Food & Poetry in the Gardens

An evening of spoken word and local flavors sets the stage for this community showcase held in conjunction with Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest 2026. Food & Poetry in the Gardens brings together culinary vendors and live performances at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex in Miami Gardens.

Presented by the City of Miami Gardens, the event pairs a curated selection of food offerings with a poetry competition featuring adult and teen performers. Local poets and spoken word artists take the stage to deliver original work before a live audience, competing for cash prizes in two age categories. Prizes are awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners in both the adult and teen divisions.

Taking place Wednesday, March 4, Food & Poetry in the Gardens serves as a cultural lead-in to the broader Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest 2026 lineup. The program highlights Miami Gardens’ creative voices while offering attendees an opportunity to experience food, performance and community in one setting.