Open Call for the Next Heights Poet Laureate

Announcement from our friends at Heights Arts: 

Are you a poet based out of Northeast Ohio? Do you have a knack for all things at the intersection of writing, community engagement, and art?

Applications for the next Heights Poet Laureate are open now through December 31.

As the longest running municipal poet laureateship in the state, this historic position celebrates and enhances the role of poetry in the Cleveland Heights and University Heights communities.

Learn more and apply here: https://wp.me/p7vZwA-6W0

September 9th-12th: Literary Cleveland presents free annual Inkubator conference!

More info at https://inkubator.litcleveland.org/.

New Cryptid-Themed Poetry Collection by E.F. Schraeder

Announcement from Raw Dog Screaming Press:

Set for an August release, Ohio poet E.F. Schraeder's second full length poetry collection is available for preorder from Raw Dog Screaming Press. The Case for Cryptids: Field Notes of a Believer brings a humorous tone to the life and politics of the [possibly] mythological. From dogma to dismay, Schraeder brings unknown creatures into conversation with contemporary conflicts of opinion, urging readers to legalize Frogman or reconsider the harmful effects of deforestation on Bigfoot and his family.

Half guidebook, half protest sign, these poems question assumptions and test the limits of belief, inviting readers into a liminal space of wonder and doubt.  

And sure, okay…on the odd page, the Mothman just might try to seduce you. But don’t worry. Local authorities have already been contacted.

Preorder to get a special price and a cool bookmark: https://rawdogscreaming.com/cover-reveal-the-case-for-cryptids/

Upcoming Ohio Poetry Association Events: Summer 2026

Discover more at https://www.ohiopoetryassn.org/events.

Lakewood Poet Elliot Nicely Wins Honorable Mention

On May 16th, in recognition of his debut collection Sine Qua Non (Red Moon Press), Elliot Nicely received an Honorable Mention in the 2026 Marianne Bluger Book Award at the Haiku Canada Conference held in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Since 2020, Haiku Canada has sponsored this biennial award to recognize excellence in published haiku. Notable past recipients of this award have included Ohio's own Jennifer Hambrick.

Elliot Nicely has been published in leading haiku and poetry journals since 2006. His haiku has appeared in more than two dozen anthologies across four continents, and his writing was featured in Red Moon Press’s New Resonance series in 2019. Last year, he won an Honorable Mention for the Ohio Poet of the Year Award. Nicely resides in Lakewood, Ohio.

New Location for Kent 3rd Friday Open Poetry Readings

Contact RC Wilson at rcwilsonii@gmail.com for more information.

Jawbone Open Poetry: May 1st thru 3rd in Kent, Ohio

Join us at the annual Jawbone poetry festival in Kent! Please note the new location and time for the Friday and Saturday evening readings. Contact RC Wilson at rcwilsonii@gmail.com for more information.

April 21st thru 25th: 2026 Cleveland Poetry Festival

From our friends at Literary Cleveland:

For more information and to register, please visit https://www.litcleveland.org/events-programs/cleveland-poetry-festival-2026.

2026 Sun & Moon Poetry Festival: May 15–17 in Yellow Springs

The 2026 Sun & Moon Poetry Festival Invites Attendees to “Navigate with Poetry.”

The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA), in partnership with Miami Valley Astronomical Society, presents the fifth Sun & Moon Poetry Festival, May 15–17, 2026, in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Poets and poetry lovers are invited to explore the theme, “Navigate with Poetry,” during a weekend of writing workshops, readings, stargazing, and other activities that culminate in a celebration of poetry and the cosmos. Keynote guest Geoffrey A. Landis is an award-winning poet, science fiction writer, and scientist whose writing has appeared in more than twenty languages.

“At Glen Helen, Poetry and Nature become one in the ravine, the open sky, and our words,” said Susann Moeller, OPA First Vice President and festival chairperson.

Additional workshop leaders for the weekend are renowned poets Lauren Camp, Manuel Iris, Paula J. Lambert, and Dior J. Stephens. A special haiku hike led by Ray McNiece will offer visitors a chance to hear poems in the beautiful setting of Glen Helen Nature Preserve. The weekend also offers street poetry in downtown Yellow Springs, a haiku “death match,” native flute music, sound bathing, and an open-mic for festival attendees to share their own poetry.

"Thanks to the support of our sponsors, we have a remarkable lineup of poets and activities planned for this year's Sun & Moon Poetry Festival, which is a signature OPA event that demonstrates our commitment to expanding poetic craft and community in inclusive spaces," said Holly Brians Ragusa, OPA President.

Sponsors for the festival include the Ohio Arts Council, Full/Crescent Press, Lit Youngstown, LitCincy, Sheila-Na-Gig Editions, and Crisis Chronicles Press.

Complete festival information, a program schedule, and accommodations information is available on the OPA website at ohiopoetryassn.org/sun-moon-festival

Registration is available through April 22th at eventbrite.com/e/sun-moon-poetry-festival-tickets-1892651303999.

The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) is a nonprofit, educational volunteer organization with a 501(c)(3) Federal designation and a member state of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies.

Ohio Voices: A Poetic History - March 21st Online

March 21st at 10 a.m., Join the Ohio Poetry Association for a historical look at notable poets with Ohio ties on World Poetry Day!

This is a virtual event. More information and free registration at Eventbrite.

Sandusky Coffeehouse Reading

VALENTINES DAY It's beautiful country along the lake. Join us.

Registration open for Lit Youngstown's free Winter Writing Camp on February 28th

From our friends at Lit Youngstown:

Winter Writing Camp
Registration is Open

Winter Writing Camp 2026 will be Saturday, February 28, for writers ages 5 and up.

Warm up and write at the 9th Annual Winter Writing Camp! Spend the day engaged in interesting writing activities led by regional writers.

Registration is required for this free event, and includes a delicious catered lunch.  Registration is open until February 1 or all seats are filled.

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​Register at https://www.lityoungstown.org/winter-writing-camp.

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Please note that children in Kindergarten and First Grade require an adult to be with them all day, and children 10 and under require an adult in the building.

 

Adult campers can select sessions on the art of letter writing, telling your own story, adult-child journaling, writing haiku, traditional vs. self-publishing, and more, with workshop leaders Christopher Barzak, John Burroughs, Russell Brickey, JRW Case, Meghan Cliffel, Makenn Liller Dahman, Bella Davis, Teresa Leone, Isabella Moreno, Trennae Roe, Abby Vandiver, Shaunda Yancey & Kara M. Zone. 

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Many thanks to our host the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.

Last Exit readings in Kent from December through May

For more info, follow https://www.facebook.com/groups/275521006684052.