UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

October 18 (Wednesday) @ 7-9pm – Sponsored by Poets at Large, Julie Choffel and Doug Anderson will perform at this event, located at The Vanilla Bean Café, 450 Deerfield Road in Pomfret. Admission is $15.00 and includes a give-away. These events are recommended for ages 14 and up. There will be an open mic as time allows, 5-minute max, after the featured readers. To sign up email karen.warinsky@gmail.com.
 
October 19 (Thursday) @ 7pm – Online special tribute of Sisters & Survivors, featuring poets whose work bears witness to the journey through breast cancer: Nicole Callihan, Valerie Duff, Barb Jennes, and Felicia Zamora. Register for the Zoom link HERE.
 
October 19 (Thursday) @6:30-8:30pm – Packing House Poetry Series featuring Barbara P. Greenbaum and Victoria Nordlund at 156 River Road, Suite 1301 in Willington. Doors open at 6pm. Open mic after the readings, plus an intermission to talk to the poets. Free admission (donations welcome), and our very own poet Aaron will be there.
 
October 20-22 (Friday-Sunday) @ multiple times – Saugatuck StoryFest at the Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road in Westport. Free to attend; headliner for the event is Neil Gaiman, and our very own poet Mitzy Sky will be presenting on Saturday from 1-2pm: “On Leaving and Returning: Writing the Body Home.” Don’t miss it!
 
October 21 (Saturday) @ 2pm – The WordHouse Reading Series presents an afternoon of haiku and short poetry, featuring readings by Stanford M. Forrester, Denise Fontaine-Pincince and Tom Sacramona. Program begins with an open mic and is located at the Noah Webster House, 227 South Main Street in West Hartford. Free event, but donations are appreciated.
 
October 21 (Saturday) @ 7pm – "Writing Survivance," an examination of contemporary Indigenous poetry with Cheryl Savageau, an Abenaki poet. A Poets on Poetry program hosted by the Connecticut Poetry Society. Free to attend, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
 
October 21 (Saturday) @ 2-4pm – The Wilton Land Trust presents Poetry in the Preserve. Location in WLT’s Nick Parisot Memorial Trailhead, 77 Tito Lane in Wilton. Poets will include our very own Ed. Open mic after. Free, bring folding chair or blanket.
 
October 26 (Thursday) @ 6:30-7:30pm – Writers in Conversation hosted by Laurel Peterson, featuring Edward Ahern and Jerry T Johnson, at the Norwalk Public Library, One Beldon Avenue in Norwalk. They will read from their poems, talk about the writing life, and answer your questions.
 
October 27 (Friday) @ 7pm – The Arts Café Mystic presents poet Steve Straight with opening voice of Marguerite Keil Flanders and music from Mike Laureanno. Doors open at 6:30pm at La Grua Center, 32 Water Street in Stonington. Admission is $15.
 
October 28 (Saturday) @ 1-3pm – To celebrate the spooky season, the Southbury Library is hosting an afternoon of scary poems and stories. Bring your spookiest poems and stories to share. Southbury Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza will lead this program and bring some of her favorite scary works. Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this program is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. Registration is required.
 
November 10 (Friday) @ 6:30-8pm – Open Mic Night at MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), located at 19 Newtown Turnpike in Westport. Featuring acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry. $0-$10 for tickets.
 
November 14 (Tuesday) @ 6:30pm – Black Rock Books presents Poetry Night – an open mic event. Refreshments will be served, and they ask for a $5-$10 suggested donation. Ed has read there and encourages others to do so. RSVP on their website.
 
Out now! – The Featherweight is streaming on Netflix, and our very own poet Dave Boston is an actor in the movie. Check it out!

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: Seaside Gothic
Deadline: October 15, 2023
Submit a single poem no longer than 1,000 words. Simultaneous submissions okay. No reading fee. Payment of £0.01 per word.
 
Publisher: God’s Cruel Joke
Deadline: October 25, 2023
Looking for works that breaks down barriers in theme and style. Can submit art or photos with writing. Simultaneous submissions okay. Submit up to 3 poems. No reading fee; $30 payment upon acceptance.
 
Publisher: Haunted Words Press
Deadline: October 25, 2023
Submit up to 3 poems, no longer than 2 pages. No reading fee; payment of a print copy of the anthology. Ghoulish grimoire. Youth/YA audience.
 
Publisher: Zero Readers
Deadline: October 27, 2023
Submit up to 5 poems. Max 5 pages. Simultaneous submissions okay. No reading fee; no payment.
 
Publisher: Mid-Level Management Literary Magazine
Deadline: October 31, 2023
Send up to three poems at a time. No word count limits. Theme: dress code. Simultaneous submissions okay. No reading fee; no payment.

Publisher: Love Letters to Poe III (anthology)
Deadline: November 1, 2023
Original gothic fiction and poetry directly inspired by "The Tell-Tale Heart." Simultaneous submissions okay. Payment of 1 cents/word. Up to 4,000 words. No AI.
 
Publisher: Paper Dragon
Deadline: November 4, 2023
Original poetry incorporating the theme of friendship must be previously unpublished in print or online. Poems must be submitted as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or Rich Text Format (.rtf) file. Up to 3 poems may be submitted at one time. Please submit each poem separately. No individual poem should exceed 50 lines or 250 words. Simultaneous submissions okay.

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

​August 13 (Sunday) @ 5-6pm – Jonathan Post lecture on Anthony Hecht: Celebration of a Great American Poet at the Stonington Free Library, 20 High Street, Stonington. Hosted by The James Merrill House. Free and open to the public.
https://www.facebook.com/events/279403634778807/?ref=newsfeed
 
August 15 (Tuesday) @ 6:30pm – “Open Mic Surgery” presents Judith Basya at Never Ending Books, 810 State Street, New Haven. Hosted by Brian Robinson.
https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200025051044834
 
August 16 (Wednesday) @ 6pm – A new poetry writing group that will meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 PM in the Mystic Library's Ames Room. Each meeting we will explore a new poem to read deeply together and parse out its images, references, poetic devices, and possible meanings to cultivate a deeper appreciation for poetry. Then you will take the opportunity to generate your own writing in response to a prompt rooted in the poem just read. Sharing what you've written is not required. You are welcome to simply come listen. This free group is facilitated by the Library's Adult Services Programming Librarian, Ery Caswell.
https://allevents.in/mystic/genesis-a-poetry-group/200025070131749
 
August 17 (Thursday) @ 6pm-7:30pm – Poetry Reading and Inspirational Talk with Dr. Marlou Newkirk at the Westport Book Shop, 23 Jesup Road, Westport. Marlou will be reading from her poetry collection and talk about how “It’s never too late” – she wrote her award-winning collection when 86. Free to attend, wine and cheese served.
https://www.westportbooksaleventures.org/our-events
 
August 18 (Friday) @ 10-11:30am – Online mini-retreat set in Ireland, hosted by Christine Valters Paintner. Christine will weave together poems from her newest collection with practices and creative explorations to encourage you to find your own path forward, steeped in the beauty and wonder all around you. Through poetry, reflection, meditation, and writing, you will make space for a pause in the rush of life. $40 to attend.
https://www.mercybythesea.org/programs-and-retreats/upcoming-programs/love-holds-you/
 
August 24 (Thursday) @ 6:30pm – Poetry in the Park presents John Surowiecki and José B. González, plus featured open mic reader Ava R. Molnar. Located at Julia de Burgos Park at the corner of Curbstone Way and Jackson Street. Free and open to the public. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blanket, a picnic, and, if they wish, poetry for the open mic. Rain location at the Windham Community Center at 1 Jillson Square, Willimantic.
https://www.facebook.com/CurbstoneLiteraryProjec
 
August 24 (Thursday) @ 7-8pm – Poetry Night, hosted by the Trumbull Library at 33 Quality Road, Trumbull. Their second open mic night of the year celebrates poetry of all kinds! Read an original, a favorite, or even song lyrics. A sign-up sheet will be available at the event in the community room for anyone wishing to participate. 
https://trumbull.libcal.com/event/10669218
 
September 2 (Saturday) @ 3pm – Poetry Salon with featured readers Katie Farris, Ilya Kaminsky, and Joanna Fuhrman in Wilton, CT. Hosted by Erika Lutzner. Open mic, food and drink. For info and to RSVP, email viofem@gmail.com.
 
September 16 (Saturday) @ 2pm? (email Ed for the time) – PoemAlley presents our very own Edward Ahern will give a presentation on getting your poetry published (Zoom & live at Ralph Nazareth’s house).

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: Grayson Books Poetry Contest
Deadline: August 15, 2023
Submit your 50-90 page manuscript. $1,000 prize, publication, and 10 copies. Reading fee of $26. Blind read. Simultaneous and multiple submissions are okay.
 
Publisher: Surely as the Sun
Deadline: August 30, 2023
They seek any length poetry with Christian themes. You can make multiple and simultaneous submissions in up to three categories. Reprints accepted. No reading fee; no payment.
 
Publisher: Letter Review Prize for Poetry
Deadline: August 31, 2023
Poetry up to 70 lines. $800 USD total prize pool. No subject or style restrictions: all poems welcome. Open to writers who live anywhere in the world. Three winners are announced who are published and share in the prize money. Twenty poets will be longlisted. All entries are considered for publication, submission to the Pushcart Prize, and for further anthologies. The prize is judged blind. No reprints.
 
Publisher: Wilderness House Literary Review
Deadline: September 1, 2023
Poetry may be submitted in any length. No reading fee; no payment.
 
Publisher: The Scribes Prize
Deadline: September 1, 2023
Microfiction of 90-110 words. $5 entry fee and feedback on every submission by 2 editors. 18 cash prizes and publication, from $250 (first place) to $20 (honorable mentions). Simultaneous submissions and reprints welcome.
 
Publisher: Sacramento Review
Deadline: None
No limits on length or content. Can either submit to the general submissions for the magazine or for “writers correspond” for the newsletter. No reading fee; no payment.
 
Publisher: Mayday Magazine
Deadline: None
Submit 1-3 poems, up to 10 pages in total. Appreciate “purposeful experimentation.” Simultaneous subs okay. No reading fee; $10 payment per poem upon publication.​

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

July 10 (Monday) @ 7pm – A Garden of Verse at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, 152 Main Street in Ridgefield. Poets: Jennifer Franklin, Sean Singer & Barb Jennes. Free; outdoors. Will move indoors if raining.
 
July 14 (Friday) @ 6:30-8pm – MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night. MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) at 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport. Formerly the Westport Arts Center. An evening of music and community.
 
July 20 (Thursday) @ 6:30pm – Arts Center East is hosting the 4th annual Ekphrastic Extravaganza: Art & Poetry at the Arts Center East Eureka Gallery at 709 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. There will be a reception and reading. Free and open to the public.
 
August 2 (Wednesday) @ 6:30pm – Poetry: Find Your Voice! Interactive poetry reading. 3-minute time slot to share your poetry or a poem that inspires you. Reading is optional. Free to attend; registration required.
 
August 5 (Saturday) @ 7-11pm – The Underground Invitational Poetry Slam at Lynon’s Restaurant & Bar, 2151 State Street, Hamden. $25 admission. 11 of the top poets compete for a $1,250 cash prize.

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: 2023 Experimental Poetry Contest (CT Poetry Society)
Deadline: July 31, 2023
Sub up to 3 poems in an experimental format. Text, audio & video files & sim subs okay. Blind read. $1k prize to the winner. $15 reading fee. 
 
Publisher: 2023 Poetry Competition (Valiant Scribe)
Deadline: July 15, 2023
Submit up to 5 poems written from a hopeful perspective. Welcomes entries on faith & social issues. FREE to enter. Blind read. $500 for the winning poem. 10 honorable mentions. All 11 poems will be published.
 
Publisher: Rattle Poetry Prize
Deadline: July 15, 2023
Send up to 4 poems. Blind read. Entry fee of $25 gets a one-year subscription to Rattle. One $15k winner & 10 $500 finalists will be published in the Winter 2023 issue; one $5k Readers’ Choice Award will be chosen.
 
Publisher: Winchester Poetry Prize 2023
Deadline: July 31, 2023 (UK time)
Poems no more than 40 lines. Blind read. Entry fee: £6 – 1st poem, £5 additional poems. First Prize: £1k, 2nd Prize: £500, 3rd Prize: £250. Winning & commended poems will be published in a competition anthology.
 
Publisher: The Washburn Chapbook Prize (Harbor Review)
Deadline: July 31, 2023
Sub exactly 10 poems. Sim subs okay. Eligible: women or non-binary writers; winner published digitally. $10 reading fee, which is waived for BIPOC writers. $200 prize. Finalists read blind by the judge.
 
Publisher: Red Wheelbarrow Poetry Prize
Deadline: July 31, 2023
Sub up to 3 poems. $15 fee. Each poem 1 page or less. Sim subs okay. Blind read. Prizes: $1k, $500 & $250. Winners & finalists published. 

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

June 11 (Sunday) @ 7-9pm – Spiritual Poetry Reading & Discussion Online with host Shanti Grace. An informal gathering to read and discuss spiritual poetry and wisdom quotes, with about 25 people attending each month. It’s an open and welcoming space exploring a deeper life. Free to attend.
 
June 13 (Tuesday) @ 7pm – Book Launch for Debora Kuan, poet laureate of Wallingford, with Aaron Caycedo-Kimura. Debora is reading from her third and newest collection of poetry Women on the Moon, and Aaron Caycedo-Kimura reads from his first collection Common Grace. Readings will be followed by a Q&A and book signings. Located at the Sally Hart Lodge, Chaote Rosemary Hall in 138 North Elm Street, Wallingford. Free; registration required.
 
June 17 (Saturday) @ 1pm – 2023 Rose Garden Reading with Cristina J. Baptista and Frederick-Douglass Knowles II, located Under the Tent in Elizabeth Park in Hartford. Other speakers include the Wallace Stevens Poetry Prize winner Asia Hamilton and Anita Durkin. Sponsored by the Friends & Enemies of Wallace Stevens. Free to attend; you can also become a member of the organization.
 
June 25 (Sunday) @ 6pm – PechaKucha Volume #15, hosted by Erika Lesser-Eng, Museum Director, and including speakers such as the Poets’ Salon very own Mitzy Sky! Other speakers include: Alicia Cobb, Bill Derry, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Nina Lesiga, Mia Lipstick, Peter Moran, and Silent Quill. THEME: UNEARTHING. In the Planetarium of the Sacred Heart University Discovery Science Center at 4450 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. Doors open at 5. Food available to purchase from Raquel Rivera's amazing "A Pinch of Salt" Menu. Program begins at 6. Free but only 60 spaces available.
 
June 28 (Wednesday) @ 2:30pm – “Poetry in Art, Art in Poetry” presented by the Poetry Group. A journey into the artistic language of tea through the eyes of 45 artists, and a transforming performance of ceremonial poses. Event at Convenant Living of Cromwell @ 101 West Street in Cromwell. Tea will be served during the performance. RSVP and for more information, contact Ann Grasso at Ann@AEGrasso.com.
 
July 4 (Saturday) @ 5pm – Lit Balm: An Interactive Livestream Reading Series hosts readers every Saturday on Zoom. On July 4th, it will be Lit Balm’s Founders Reading: Jonathan Penton, Larissa Shmailo, and Marc Vincenz with special guests Jerome Sala, Elaine Equi and John Yau. Open mic, panels. Free to attend; link on the website.

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: The Sappho Prize for Women Poets
Deadline: June 15, 2023
The winning poet will be awarded $3000, publication, and a brief interview with Palette Poetry. Second and third place will win $300 & $200, respectively, as well as publication. The top ten finalists will also be recognized. $20 reading fee.
 
Publisher: Mudfish Poetry Prize
Deadline: June 15, 2023
A prize of $1,200 and publication in Mudfish is given annually for a single poem. Submit up to 3 poems of any length with a $20 entry fee via check or PayPal ($3 for each additional poem). All entries are considered for publication. Blind read. Send to Mudfish, Mudfish Poetry Prize, 184 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013 with a SASE.
 
Publisher: The Letter Review Prize
Deadline: June 30, 2023
Poems of not more than 70 lines. No subject or style restrictions: all poems welcome. $15 USD to enter one poem, $27 to enter two, and $35 to enter three. First Prize is $400 USD, Second Prize is $250 USD, and Third Prize is $150 USD. Winning entries published at Letter Review. 20 poets will be longlisted. All entries are considered for publication. Blind judging.
 
Publisher: “A Walk at Christmas” Poetry Competition
Deadline: June 30, 2023
Looking for six new poems to feature in their festive pamphlet for 2023. A Walk at Christmas will be published in October. Looking for walks in all manner of places – country lanes, city parks, town streets – whether alone or with friends and family. Poems 37 lines or less, including title and stanza breaks. No sim subs. Each entry of 2 poems must be accompanied by the PayPal transaction number as proof of purchase. In addition to publication, each of the six winners will receive £75 and 10 copies of the finished pamphlet.
 
Publisher: The Magnolia Review
Deadline: Open year-round
Accepts poetry and experimental work. Blind read. Sim subs okay. Reprints okay. Max 8 poems per submission (recommend sending in at least 6). No payment; no reading fee.
 
Publisher: The Rising Phoenix Review
Deadline: Open year-round
Submit 1-5 poems. Looking for diversity. No reading fee; no payment. Sim subs okay. Reprints okay.

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

​May 13 (Saturday, today) @ 2pm – ArtSpace Hartford Gallery presents “Ekphrasis: Poetry, Music & Dance Inspired by Visual Art.” Located at 555 Asylum Street in Hartford. Free and open to the public; event followed by a reception.
 
May 15 (Monday) @ 2:30-3:30pm – Poetry Reading online with the theme of “Outcast.” Delve into literary works and enjoy masterpieces read out loud with Matthew Peter-Carter. Unlike other book clubs that expect participants to read in advance and prepare for the conversation, they welcome anyone to join the meeting without any preparation. Free (first 5 attendees)/ticketed price to attend.
 
May 15 (Monday) @ 7-8pm – Celebrate the book launch of The Covid Chronicles, the compiled diaries of The Westport Library Advanced Writing class coping with the COVID-19 pandemic – a collection containing essays to poetry, art to articles. There will be readings at The Westport Library at 20 Jesup Road in Westport, from participating authors and insight from the book's editors, Mary-Lou Weisman and Gina Ryan. Refreshments will be served. Free to attend, but registration required.
 
May 20th – 2-4pm (3rd Saturday every month) – CT Poetry Society Workshop at the Wilton Library @ 137 Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton. Free to attend and in person; meeting on the 2nd floor. Bring 8-10 copies of poem to pass out. Ed usually attends.
 
May 20 (Saturday) @ 7pm (doors open @ 6:30pm) – Southbury’s Got Talent presents a Community Talent Show as a benefit for the Southbury Food Bank. Acts will range from solo and duet singing, dancing, poetry, original songs, and comedy. $15 admission/$10 for seniors/children. Located at The Jewish Federation, 444 Main Street North in Southbury.
 
May 27 (Saturday) @ 2pm – WordHouse Reading Series presents Christine Beck (former president of the Connecticut Poetry Society) and Sharon Lattig (book: Cognitive Ecopoetics: A New Theory of Lyric). At Noah Webster House, 227 South Main Street in West Hartford. Free event; starts with open mic.
 
May 27 (Saturday) @ 2-4pm – Poetry Rocks presents an Artist-Poet Exhibit of visual arts and poems at the Arts Center East at 702 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon withan opening reception and readings. Artist-poets include CT State Poet Laureate and printmaker/collagist Antoinette Brim-Bell, painters Sherri Bedingfield, Aaron Caycedo-Kimura, Marilyn Johnston, Garrett Phelan; photographer Joan Hofmann; and multimedia artist Margaret Plaganis. The exhibit is dedicated to the late poet and photographer, David K. Leff, the Poet Laureate of Canton who died suddenly in Spring 2022. Proceeds from the sale of his books at the exhibit will be donated to the CT Coalition of Poets Laureate. For more information, email pegideitzshea@aol.com, or call 860-878-7016.

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: Cow Creek Chapbook Prize (Pittsburg State University)
Deadline: May 15, 2023
A prize of $1,000, publication by Pittsburg State University, and 25 author copies is given annually for a poetry chapbook. Submit a manuscript of 15 to 30 pages with a $15 entry fee.
 
Publisher: Old Pal
Deadline: May 20, 2023
Send up to 10 pages of poetry. No reading fee. Simultaneous submissions okay. $50 payments.
 
Publisher: Poetry for Mental Health
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Theme: addiction. From alcohol, tobacco and drugs, to gambling, cosmetic surgery, social media, sex and food, this title covers both substance and behavioral addiction. You can send up to six pieces of poetry. Reprints okay. No swearing. No payment; no reading fee.
 
Publisher: Poet Lore
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Submit up to 5 poems (max 10 pages). No reading fee. Simultaneous submissions okay. NO reprints. $50 payment per published poem.
 
Publisher: Southern Poetry Review
Deadline: May 31, 2023
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Southern Poetry Review is given annually for a single poem. Submit 3-5 poems totaling no more than 10 pages with a $20 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Southern Poetry Review.
 
Publisher: Bridport Prize
Deadline: May 31, 2023
A prize of £5,000 (approximately $6,034) and publication in the Bridport Prize anthology are given annually for a poem. Second-place prize of £1,000 (approximately $1,207) and publication. Submit a poem of up to 42 lines. The entry fee is £12 (approximately $14).
 
Publisher: Scribes*MICRO*Fiction presents The Scribes Prize
Deadline: September 1, 2023
90-110 words, with 18 cash prizes – $250, $125, $60, and 15 honorable mentions of $20 each, plus publication and award seals for the winners and honorable mentions. Semi-blind read (the finalists will be read/judged blind by a 2nd round of judges). $5 entry fee.

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

​April 11-12 (Tuesday-Wednesday) @ 6:30pm each day – Northwestern Connecticut Community College hosts the 24th Annual Mad River Poetry Festival in the Founders Hall Auditorium, 4 Park Place in Winsted. Free and open to the public. Tuesday’s reading will have students and Kateri Kosek, Jim Kelleher, and Joshua Brunetti reading. Wednesday’s reading will have Rob Piazza and Steven Ostrowski and a reception following.
 
April 14 (Friday) @ 5:30-6:30pm – April is Poetry Month reading with poets Sally Van Doren and Emma Wynn at the Scoville Memorial Library in the Reading Room, 38 Main Street in Salisbury, CT. Free to attend but registration required.
 
April 18 (Tuesday) @ 4:30pm – A.K. Smith Reading Series with poets Clare Rossini and David Wojahn. Located at Trinity College, in the Reese Room at Smith House, 123 Vernon Street in Hartford.
 
April 18 (Tuesday) @ 7-9pm – WritersMic is a place to read your work in front of a group of friendly, non-threatening fellow writers. Westport Library. Hybrid meeting, both in person and on Zoom the third Tuesday of every month in a casual open mic format. We welcome fiction, essays, memoirs, non-fiction, and poetry. Each reader will have five minutes to read. This is a supportive group, with feedback if you request it. If you're not ready to read, come to listen — but bring something anyway — you may change your mind!
 
April 22 (Saturday) @ 1pm – Spring Poetry Reading at the Hoppin Gallery in The Barney Library, 71 Main Street in Farmington. Launch and reading of the poetry collections Feather and Bones and imagine the small bones with poets John Stanizzi and Debbie Gilbert.
 
April 29 (Saturday) @ 11am-12pm - The Joy and Pain of Motherhood: An Intimate Conversation in Poetic Verse with former New London Poet Laureate Rhonda Ward and Hartford Poet Laureate Frederick-Douglass Knowles II in the Community Room at the Otis Library at 261 Main Street in Norwich.
 
May 5 (Friday) @ 7:30pm – Other People’s Poems reading at Hartford Flavor Company, 30 Arbor Street, Suite 107, in Hartford. Every first Friday, read a poem that you love (NOT your own). Come at 6:30pm to sign up (25 slots open).

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: Wildhouse Poetry Prize: 2023 Chapbook Contest
Deadline: April 15, 2023
Entries should comprise 25 pages of poetry at 30 lines/page (including blank lines). Winners will be awarded the Wildhouse Poetry Prize (first place $500, runner-up $250) and publication. Short-listed entries may also be published. Reading fee $25.
 
Publisher: The Rising Poet Prize
Deadline: April 16, 2023
Exclusively for new and emerging poets without a full-length collection out at the time of submission. Winner receives $3000, publication, and an interview with Palette Poetry. Second and third place will win $300 & $200 and publication. Blind read; $20 sub fee.
 
Publisher: Open Door Magazine
Deadline: April 30, 2023
Theme is envy. Can sub multiple pieces (no specifications on how many poems). No word limit. No reading fee; no payment.
 
Publisher: Under a Warm Green Linden
Deadline: April 30, 2023
Submissions are open for Issue 15: America/Being America. Poems that address topics in contemporary American public policy and political discourse. Send up to 5 poems. Simultaneous submissions okay. No reading fee; no payment.
 
Publisher: Fast Flesh Literary Journal
Deadline: None.
Poetry submission under 1000 words. Hybrid and cross-genre work also accepted. No reading fee; no payment.
 
Publisher: Pretty Cool Poetry Thing
Deadline: None
Interactive poetry – some will move, some will scroll, some will have music or animation. In addition to submitting a poem, you should also submit a 3-sentence proposal on how your poem can be interactive. No reading fee; $30 payment per poem.
 
Publisher: $ Poetry is Currency
Deadline: None
Send 3-7 poems. Prefer to publish 2+ poems by each accepted poet. No reading fee; no payment.

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

March 11 (Saturday, today) @ 5pm – James Merrill House & Writer-in-Residence Program presents Pemi Aguda (winner of the O. Henry Prize) in conversation with writer and artist Gerardo Sámano Córdova. Free to attend; live on James Merrill House’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
https://www.youtube.com/@thejamesmerrillhouseprogra6390/about
 
March 12 (Sunday) @ 5pm – Author Talk with Christie Max Williams, who will be reading poems, both new and from his William Meredith Prize-winning book The Wages of Love. Located at the Stonington Free Library at 20 High Street in Stonington Borough. Free to attend.
https://www.stoningtonfreelibrary.org/event/christie-max-williams/
 
March 16 (Thursday) @ 7pm – The Wintonbury Poetry Series presents an online event with featured poets Dennis Barone (poetry editor of the Wallace Stevens Journal) and Anita Durkin. An open mic will follow the featured poets. Free; registration required to attend/read.
https://bplct.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=11443&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2023/03/07
 
March 22 (Wednesday) @ 6pm – An evening of poetry with Julie Choffel, Anna V.Q. Ross, and Danielle Pieratti in celebration of their new books. Located at Barnes & Noble UConn Hartford Bookstore, 18 Front Street in Hartford. Reading, Q&A. Free to attend.
 
March 24 (Friday) @ 7pm – The Arts Café Mystic presents Philip Schultz, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. With musical guests Dr. Westchesterson and Faith Vicinanza. Located at La Grua Center, 32 Water Street in Stonington. General admission $15 – tickets available at the door.
https://theartscafemystic.org/ Parking fee
 
March 26 (Sunday) @ 2-4pm – Poets at Large presents spoken word poetry at The Rose Room, 4 E. Main Street in Webster, MA. Featuring G. John Brand and B. Fulton Jennes. Open mic following the speakers. Email karen.warinsky@gmail.com to sign up. Free to attend.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/473720100932690/
 
April 2 (Sunday) @ 2-4pm - An afternoon poetry reading with 4 CT poet laureates: Sandy Carlson of Woodbury, Rick Magee of Bethel, Deborah Rose of New Milford, and Faith Vicinanza of Southbury. Located at the Arts Escape, 493 Heritage Road, Suite 4C in Southbury. Free event, registration required.
https://www.artsescape.org/an-afternoon-with-four-ct-poet-laureates/#program
 
April 5 (Wednesday) @ 6:30pm – The Racial Equity Book Club presents poet Magdalena Bessy Reyna. The books under discussion are Battlefield of Your Body and Ink Knows No Borders: Poems of the Immigrant and Refugee Experience. Online over Zoom – either email programreg@lymepl.org or call 860-434-2272 for the link. Free to attend.
https://www.lymepl.org/events/month/2023-04/

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: Word Works Washington Prize
Deadline: March 15, 2023
A prize of $1,500 and publication is given annually to a U.S. or Canadian poet for a poetry collection. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 80 pages with a $25 entry fee. Blind read.
https://wordworksbooks.org/submissions/the-washington-prize/
 
Publisher: Robinson Jeffers Tor House Prize
Deadline: March 15, 2023
A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a single poem, plus $200 to honorable mentions. Submit up to three poems of no more than three pages each with a $10 entry fee as a snail mail submission that needs to be postmarked by March 15 to qualify.
 
Publisher: Frost Farm Prize for Metrical Poetry
Deadline: March 31, 2023
A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a poem written in metrical verse. The winner also receives a scholarship to attend and give a reading at the Frost Farm Poetry Conference in Derry, New Hampshire, in June. Blind read. Submit any number of poems with a $6 entry fee per poem.
 
Publisher: Prime Number Magazine 
Deadline: March 31, 2023
$1,000 and publication in Prime Number Magazine is given annually for a poem. Submit a poem of up to three pages with a $15 entry fee.
 
Publisher: Aurora Journal
Deadline: March 25, 2023
Submit up to 5 poems at a time; no length limit. Open to all subjects, sim subs okay. They like to publish surrealistic poetry that is ethereal and dreamy. Encourages diverse submissions. No submission fee; $12 paid per poem. Option to pay for feedback.
 
Publisher: Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
Deadline: April 1, 2023
A prize of $2,000, a gift certificate for two-year membership to the literary database Duotrope, and publication on the Winning Writers website is given annually for a humorous poem. A second-place prize of $500 is also awarded. Unpublished and previously published works are eligible. Submit a poem of up to 250 lines. No entry fee.
 
Publication: Intima 
Deadline: April 3, 2023
Intima welcomes poetry that deals with any aspect along the illness/healing/caregiving continuum. Poems should preferably be no longer than one page in length. $7.50 reading fee. Blind read. Please submit each poem individually. You can submit up to three (3) poems per submission period but submit each poem individually.

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

February 12 (Sunday) @ 3pm – Poetry Rocks hosts five black poets to celebrate Black History Month. Manchester Poet Laureate Ryan Parker and New London Poet Laureate Emerita Rhonda Ward will read their works at Arts Center East, at 709 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. Rockville High School students McKena Clemons, Kimberly Yankson, and Gabrielle McKayle will open the program. Masks are highly recommended, and a $5 donation is much appreciated. To register for the open mic and/or to obtain a zoom link in case of inclement weather, please email pegideitzshea@aol.com.
 
February 15 (Wednesday) @ 7-8:30pm – An Evening of Rap, Hip-Hop & Poetry in person, hosted by the Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street in Ridgefield (Main Program Room). Hosted by Ridgefield Poet Laureate Barb Jennes, guests will include “Goddess” Tymani Rain, AnUrbanNerd (Josh Brown), Sharmont “Influence” Little, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, and MayaRose. Free to attend; registration required.
 
February 16 (Thursday) @ 7pm – The Wintonbury Poetry Series presents an online reading of poetry with Summer Tate and Pegi Deitz Shea. Open mic follows the poets. Register at the link, both to attend and to sign up for the open mic.
 
February 25 (Saturday) @ 1-2:30pm – A Poetic Immersion with Mary Oliver, held both in person and via Zoom. Hosted by the Southbury Public Library at 100 Poverty Road in Southbury, it celebrates the life and poetry of Mary Oliver. Feel free to bring your favorite Mary Oliver poem to share. Free to attend; registration required.
Zoom registration
In-person registration
 
February 25 (Saturday) @ 1-3:30pm – The Cromwell Creative District (CCD) Coffeehouse presents a family-friendly open mic event. Located in the Belden Room of the Cromwell Library at 39 West Street in Cromwell. Refreshments, raffle prizes. Tickets: $10 adults, $2 13 and under. Tickets sold at door.
 
February 23 (Thursday) @ 5:30pm – An evening of poetry with three poets - Catherine Denunzio (Enough Like Bone to Build On), Caitlin Blackburn (another beginning) and Nancy Manning (The Unspoken of Our Days). Located at the Bank Square Books, 53 W Main Street in Mystic.
 
February 25 (Saturday) @ 5-6pm – An evening with author Catherine Denunzio for an hour of poetry. Located at the Hygienic Art Gallery, 79 Bank Street in New London. She will read sections from her book Enough Like Bone to Build On.
 
March 4 (Saturday) @ 10:30am-1pm – Women’s Writing Retreat hosted by Poets at Large in the Silver Circle Gallery at 134 Main Street (2nd floor) in Putnam, CT. If interested in attending, email Karen Warinsky at karen.warinsky@gmail.com for more details. Space is limited.

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: Omnidawn – 2023 First/Second Poetry Book Contest
Deadline: February 13, 2023
Submissions should be 40–120 pages. Open to writers worldwide who have either never published a full-length book of poetry, or who have published only one full-length book of poetry. Entry fee $27. Prize: $3000 and publication. Omnidawn also runs 3 other poetry contests per year, so worth checking out.

Publisher: Applause
Deadline: February 14, 2023
Theme: The (In)Evitable Ending. Looking for the most interesting angles you can give us as your piece approaches its “evitable ending.” Submit up to 5 poems. Reading fee: $3, payment: $25.
 
Publisher: Finishing Line Press – 2023 Open Chapbook Competition
Deadline: February 15, 2023
A prize of $1500 and publication for a chapbook-length poetry collection. Submit up to 16-38 pages of poetry in manuscript format. Open to all – international entries welcome. The top ten finalists will be offered publication. Entry fee: $20.

Publisher: 3rd Wednesday’s Annual Poetry Contest
Deadline: February 15, 2023
Accept contest entries of up to 3 previously unpublished poems of any style and subject matter (unlimited number of entries). There is no limit on length. Winning poets and honorable mentions will receive a print copy of the contest issue. Non-prize poems will be considered for inclusion in the same or later issue. $6 submission fee; 3 prizes of $100, plus publication.
 
Publisher: After Hours – Mary Blinn Annual Poetry Prize
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Open to all poets writing in English. Open to all themes, styles, and forms of poetry. One winner of $200 and three $50 finalists. $15 fee to submit.
 
Publisher: I-70 Review – Bill Hikok Humor Award for Poetry
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Submit 1–3 poems. Winning poem will appear in the 2023 issue of I-70 Review. $15 submission fee – submit 1-5 poems. Prize: $1000.

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

​January 16 (Monday) @ 11:30am-3:30pm – Z Experience Poetry Slam. Join influential poet-performers Croilot and Ngoma, in-person for the first time since 2020, as they emcee an electrifying spoken word experience, honoring Poetry Slam founder Zannette Lewis, in one of the largest auditoriums on Yale’s campus. Electrifying, live spoken word experience featuring a group performance, open mic, and Poetry Slam. In-person for the first time since 2020 at the Yale Science Building, O.C. Marsh Lecture Hall, 260 Whitney Avenue in New Haven.
 
January 18 (Wednesday) @ 6pm – Please join us as we honor the Class of 2022 Connecticut Arts Heroes at Infinity Music Hall, 32 Front Street in Hartford. The event is free and open to all with performances by the Dwayne Keith Project, Dancer Colleen Fitzgerald, Connecticut's State Troubadour Kayla Farnham and State Poet Laureate Antoinette Brim-Bell and a Dance Party & Mingle with DJ Kasey Cortez!
 
January 28 (Saturday) @ 11am-2pm – A Poetry and Short Prose Writing Workshop online put on by the Southbury Public Library. Join Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza for a writing workshop.  Explore the writing process through writing prompts and sharing your work. Free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency.  Registration is required.
 
January 28 (Saturday) @ 9:45am-12pm – Saturday Mornings with Poetry - A meeting of people who love reading and writing poetry. SMwP provides poetic opportunities for anyone to share their poetry, discuss the literary works of poets known and unknown, and expand skills in writing and editing poems in the shared camaraderie of comfortable, supportive members. No registration required. To participate and for details about meeting virtually or in-person, contact Karen Ciosek at kjc73048@gmail.com.
 
February 1 (Wednesday) @ 7pm – Poets From Connecticut’s Four Corners, presented online and featuring poets representing each of the state’s four corners, plus one from the central Hartford area: Gemma Mathewson, Laura Mazza-Dixon, Claudia McGhee, Garrett Phelan, and Jack Powers. Ridgefield Poet Laureate Barb Jennes will facilitate the event.
 
February 2 (Thursday) @ 12-1pm – Literary Lunch: Join artist, botanist, and poet Dick Rauh and Westport's Poet Laureate Jessie McEntee for a Literary Lunch on Feb. 2 at 12 noon. Bring your own meal or take advantage of the Library Cafe's offerings at a 10% discount. Register early; space is limited to 10 participants.

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: Grayson Books Chapbook Contest 2023
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Submit 16-36 pages of poetry. Simultaneous and multiple submissions okay. Reading fee: $20. Top prize: $500, publication of chapbook plus 50 copies.
 
Organizer: Poems from Connecticut’s Four Corners
Deadline: Every month
They’re currently seeking poets from throughout the state to take part in "Poems from Connecticut's Four Corners," a new series of online, monthly readings, hosted by the Ridgefield Library. Their goal is to feature a diverse range of poets from all areas of the state, including those with limited publication history. If interested, please send a brief bio to Ridgefield Poet Laureate Barb Jennes at barbjennes@gmail.com. Please be sure to specify the town or city where you reside. 
 
Publisher: WB Yeats Society of NY
Deadline: February 1, 2023
Unpublished poems in English up to 60 lines on any subject and style. Each poem will be judged separately and read anonymously. $15 for the first poem and $12 each additional poem. There are no limits on the number of poems that can be submitted. Winners and honorable mentions receive plaques and two-year Yeats Society memberships and permit the Society to publish and/or broadcast winning entries. $1000 first prize/$500 second prize, honorable mentions.
 
Publisher: Soundings East Clare Keys Poetry Award
Deadline: February 1, 2023
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Soundings East will be given for a group of previously unpublished poems. Submit 8-10 pages of poetry (no more than one poem per page) with a $10 entry fee/$15 entry fee (includes a copy of the magazine).
 
Publisher: Slippery Elm Literary Journal Prize
Deadline: February 1, 2023
$15 entry fee for up to 3 poems (no line/length limit). All contest entrants will receive a copy of the winning issue and be considered for publication. Sim subs okay. Multiple entries okay.
 
Publisher: Driftwood Press – In-House Poem Contest
Deadline: January 15, 2023
Send up to 5 poems, not exceeding 60 lines each. Any type of poem okay. Blind read. Submission fee $10.99. $300 prize. Up to 5 finalists will be selected as well and will receive $50 and publication, plus a copy of the anthology.

UPCOMING POETRY READINGS/WORKSHOPS

December 10 (Saturday) @ 1-2pm – The inaugural poetry event by Southbury’s first town Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza. Located at the Southbury Public Library, 100 Poverty Road in Southbury (Kingsley Room A/B). Free to attend.
 
December 10 (Saturday) @ 1-2pm – The Orenaug Chapter of the Connecticut Poetry Society will host an ekphrastic writing workshop in the gallery of the Woodbury Public Library, located at 269 Main Street in Woodbury. Works of Southbury artist Marc Chabot will be on display. Writers are also welcome to stay for the artist's reception in the gallery, which will begin at 2 p.m.  Contact Sandy Carlson at orenaugchaptercps@gmail.com with questions.
 
December 10 (Saturday) @ 2pm – Wordhouse Reading Series with readings by Julie Choffel and Krysia Jopek. Will start with an open mic. Located at Noah Webster House, 227 South Main Street in West Hartford. Free to attend.
 
December 14 (Wednesday) @ 7pm – The Riverwood Poetry Series @ Real Art Ways will host Terry Blackhawk at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street in Hartford. In-person reading; audience mask wearing is encouraged, but not required. An open mic will follow the featured readers - one poem, one page. Free to attend.
 
December 15 (Thursday) @ 7-8:30pm – The Oliver Wolcott Library presents the “Holiday Peace Poetry Reading” via Zoom. Celebrate the peace and hope of the holidays with our best local poets reading the finest work of the season. Poets will include: Rennie McQuilkin - CT Poet Laureate Emeritus; Ginny Connors - West Hartford poet laureate emerita; Robert Piazza - Litchfield poet laureate; Sandy Carlson - Woodbury poet laureate; Rick Magee - Bethel poet laureate; Barb Jennes - Ridgefield poet laureate; Karen Silk - Washington poet laureate; Joan Hoffman - Canton poet laureate; Deborah Rose - New Milford poet laureate; Jack Sheedy - Harwinton; Patricia Martin - Torrington; and Jim Kelleher - Goshen. Each poet will read a poem of their own or a classic by a favorite author. Zoom link on website.
 
December 15 (Thursday) @ 7-8:30pm – The Wintonbury Poetry Series will host a virtual reading with Antoinette Brim-Bell, the Poet Laureate of Connecticut, and Suzanne Frischkorn. An open mic will follow the featured poets. To register to get the link (and to sign up if you want to read for the open mic) follow the link below from the Bloomfield Public Library.

PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR POETRY

Publisher: Poetry Society of America Awards
Deadline: various, last one: December 31, 2022
They run a series of poetry awards, all closing soon – everything from short to long poems, various styles of poetry, etc. Single poem entries are $10 – multiple poem entries are $15. Prizes are $250-$2500.
 
Publisher: Poetry Quarterly – Rebecca Lard Award
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Submit up to 3 poems for $10 reading fee (includes subscription to Poetry Quarterly). $300 prize, publication, featured on the back cover and their website.
 
Publisher: Roanoke Review Eco-Poetry Contest
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Submit up to 3 poems on the theme of eco-poetry for a $15 reading fee, no more than 6 pages total. $500 prize, publication.
 
Publisher: Sunspot Lit Goldilocks Zone contest
Deadline: December 19, 2022
Submit 1 poem on the theme of planetary habitability (the Goldilocks Zone) for a $9.50 reading fee. $200 prize, publication.
 
Publisher: Bayou Magazine Kay Murphy Prize for Poetry
Deadline: January 1, 2023
Submit up to 3 poems for a $20 reading fee. $1,000 prize, publication.
 
Publisher: Smartish Pace Erskine J. Poetry Prize
Deadline: January 1, 2023
Submit up to 3 poems for a $10 reading fee. $200 prize. All submitted poems will be considered for publication in Smartish Pace.

Publisher: The Madison Review Phylis Smart-Young Prize in Poetry
Deadline: January 17, 2023
Submit 3 poems EXACTLY for a $2 reading fee. Maximum page length 15 pages. $1,000 prize, publication.
 
Publisher: The Meadow
Deadline: January 15, 2023
Send up to 5 poems. Blind submission. Simultaneous submissions okay. No payment; $2 reading fee.