EVENTS
Each year, the GWC hosts more than 100 events, including monthly open mics, readings year-round, and Fish Tales, our popular storytelling showcase. All are welcome, always.
Browse upcoming events using the calendar, or scroll to see a full listing below.
Looking for workshops or writing groups? Click here.
Scroll Down for List Layout of Upcoming Events
Learn more about: Fish Tales Reading Series Charles Olson Lecture
Poetry Open Mic Night
Join us for Poetry Open Mic Night! Snacks & conversation, open to all.
Poetry Open Mic Night
Join us for Poetry Open Mic Night! Snacks & conversation, open to all.
Milo Todd Workshop: Writing Exercises For Character Development
Join Milo Todd as he discusses character development. This workshop will be full of writing exercises to help writers unlock the ideas they have for their characters.
Rockport International Poetry Festival
Rockport Poetry has consistently supported Poetry communities and poets on the North Shore for almost a decade.
As part of National Poetry Month, we host the annual ROCKPORT INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL April 17, 18, & 19, 2026,
Readings and presentations will be at the Rockport Community House, the Rockport Public Library and other venues throughout the town. Various poetry workshops will take place throughout the weekend. It opens on Friday evening April 17 with a reading by the First Poet Laureate of Massachusetts, Regie Gibson. On Saturday afternoon we will feature a bi-lingual poetry presentation by the acclaimed poet Jennifer Jean. An Open Mic will celebrate local and regional poetry talent. On Sunday morning poets from around the world will join together for an International Poetry Reading on Zoom.
There is also an International Haiku Contest! Submissions are currently open until the deadline of April 1st. Email RockportPoetry@gmail.com for details and contest rules. Winners will be announced by email on Sunday, April 19.
For local poets there is a Cape Ann Poetry Contest for residents of Rockport, Gloucester, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea. There will be 5 divisions each having 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes. Contact RockportPoetry@gmail.com for further information.Throughout the year we partner with community organizations like the Gloucester Writers Center to offer a variety of poetry events
Poetry Open Mic Night
Join us for Poetry Open Mic Night! Snacks & conversation, open to all.
International Women’s Day
Join the Gloucester Writers Center and the Coalition to End Domestic Abuse as we celebrate International Women’s Day. Led by Nicole Richon Schoel.
Gerrit Lansing Love Fest
Come celebrate our friend Gerrit on his 98 Birthday at the
Gerrit Lansing Love Fest. Bring Gerrit a poem to read.
The Resurrection of Judy Rhines, co-created by artist Gabrielle Barzaghi and playwright Peter Littlefield. Gabrielle drew some 20 dioramas on cardboard in which Judy Rhines – a legendary figure in Gloucester lore – goes on a walkabout in the Dogtown woods. Peter and Gabrielle worked out the narrative together with the drawings set up as a tour. Come on down and see the movie!
