The third annual Nantucket Poetry Festival will take place from August 27 to 31, featuring a mix of local writers and internationally acclaimed poets. Among the notable participants is Wyn Cooper, author of the 1987 poem “Fun,” which inspired Sheryl Crow’s Grammy-winning song “All I Wanna Do.” This year's festival will place a greater emphasis on celebrating Nantucket’s unique poetic heritage.
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Anna Popnikolova, the festival’s founder and a current Harvard undergraduate, highlighted the creative potential of Nantucket, stating, “We can’t be the New York literary scene—that’s not what this place really is.” Reflecting on past festivals, she acknowledged that the community has shown a preference for poetry that resonates with their local experience. She noted the strong reception of poet Greg Orr, who has personal ties to the island.
The festival will commence with an open-archive event in collaboration with the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA), showcasing poetry archives that span over 300 years and include works from abolitionist Anna Gardner to limericks about Nantucket families. Events will occur in various historical locations, such as the Maria Mitchell Loines Observatory and Greater Light Garden, offering readings, workshops, and heritage crafts designed to appeal to a wide audience.
Lucy McGowan, a participating poet and NHA’s Education Manager, emphasized the approachable nature of poetry, stating, “Poetry doesn’t have to be this so-serious, high-minded thing; it can also be really fun and silly.”
Historically, Nantucket had its own literary outlet, The Nantucket Review, from 1974 to 1987. However, according to former poetry editor Billy Sherry, it did not publish local writers, a departure from the festival’s current philosophy.
After the enthusiastic reception of the first two festivals, Popnikolova, initially uncertain about continuing the event, decided to bring it back after receiving numerous requests from attendees. The impact of the festival extends beyond Nantucket; poet and Harvard professor Stephanie Burt, who attended last year, wrote a poem titled “Wherowhero Lane” inspired by the island, which has been recently published in The Poetry Review.
Popnikolova aims to encourage visiting poets to create new works during their stay, planning to compile their writings into a chapbook featuring local artwork. The Nantucket Poetry Festival’s website lists this year’s participating poets and event details, with most activities being free and open to the public.