51st Annual New Year’s Day Marathon
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
St. Mark’s Church, 131 East 10th Street
The Poetry Project’s 51st Annual New Year’s Day Marathon returns on January 1, 2025, kicking off at 1 PM and running until midnight on January 2nd. This iconic event celebrates poetry, performance, and artistic transformation, showcasing over 130 poets, musicians, dancers, and writers. A cornerstone of The Poetry Project’s mission since its inception in 1974 by Anne Waldman, the Marathon embodies a vibrant tradition of collective creativity and avant-garde expression.
This year’s Marathon is divided into two ticketed sections: 1–6 PM and 7 PM–midnight, with a one-hour break between sessions to reset the sanctuary. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door per section, and those wishing to attend the entire event should purchase tickets for both sections. Additionally, Late Night tickets will allow access from 9 PM onward and are available for $20 in advance. For those unable to attend in person, the entire event will be livestreamed on a pay-what-you-can basis, with a suggested donation of $10–30.
As The Poetry Project’s largest annual fundraiser, the Marathon not only supports its vital work but also offers an unforgettable way to welcome the new year. It’s a space where poetry and performance ignite change, inspiring attendees through their expansiveness, magnetism, and collective spirit. Whether attending in person or online, this is an experience that blends tradition with radical creativity—don’t miss your chance to be part of it!