5th Annual St. Augustine PoetFest
Poets and poetry lovers will gather for the 5th annual St. Augustine PoetFest on April 9-11. The festival, a National Poetry Month celebration of creative writing and reciting, is presented by St. Johns Cultural Council, Flagler College, and Ancient City Poets. www.ancientcitypoets.org/st-augustine-poetfest
Location
Virginia Room at Ringhaver Student Center
50 Sevilla St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
― until April 11 (Daily)
Admission: Free
2026 Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine
Kick off the festival with a Beat Poet Summit featuring 10-minute readings by past and present Beat Poet Laureates, followed by a community open mic. Open mic sign-up begins at 6 p.m. (first 10 participants; five-minute limit).
Free and open to the public. Doors 6 p.m. | Show starts 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 10, 2026 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Flagler College, Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla St.
Continue the festival with registration and a Book Bazaar (10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), a Blackout Poetry Workshop (11 a.m.-1 p.m.), and a full day of readings in the Virginia Room, including the Florida Poet Showcase (11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.), featured Florida and traveling poets, “Poetry in Their Voices: Menorcans in St. Augustine” with Dr. Ann Browning Masters (2:30-3:20 p.m.), and the keynote presentation by Ray McNiece (4-4:50 p.m.).
Evening Open Mic | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Relampago Coffee Lab, 74 Spanish St. (Sign-up at 6 p.m.)
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Flagler College, Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla St.
Conclude the festival with a full day of student showcases, a Book Bazaar and registration (10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), author talks, monologues, a staged play reading, featured and traveling poets, and the Creation Ignition Station mini-chapbook workshop (11 a.m.-3 p.m.).
Highlights in the Virginia Room include “Monologues at the Mic” (10-10:50 a.m.), a live staged reading of The Trojan War, The Monster and Me (11-11:50 a.m.), featured Flagler student poets (12–12:50 p.m.), book features with Lola Haskins (1-1:20 p.m.) and Lenny DellaRocca (1:30-1:50 p.m.), traveling poets Cynthia Atkins (2–2:20 p.m.) and Kevin Pilkington (2:30-2:50 p.m.), and closing presentations by Norma Sherry and Ann Browning Masters (3-4:30 p.m.).
The festival concludes with the St. Johns Cultural Council’s 6th Annual Haiku Contest awards (3:30-4:30 p.m.), followed by a celebratory reception on the Tinlin Landing.
Why Go:
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the spoken word at the 5th Annual St. Augustine PoetFest, a vibrant three-day celebration of National Poetry Month. From the high-energy Beat Poet Summit at The Waterworks to intimate open mic nights under the stars at Relámpago Coffee Lab, this festival brings together local voices and traveling laureates for an unforgettable literary experience. Whether you’re attending a workshop at Flagler College, browsing the Book Bazaar, or witnessing the 6th Annual Haiku Contest awards, you’ll find a welcoming community dedicated to the power of creative expression.
Wander & Rest Tip
After immersing yourself in the creative energy of PoetFest at Flagler College or the Waterworks, wander over to Relámpago Coffee Lab for a handcrafted brew in their hidden garden—the perfect spot to reflect on the day’s verses. On your route back toward the Vilano area, consider a stop at St. Augustine Fish Camp for fresh local seafood and stunning Intracoastal views. Once you return to your Wander & Rest sanctuary, transition from the world of words to total tranquility. Soothe your mind and body by sinking into the heated saltwater pool, or let the day’s inspirations settle while you rejuvenate in the private infrared sauna or bubbling hot tub.