Howe — poet born in Hong Kong, living in London, and T.S. Eliot Prize winner
- Ata Kak — Ghanaian rap artist
Venues
The festival is spread across several locations and districts of Bremen and is working with new cooperation partners such as Out Loud. Venues include a Sparkasse branch in the Ostertorviertel and the club of Theater Bremen; the Literaturhaus, opening in 2026, is also planned as a venue.
The detailed daily schedule with all readings and performances will be published on poetryontheroad.de. The organizers are Hochschule Bremen and Radio Bremen.
Highlights poetry on the road 2026
Prices poetry on the road 2026
Practical information — poetry on the road
Getting There
The events take place at various venues in Bremen, including the Theater Bremen and locations in the Ostertorviertel. The central venues are easily accessible by tram and bus.
Tickets
Current information on the program, venues, and tickets can be found at poetryontheroad.de. The organizers are Hochschule Bremen and Radio Bremen.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place poetry on the road
Verschiedene Spielstätten in Bremen
Verschiedene Spielstätten, u.a. Ostertorviertel, 28195 Bremen