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