The 13th Biennial Skagit River Poetry Festival will take place from October 22 to 24, 2026, in La Conner, Washington. This vibrant event gathers poetry enthusiasts and celebrated poets to explore the power and beauty of the written word. Attendees can look forward to performances, readings, workshops, and discussions featuring notable figures in contemporary poetry.
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Highlighting this year’s festival is award-winning Palestinian-American poet Naomi Shihab Nye, who will be part of the opening event, “A Council of Women,” alongside esteemed poets Tess Gallagher, Danusha Laméris, and Rena Priest. Over the course of the festival, thirty-two poets from diverse backgrounds will present their work, including Ching-In Chen, Gary Copeland Lilley, Joe Wilkins, and Jane Wong, as well as teaching poets from local schools.
La Conner will be transformed into a Poet Village, with venues ranging from churches to community centers and bed-and-breakfasts serving as hosts for the various events. Featured poet Susan Rich noted, "Where else can a person sleep, eat, live, and breathe poetry for a fall weekend?"
Organized by the Skagit River Poetry Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting poetry and literacy in schools, the festival is one of the largest poetry celebrations on the West Coast. All proceeds support the foundation's mission.
Tickets can be purchased online, and student IDs grant free admission to all students. For more information, visit the festival's website at www.skagitriverpoetry.org/festival-2026 or contact the event organizers directly.