KSPS offers a year-round slate of poetry programs that bring writers and readers together through readings, open mics, and craft-focused events.

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2026 Programs & Events

Our 2026 programming includes monthly readings, open mics, craft talks, and a special book club series led by the Poet Laureate. Most events run February through October, with our annual conference in November and no scheduled events in December. Additional details and registration links will be added as schedules are finalized.

Featured Reading + Open Mic Series

When: Second Tuesday of each month (January–October)
Time: 6:30–8:00 PM ET
Total: 9 events

Each Featured Reading is followed by an open mic. Registration is required to attend the featured reading. Anyone interested in participating in the open mic may sign up in person at the event.

January Featured Reader: Bill Verble

Bill Verble’s debut collection, Absence Descending (Broadstone Books), explores themes of change, loss, and the door of mortality we all walk through. His poems have appeared in Poeming Pigeon, Spare Parts Literary, Okay Donkey, and Yearling. He has been honored with a Pushcart nomination.  He serves as the treasurer for the Kentucky State Poetry Society and loves participating in Lexington Poetry Month each year, enjoying the work of the many superb poets who contribute. He lives and works in Lexington.

Craft Talk / Workshop Series

Craft Talk / Workshop Series

When: Fourth Wednesday of select months
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM ET (some sessions may conclude earlier)
Total: 5 sessions throughout the year

These interactive sessions focus on craft, process, and professional development for writers.

January Craft Talk: Publishing Your Poetry Collection with Katerina Stoykova

A Bulgarian by birth, Katerina Stoykova is a bilingual poet living in Kentucky and is the author of Between a Bird Cage and a Bird House (University Press of Kentucky, 2024) and The Poet’s Guide to Publishing: How to Conceive, Arrange, Edit, Publish and Market a Book of Poetry (McFarland, 2024). Katerina is the founder and senior editor of Accents Publishing, as well as the creator of the Accents podcast on WUKY. Katerina served as the 2023-2024 Director of the Kentucky Book Festival, as well as the Director for the Center for the Book in Kentucky and is the 2025-2026 President of the Kentucky State Poetry Society. 

A complete schedule will be shared once finalized.

Poet Laureate Book Club Series

Led by the current Kentucky Poet Laureate, Kathleen Driskell, this book club series offers guided discussion and close reading throughout the year.

Total: 5 sessions
Begins: February (dates to be confirmed)

Full schedule details will be added once the updated outline is received.

Stay Connected

All event graphics include a QR code that links directly to individual event registrations. Check this page for updated schedules, series information, and new event announcements.

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Looking for a regular spot to share your work or hear local voices?

From open mics to writing workshops, Kentucky has a growing calendar of recurring poetry events happening every month. Explore our roundup of ongoing events across the state—and if we’re missing one, let us know!