Washington, D.C., February 3, 2026
The Poetry Out Loud National Finals will take place in Washington, D.C., from April 27 to April 29, showcasing talented high school poets from across the country. This competition emphasizes public speaking skills and fosters self-confidence among students while promoting literary arts in schools. With the added milestone of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, participants will recite poems that reflect American history and culture. Prizes totaling $50,000 will be awarded to top competitors, further encouraging community engagement with poetry and the arts.
2026 Poetry Out Loud National Finals Set for Washington, D.C.
Exciting Opportunity for Young Poets Nationwide
Washington, D.C. – The Poetry Out Loud National Finals are poised to take center stage from April 27 to April 29, 2026, welcoming high school talent from across the nation for a prestigious recitation contest. The event not only celebrates poetic performance but also fosters important skills such as public speaking and self-confidence among students, embodying the spirit of individual initiative and community investment in the arts.
This annual competition, organized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, promotes the literary arts in schools and emphasizes local leadership in educational programming. Reduced bureaucracy facilitated by state arts agencies allows for the effective coordination of events, encouraging greater participation and engagement from communities throughout California and beyond.
Upcoming Schedule for the National Semifinals
The National Semifinals are set to run on April 28, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET. Each state champion will face off in one of three groups, competing for the chance to advance to the National Finals, which will take place with the spotlight on April 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. The breakdown of the semifinals is as follows:
- 9:00 AM ET: State champions from Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- 1:00 PM ET: State champions from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
- 5:00 PM ET: State champions from Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Background of Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud has reached an impressive milestone since its inception in 2005, engaging over 4.5 million students nationwide. The program has become an essential resource for educators and students alike, not only promoting appreciation for poetry but also providing a platform that supports literary education and increases awareness of America’s diverse cultural heritage. Notably, the 2025-2026 program will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by focusing on poetry that highlights the richness of American history and culture.
Prizes and Awards for Participants
In line with its mission to encourage artistic excellence, the National Finals will distribute a total of $50,000 in prizes and stipends to schools represented by the top competitors. The awards are structured as follows:
- First Place: $20,000
- Second Place: $10,000
- Third Place: $5,000
Additionally, each school or organization represented by the nine finalists will receive a stipend of $500 for purchasing poetry materials, further fostering engagement with literature in local communities.
Registration and State Finals
State finals are expected to take place from February to March 2026, with specific dates varying by state. California’s state finals are scheduled for March 8 and 9, 2026, in Sacramento. Schools and organizations wishing to participate must enroll during the designated registration period, which opened on August 18 and closed on December 19, 2025.
Judging Criteria to Ensure Fair Competition
To ensure a rigorous and fair evaluation process, participants will be judged on several criteria, including:
- Physical Presence: The ability to command the attention of the audience.
- Voice and Articulation: Clarity and expressiveness in speech.
- Evidence of Understanding: Demonstrating comprehension of the poem’s meaning.
- Interpretation: Conveying the poem’s tone and emotion.
- Accuracy: Correct recitation of the poem.
- Overall Performance: Effectiveness of the presentation.
Conclusion
The 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Finals represent more than just a competition; they are a celebration of youth, creativity, and community engagement within the arts. As the event approaches, it serves as a reminder of the role that arts education plays in fostering individual achievement and civic innovation. Residents and community leaders are encouraged to support local participation and champion initiatives that enhance the cultural landscape of San Diego and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Finals scheduled?
The Poetry Out Loud National Finals are scheduled to take place from April 27 to April 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
What is the focus of the 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud program?
In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud program will focus on poems that celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture.
What are the prizes awarded at the National Finals?
The National Finals will award a total of $50,000 in prizes and school stipends. The top three winners will receive $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000, respectively. Additionally, the representing schools or organizations of each of the top nine finalists will receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials.
How can schools and organizations participate in Poetry Out Loud?
Schools and organizations interested in participating in future programs should contact their state’s Poetry Out Loud coordinator for more information.
What are the judging criteria for the competition?
Competitors are evaluated based on physical presence, voice and articulation, evidence of understanding, interpretation, accuracy, and overall performance.
Key Features of the 2026 Poetry Out Loud Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | April 27-29, 2026 |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Program Focus | Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with poems highlighting American history and culture. |
| Total Prizes | $50,000 |
| Top Three Prizes | $20,000 (1st), $10,000 (2nd), $5,000 (3rd) |
| School Stipends | $500 for each of the top nine finalists’ schools for poetry materials. |
| State Finals Dates | Between February and March 2026; specific dates vary by state. California’s state finals are on March 8-9, 2026. |
| Registration Period | August 18, 2025 – December 19, 2025 |
| Judging Criteria | Physical presence, voice and articulation, evidence of understanding, interpretation, accuracy, and overall performance. |
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