31st Annual Poetry Marathon & Benefit - Sponsor a Poet

Woodland Pattern's Poetry Marathon is an annual tradition for poets from Milwaukee and the Great Lakes region, and in recent years has expanded to also include poets from around the country. This year's event will take place on January 25th and 26th in the Arc Theater at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel. The event will also be live-streamed, and will include both live and virtual performances from approximately 250 participants.

Funds raised from the Poetry Marathon will provide fuel for more than 400 free programs in poetry and the arts in 2025, including for public initiatives like the Milwaukee Youth Poet Laureate Program and the Milwaukee Emerging Poet Fellowship.

Participating poets have been asked to raise a minimum of $50 each in sponsorships on their behalf. These funds will be matched by a sponsor for each hour and further supported by major sponsorships. Together these funds will provide vital support for Woodland Pattern’s programming in literature and the arts in 2025.

Please help poets reach their fundraising goals by supporting them with your pledge. You can donate on behalf of a specific reader or hour (you'll be prompted to enter that information on the next page), or consider donating to help a poet who is unable to meet their $50 goal.