Kentucky State Poetry Society continues its 2026 programming with a series of virtual events designed to bring poets together for conversation, learning, and inspiration.
Our 2026 lineup centers around three recurring event series that give poets multiple ways to engage with the community: Featured Readings with Open Mics, Craft Talks and Workshops, and the Reading Kentucky Poets discussion series led by the Kentucky Poet Laureate.
Here’s what’s coming up.
Featured Reading + Open Mic Series
Our Featured Reading + Open Mic Series offers the chance to hear poets share their work, followed by an opportunity for participants to read their own poetry. These gatherings create space for both established and emerging voices.
Upcoming Featured Poet: Joe Survant
Tuesday, May 12
6:30–8:00 PM ET
Zoom
Joe Survant is Professor Emeritus at Western Kentucky University. He is the author of eight collections of poems, most recently, The Stone (Accents Publishing, 2026). He is the winner of the Miller Williams Poetry Prize from the University of Arkansas Press and a recipient of grants from the Kentucky Arts Council, The Asia Foundation, the Fulbright Foundation, and the NEH. Individual poems have been published in Malaysia, China, Japan, Singapore and the U.K., as well as in the U.S. He served as Kentucky’s Poet Laureate 2002 – 2004.
Following the reading, attendees are invited to participate in the open mic portion of the evening and share their own poetry.
Reading Kentucky Poets Series
The Reading Kentucky Poets series offers guided discussions focused on the work of poets connected to Kentucky’s literary landscape. Led by Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell, this series encourages meaningful engagement with poetry through shared analysis and discussion of selected texts.
Upcoming Session
Wednesday, April 22
6:30–8:00 PM ET
Zoom
For writers interested in expanding their understanding of poetic voice, technique, and context, these sessions provide valuable insight and community dialogue.
Craft Talk / Workshop Series
KSPS workshops focus on practical aspects of writing poetry, offering insight into creative process, form, and revision strategies. These sessions encourage experimentation while providing guidance from experienced poets and educators.
Our most recent workshop led by Libby Falk-Jones explored the pantoum, a poetic form known for its repetition and evolving meaning through structure and variation.
Craft Talks are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of select months and provide opportunities for poets to deepen their skills while connecting with others who are passionate about writing.
Registration will open on our Events page soon.
A Year of Poetry and Connection
KSPS programming runs primarily from February through October, with our annual conference taking place in November. All of our events are designed to create accessible opportunities for poets across Kentucky and beyond to share their work, develop their craft, and connect with fellow writers.
Stay Connected
We encourage members and friends to regularly check the KSPS events page for updated information, registration links, and newly announced programming.
View upcoming events and register here: KSPS Monthly Events Page
Kentucky State Poetry Society 