Madison: Bly Fest

All events are free and open to the public—but RSVP via brendan.stermer@gmail.com

by October 10 to receive a free Bly book at the event!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

6–8 PM | Opening Reception in the Bly Study

Lac qui Parle County Museum, 250 8th Ave

Step into the historic study where Bly wrote Silence in the Snowy Fields and other classics. Enjoy refreshments, conversation, and local music in this inspiring space.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

10 AM–12 PM | Poetry Workshop with Athena Kildegaard

Lac qui Parle County Museum

Engage creatively with Bly’s poetry alongside award-winning author and UMN-Morris assistant professor Athena Kildegaard. Open to writers of all skill levels.

1–2:30 PM | Film Screening: “Robert Bly: A Thousand Years of Joy”

Grand Theatre, 310 6th Ave

Discover Bly’s life and work through this captivating 2015 documentary by Haydn Reiss.

3–3:45 PM | Author Talk: Mark Gustafson

Madison Mercantile, 601 1st St

Hear from Bly biographer Mark Gustafson about Bly’s relationship to Madison and his efforts to bridge the rural-urban divide.

4–4:45 PM | Panel Discussion: Bly’s Rural Roots

Madison Mercantile

Mark Gustafson, Athena Kildegaard, and Bridget Bly explore Bly as a rural writer and what his work means to today’s prairie poets. Moderated by Brendan Stermer.

5–6 PM | Community Meal

Madison Mercantile

Break bread with fellow poetry lovers in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

6–8 PM | Poetry Reading & Open Mic

Madison Mercantile

Share a Bly memory, a favorite poem, or an original work. Evening begins with readings by Athena Kildegaard and Brendan Stermer.

All Weekend:

Explore the Franz Richter exhibit at Madison Mercantile, featuring illustrations from Bly’s Old Man Rubbing His Eyes.

Find quiet inspiration in the Bly Writing Room at Madison Mercantile.

Take a self-guided tour of the Bly Study at Lac qui Parle County Museum.

Celebrate poetry, community, and the enduring voice of Robert Bly on the prairie.