Free “Our Voice: Festival of Words’ in Pompano Beach

If you love books, storytelling and live performances, the Our Voices: Festival of Words brings a full day of free activities to Fort Lauderdale.

The last day of the festival is a free outdoor community event featuring author talks, spoken word, music, workshops and kids’ programming — all centered on literacy, culture and community. The event will feature a presentation and workshop by Cuban American poet Richard Blanco, who was the Presidential Inaugural Poet for the inauguration of President Obama.

(Blanco will participate in a free Songs for America music and poetry event in Coral Gables on Tuesday, April 28. RSVP here.)

Poet Richard Blanco, who will be speaking on Pompano Beach and Coral Gables this week.

Event details

Saturday, April 25, 2026
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ali Cultural Arts Center and surrounding park area
Free admission

The event includes multiple events in multiple locations.

Performances + literary programming

• Poetry readings
• Spoken-word performances
• Live music
• Storytelling sessions
• Author appearances and book signings

Interactive experiences

• Writing and creative workshops
• Panel discussions
• Live art activations
• Film screenings

Family-friendly programming

• Children’s Village with literacy activities
• Hands-on storytelling and youth experiences

Community + marketplace

• Small business market
• Community organizations

See the full schedule of speakers and performances here. You can register to attend here.

The festival also includes several events before Saturday:

• 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Lit Lounge at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale. Admission is $30 to $50. 
• 7 p.m. Friday, April 24. An Evening with aja money, surrealist blues poet, musician and cultural worker, at the Broward County Main Library in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Admission is free. Register here. monet will also speak at Saturday's event.

Ali Cultural Arts Center is at 353 Dr M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.

The festival is presented by the Art Prevails Project, founded by writer and educator Darius V. Daughtry.

More free and cheap things to do this week