2026–2027 Maine Poetry Out Loud Registration Opens

Maine schools and community organizations are invited to participate in the free statewide poetry recitation program and competition

AUGUSTA, Maine – Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 Maine Poetry Out Loud statewide competition. High schools and eligible community organizations across Maine are invited to participate in this free arts education program, which encourages students to discover poetry through memorization, performance, and competition.

Poetry Out Loud is hosted in Maine by the Maine Arts Commission in partnership with the Maine Humanities Council, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

A public information session for educators, organizers, students, families, and community members will be held at the Common Ground Fair in Unity on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. in the Poetry Grove. The 2026–2027 Guide for Teachers & Organizers, promotional materials, and posters will be available for attendees to take back to their schools and communities.

Schools and organizations interested in participating are encouraged to register for the 2026–2027 competition by Tuesday, December 1, 2026.

Register: 2026–2027 Maine Poetry Out Loud Registration Form

More information about Maine Poetry Out Loud, including program resources and participation information, is available through the Maine Arts Commission website and Poetry Out Loud homepage.

For questions about the program or registration, contact Khristina Kurasz, Program Director, at Khristina.Kurasz@maine.gov.

About Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. The program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with state arts agencies and the Poetry Foundation.

PHOTO CAPTION: Maine Poetry Out Loud State Finalists at the Waterville Opera House. Left to right: Maine Arts Commission Executive Director Amy Hausmann; Aaron Theriault; Aaron Soosman; Meghan Rivard; Cole Hickey; Pax Horn; Dashiell Legawiec; Celestine Luzitu; Silver Smith; Persephone Kilcollins; and Anjou Whitmore.