Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival Apr. 24-27, 2025

VIPF 2025: The Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival

McAllen, TX,

The Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival, established in 2008, is a four-day poetry festival in deep South Texas held concurrently in two countries on the last full weekend in April. You don't need to register in order to submit to our anthology, Boundless. We feed you dinner on Saturday night as part of the Poetry Pachanga--the event that started it all. V.I.P.F. is a program of 
Art That Heals, Inc., and  El Zarape Press, with sponsorship from by Creative Alignment Consulting and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and welcomes poets from around the world.

On behalf of the Founders and myself, Edward Vidaurre, Director of Operations for the Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival

Thank you for another amazing Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival.

Special thanks to our featured poets, Erika E. Garza, Bianca Alyssa Powell-Pérez, and José Chapa Valle.

Our workshop and panel contributors: Bianca Alyssa Pérez, Esperanza Publishing: Mark and Yelitza Saenz, Joshua Hamilton, and Bianca González.

Thank you to Priscilla Celina Suarez for the beautiful creation of our anthology Boundless 2024 and Erika again for editing.

Thank you to Emmy Pérez, and the Creative Writing Department at UTRGV for another amazing showing for the College/University reading at CommonSpace, thank you for the space to Commonspace and staff.

The schools, Mercedes High School, Lamar Academy, and South Texas ISD Word Scholars along with their teachers, librarians, and students.

Thank you to our founder Author Daniel García Ordaz and family. And congratulations on your appointment as McAllen Poet Laureate.

Thank you to Visit McAllen for your support and housing this year's festival.

Thank you to our registrants, we wouldn't be here without your support and presence.

Our musicians, Jonathan Salinas, Independent Journalist and Angelika Eleni Ruiz Gualberto for their wonderful trad set.

Last but not least, My wife Lilly and daughter Bella for their support and awesome pachanga meal.

Until next year,

Edward Vidaurre

Director of Operations of the Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival

The Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival, established in 2008, is a four-day poetry festival in deep South Texas held concurrently in two countries on a full weekend in April. You don't need to register in order to submit to our anthology, Boundless. We feed you dinner on Saturday night as part of the Poetry Pachanga--the event that started it all. V.I.P.F. is a program of Art That Heals, Inc., El Zarape Press, Juventud Press, & FlowerSong Press with sponsorships and welcomes poets from around the world.

Join us in 2025, April 24-April 27, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the dates for the next Valley International Poetry Festival?

The Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival, established in 2008, is a four-day poetry festival in deep South Texas on the last weekend in April.

Festival will begin on April 24, 2025. Please stay updated by following us on our Facebook page, Instagram page or following @rgvipf on Twitter!

2. How can I register for the 2025 Festival?

You can see our events live on Facebook and YouTube later or join our registered community at #VIPF2025 Registration will open in the fall of 2024. 

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @rgvipf and Instagram @rgvipf to get all the latest information.

3. How can I get a VIPF Poet to come to my high school?

For more information about the VIPF Poets in your school and arranging a visit to your school, email us at rgvipf@gmail.com

4. How can I read my work at The Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival?

Register at valleypoetryfest.org