August 5, 2026

August is a wonderful time to reconnect with your writing, discover new voices, and become part of Kentucky’s poetry community. Whether you’re looking to share your work, sharpen your craft, or simply spend an evening immersed in great poetry, Kentucky State Poetry has something for you this month.

Featured Reading + Open Mic

Tuesday, August 11 | 6:30–8:00 PM ET | Zoom

Our monthly Featured Reading + Open Mic Series brings together established and emerging poets for an evening of exceptional poetry and community. Each event begins with a featured reading, followed by an open mic where participants are invited to share their own work in a welcoming, supportive environment.

This month’s featured reader is Jan LaPerle, whose collection Maybe The Land Sings Back was published by Galileo Books. She is also the author of It Would Be Quiet, Hush, and A Pretty Place To Mourn. A graduate of Southern Illinois University with an MFA in creative writing, Jan lives in Kentucky, where she retired from the Army at Fort Knox and now teaches middle school English. Her work reflects a rich life of service, observation, and storytelling, making this a reading you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a longtime member of the poetry community or attending for the first time, we hope you’ll join us—and if you’re feeling inspired, bring a poem for the open mic.

Register today and reserve your spot!

Reading Kentucky Poets

Wednesday, August 26 | 6:30–8:00 PM ET | Zoom

Spend an evening exploring the rich tradition of Kentucky poetry with current Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell. In this guided discussion series, participants closely read and discuss poems by writers connected to Kentucky, examining craft, context, and interpretation in an encouraging and collaborative setting.

Whether you’re a poet, avid reader, student, or simply curious about Kentucky’s literary landscape, this series offers a rewarding opportunity to deepen your appreciation of poetry while engaging with fellow readers from across the Commonwealth.

Registration is now open.

We Hope You’ll Join Us

Stay up to date with our year-round programming by visiting our Events page where you’ll find workshops, readings, and open mics throughout the year.

And don’t forget to mark your calendar for our 2026 Conference! Join Kentucky State Poetry Society for a full day of poetry, connection, and celebration as we honor six decades of fostering Kentucky’s literary community. KSPS members attend free! Celebrate our 60th anniversary with workshops, conversations, readings, and a keynote presentation from Ricardo Nazario y Colón alongside poets and poetry lovers from across the Commonwealth.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, communities across the country are reflecting on the stories, struggles, dreams, and voices that have shaped our nation. While history books often focus on dates and events, poetry captures something deeper — the emotions, identities, and experiences that define who we are. For 250 years, poetry has helped Americans celebrate victories, confront hardships, and imagine a better future.

From the earliest colonial writers to today’s spoken word artists, poetry has always played a role in the American story. Poems have been written during times of revolution, war, social change, and cultural transformation. Writers have used poetry to preserve family histories, advocate for justice, honor their communities, and express what it means to belong in a constantly evolving nation.

The beauty of poetry is that every voice matters. America’s story is not just one narrative — it is millions of individual experiences woven together. Poetry allows people from every background to share their perspectives, traditions, memories, and hopes. Whether written in free verse, sonnet form, haiku, or narrative poetry, each poem becomes part of a larger conversation about identity and humanity.

As we look toward America’s semiquincentennial, poetry also reminds us to slow down and reflect. In a fast-moving digital world, writing offers a chance to pause and consider where we’ve been and where we’re going. Poetry encourages observation, empathy, and imagination — qualities that are essential not only for writers, but for communities seeking connection and understanding.

At the Kentucky State Poetry Society, we believe poetry continues to play an important role in celebrating creativity and preserving stories for future generations. Whether you are an experienced poet or someone writing your very first poem, your voice contributes to the ongoing story of America.

As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we invite you to celebrate through poetry. Share your work by submitting to one of our contests or connect with fellow writers by attending one of our upcoming poetry events. Together, we can honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future — one poem at a time.

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.

Register here.

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.

Register here.

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

Your poetry isn’t meant to stay hidden in notebooks or drafts folders forever. The Kentucky State Poetry Society (KSPS) offers poetry contests throughout the year that give writers a real opportunity to share their work, gain recognition, and take their writing seriously. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to submit your poetry, this is your invitation.

Explore current contests and submission guidelines:
View KSPS Poetry Contests

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KSPS Contests Offer Opportunities for Every Poet

KSPS offers several contests each year, including opportunities for both adults and students. The lineup includes the Grand Prix (open to all poets), Chaffin-Kash (open only to KSPS members), and the Student Poetry Contest (open to grades 3-12), created specifically to encourage young writers to share their creativity and develop confidence in their voice. Some contests honor Kentucky connections, poetic craft, or specific forms, giving poets many ways to participate depending on their interests and experience level.

Each contest provides a meaningful opportunity to take your work seriously, meet submission goals, and become part of a literary tradition that celebrates poetry across Kentucky and beyond.

Winners often receive cash prizes and publication in Pegasus, the literary journal of the Kentucky State Poetry Society, helping poets share their work with a wider audience.

Selected poets may also be invited to read their work at the KSPS annual conference, offering a meaningful chance to connect with fellow writers and celebrate the craft of poetry.

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Why Submit Your Poetry?

Submitting your poetry is more than entering a contest — it is an important step in becoming part of a creative community.

When you submit, you:

• Give your work the opportunity to be read and appreciated
• Push yourself to revise and strengthen your writing
• Build confidence as a poet
• Join a community that values language and creativity
• Allow your voice to be part of a larger conversation

KSPS exists to inspire and encourage poets through events, publications, and contests that support the art of poetry.

You do not need to consider yourself an expert poet to participate. You simply need the willingness to write and share.

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The Hardest Part Is Hitting Submit

Many writers hesitate before submitting their work. They wonder if the poem is ready, if it is good enough, or if they should revise just one more time.

But poetry grows through participation.

Submitting your work gives it the chance to resonate with readers, judges, and fellow poets in ways you may not expect. Even one submission can build momentum and inspire you to keep writing.

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Start Writing. Start Submitting.

If you’ve been looking for motivation to write more consistently, a contest deadline can provide the perfect push.

Browse current contests and deadlines:
Submit your poetry to KSPS contests

As we step into 2026, the Kentucky State Poetry Society is excited to share what’s ahead for the year — new programs, refreshed formats, and more ways for poets across the Commonwealth to connect, learn, and share their work.

While individual event details will continue to be finalized and added to the website, here’s an overview of what members and friends of KSPS can look forward to in the months ahead.

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A Refreshed Monthly Events Lineup

In 2026, KSPS programming will center around three main recurring event series:
Featured Readings + Open Mics, Craft Talks / Workshops, and a new Poet Laureate–led Book Club.

Most events will run January through October, with our annual conference in November and no scheduled events in December.

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Featured Reading + Open Mic Series

Our Featured Readings and Open Mics are now combined into one monthly event, held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30–8:00 PM ET.

Each event begins with a featured Kentucky poet reading from their work, followed by an open mic portion. Registration is required to attend the featured reading, and anyone interested in participating in the open mic may sign up in person at the event.

This format allows us to celebrate established voices while continuing to make space for community sharing — all in one evening.

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Craft Talk / Workshop Series

Throughout the year, KSPS will host five Craft Talks / Workshops, held on the fourth Wednesday of select months from 6:30–8:30 PM ET (some sessions may conclude earlier).

These interactive sessions focus on poetic craft, creative process, and professional development, featuring Kentucky poets, educators, and literary artists. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your practice, these workshops are designed to offer practical insight and inspiration.

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New Poet Laureate Book Club

We’re also excited to introduce a new Book Club series led by Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell.

Beginning in February, the book club will meet five times throughout the year, offering guided discussion, close reading, and conversation centered on selected texts. This series adds a new dimension to KSPS programming and creates another way for members to engage deeply with poetry together.

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Registration & Event Details

All KSPS events — Featured Readings, Craft Talks, and Book Club sessions — will require advance registration through Zoom, with registration capped at 65 participants per event.

Each event page will include a short description outlining what to expect, along with time, date, and registration details. Event graphics will feature a QR code that links directly to the individual event registration page.

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What to Expect on the Website

The KSPS Events page will continue to evolve as schedules are finalized. Visitors can expect:

• Clear sections for each recurring event series
• Short descriptions with “learn more” links for individual events
• Dedicated pages for Featured Readings, Craft Talks, and Book Club sessions
• Updated registration links and announcements as they become available

We encourage members to check back regularly for the most up-to-date information.

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Looking Forward

As we move through 2026, KSPS remains committed to celebrating Kentucky poets, strengthening community partnerships, and creating welcoming spaces for poetry to thrive — whether through readings, conversations, workshops, or shared pages.

Thank you for being part of this community.
Thank you for showing up as readers, writers, listeners, and supporters.

Here’s to a year filled with poems, connection, and possibility.

As the year winds down and the days slip softly toward winter, KSPS brought 2025 to a close with our final virtual open mic of the year — an hour of shared poems, new voices, familiar faces, and the unmistakable warmth that happens when creative people gather, even through a screen.

This last open mic reminded us why these events have become such a cherished part of our programming. In just sixty minutes, we heard poems that held joy and ache, memory and imagination, the personal and the communal. Writers explored the changing seasons, family histories, small observations made large by language, and the quiet truths that only poetry can reveal. Each reader brought their own spark, and each listener helped create a space where those sparks could catch fire.

What made this final gathering even more meaningful was who showed up — longtime members who’ve grown with us, new readers finding their footing, students sharing early work, and community members who simply love poetry. Our open mics continue to blur boundaries of geography and experience, creating a space where emerging writers and seasoned poets share the same virtual stage.

We’re grateful to everyone who made this event shine:
• to those who read bravely,
• to those who listened with intention,
• and to those who remind us every month why poetry matters.

As we close out 2025, we’re struck by how these open mics have become a consistent thread that ties our community together. They’re a reminder that poetry is not just something we write — it’s something we share, something we witness, something we build together.

Thank you for ending the year with us. We’ll be gathering again soon, and we cannot wait to hear what you’ve been writing.

Here’s to the poems behind us, and the poems ahead.

As the holidays settle in and the year comes to a close, we’re turning back through the pages of 2025 — a year filled with meaningful events, new ventures, and many moments that reminded us why the Kentucky State Poetry Society exists: to support, celebrate, and connect Kentucky poets.

A Year of Open Mics — Both Virtual and In-Person

This year, our poetry community came together in more ways than ever. We hosted both virtual and in-person open mics, creating spaces that welcomed writers from across Kentucky and beyond. Whether gathering online or in a room filled with familiar faces, poets shared work that was bold, tender, experimental, and deeply human. These events continued to affirm that open mics are not just readings — they’re acts of community care.

Craft Talks That Deepened Our Practice

We had the honor of hosting craft talks led by incredible Kentucky poets, including a special session with the Kentucky Poet Laureate. These talks explored everything from revision to voice, imagery to narrative tension. They offered writers at every level a chance to learn, ask questions, and explore new creative approaches.

A Printed Pegasus — and a Digital One Too

One of the highlights of our year was the release of both a tangible print edition and a digital edition of Pegasus, our longstanding literary journal. Seeing the physical copies arrive was a moment of pride for the Society, especially after the dedicated work that goes into editing, designing, and producing each issue.

This year’s Pegasus also carries a special place in our hearts, as we honored the late Jon Thrower, a cherished member whose generosity, mentorship, and love of Kentucky poetry touched so many. His presence continues to guide our work and remind us why literary community matters.

A Beautiful Conference Weekend

Our annual conference was another bright spot — a weekend filled with workshops, readings, panel discussions, and joyful conversations between friends old and new. The energy in the room reminded us that poetry thrives where community thrives, and that the Society is strengthened by the people who show up to learn, support one another, and share in this art form.

Looking Back with Gratitude

From open mics to craft talks, from the pages of Pegasus to the conference stage, 2025 reaffirmed that KSPS is a place where poetry finds a home. None of this would have been possible without our members, presenters, volunteers, and supporters.

Thank you for sharing your words, your time, and your presence with us this year.

As we look toward the final days of 2025, we’re grateful for everything this community brought into being — and even more excited for what’s still to come. Start your membership today.

Every fall, the Kentucky State Poetry Society gathers writers, readers, teachers, students, and lovers of language together for a weekend that feels less like a conference and more like a homecoming. The 2025 KSPS Conference—held November 1–2 both in person at Joseph-Beth Booksellers and the Lexington Writers Room, and online via Zoom—was a reminder of why poetry continues to matter in Kentucky: it brings us together.

This year’s schedule wove social connection, craft, scholarship, performance, and celebration into two full days of programming that centered one simple truth: poetry thrives where community does.

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Day One: Gathering, Sharing, and Celebrating Together

Saturday opened with something beautifully simple—a meet and greet in the Writers Room at Joseph-Beth Booksellers. No pressure, no agenda, just poets reconnecting, meeting new members, and settling into a creative atmosphere. It set the tone for a day that would be equally welcoming and energizing.

The KSPS Welcome Session followed, along with the launch of the fall issue of Pegasus. For many attendees, this felt like a moment of arrival—an annual reminder of our shared work and the art we produce together.

From late morning into early afternoon, attendees explored the Kentucky Book Festival programming on both levels of Joseph-Beth. This open, wandering space between sessions became a highlight for many. There’s something inspiring about discovering authors, listening to snippets of panels, and browsing bookshelves—all with a community of fellow writers around you.

The afternoon keynote brought everyone together on the Main Stage with a conversation between Silas House and Kathleen Driskell—two voices who have shaped contemporary Kentucky literature. Their dialogue invited reflection on place, memory, responsibility, and the role of writers in challenging times. It was the kind of keynote that lingers.

The day closed at the Lexington Writers Room with a reception, open mic, and mini book fair—a space where emerging and established poets read side by side. It carried that mix of vulnerability and celebration that defines the KSPS community.

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Day Two: Craft, Learning, and Creative Momentum

Sunday moved online, but the energy didn’t fade. If anything, the virtual format opened the door for even more participation from poets across Kentucky and beyond.

The day was packed with craft-focused workshops such as:

• “What the Record Shows” with Lynnell Edwards, where attendees explored archival and documentary materials as poetic source.
• “Your Dangerous Poem” with Letonia Jones, a generative session that encouraged poets to step into boldness.
• “Sound & Sense” with Marianne Worthington, who guided participants through sonic properties that give poems their resonance.
• “Poetrizzle Fo’Shizzle” with Tom C. Hunley, a playful and inventive dive into form and creativity.

Breaks between sessions offered needed breathers and informal conversation, preserving the human pace of an in-person event.

The Members-Only Business Meeting anchored the early afternoon—a reminder that KSPS is a member-powered organization continuing to grow and evolve.

Later came one of the most anticipated parts of the day: a poetry reading featuring Shauna Morgan, Lennie Hay, and Matthew S. Parsons. Their voices brought range—lyrical, grounded, experimental—and created a shared emotional thread that resonated with listeners.

The conference closed with a contest winners’ reading and open mic, where both seasoned poets and first-time readers stepped forward. It was a fitting end: a communal stage, a celebration of talent, and an open space for the future.

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A Weekend That Reshaped and Recharged

What makes the KSPS Conference so meaningful each year isn’t just the sessions—it’s the sense of belonging. Over two days, writers had the chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new collaborators, share their work, learn something unexpected, and feel creatively renewed.

The 2025 conference reminded us that poetry is living work. It grows through conversation. It deepens through practice. It strengthens through community. And it thrives when we gather—whether in a bookstore, a writers’ room, or a Zoom window.

As we look ahead to another year of poems, workshops, publications, and connection, the feeling that lingers is gratitude: for the writers who shared their time, the presenters who shared their wisdom, and the members who continue to make KSPS a vibrant literary home.

Ready to Join the KSPS Writing Community?

Start your membership today.