St. Augustine Poetfest 2026
Mark your calendars for the 5th annual St. Augustine Poetfest … April 9-11, 2026. A celebration of creative writing and reciting, it is St. Johns County’s official recognition of National Poetry Month (April).
Events are Free and Open to All!
Poetfest 2026 Schedule
Thursday, April 9
Door Open 6:00pm | Showtime 6:30pm | Open Mic
The event kicks off at The Waterworks with Beat Poet Summit … a showcase of Past and Present Beat Poet Laureates who are inspired to “Get on the Road” like Kerouac and visit Florida; featuring ten minutes of podium time awarded to each.
A Community Open Mic will follow. The sign-up sheet for the open mic portion will be available at 6:00pm and is open to the first 10 people. Please limit your time at the podium to five minutes.
Friday, April 10
* 9:00am to 5:00pm — Virginia Room, Second Floor, Ringhaver Student Center
Book Bazaar, author discussions, author talks, and a keynote presentation featuring Ray McNiece, Poet Laureate of Cleveland Heights (2020-2023)
* 6:30pm to 8:30pm — Open Mic Event at Relampago Coffee Lab
Saturday, April 11
* 9:00am to 5:00pm — Virginia Room, Second Floor, Ringhaver Student Center
Student showcases as well as displays by FLARE: The Flagler Review (Flagler College), St. John County Library display, a Book Bazaar, a live staged play reading, author talks and panels, and featured poets.
* 3:00pm — Closing Event:
Words from Norma Sherry, Past City of St. Augustine Poet Laureate
Presentation by Ann Browning Masters, Present City of St. Augustine Poet Laureate
* 3:30pm — Awards Ceremony for the winners of the 6th annual St. Johns Cultural Council Haiku Contest
Followed by the Celebratory Reception on the Tinlin Landing, 2nd Floor Lobby, Ringhaver Student Center
Click the event website link for all of the details.
