Calendar of Events
WELCOME TO THE 2026 NATIONAL POETRY DAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS!
There's something happening for every kind of poetry lover this National Poetry Day.
Whether you're keen to listen, perform, write, compete or simply soak up the atmosphere, you'll find events taking place in every corner of Aotearoa - from intimate workshops and library lock-ins to street poetry, spoken word, exhibitions and community celebrations.
Browse the regions below to see what's happening near you and join the celebration on Friday 28 August!
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CANTERBURY POETS' COLLECTIVE LAMBING SEASON
Four guest poets – Solomona Vasa Davis, Jordan Irvine, Indigo Tomlinson, Naomi Roberts – plus an OPEN MIC exclusively for our under-25s and MCed by the fabulous JOR DANSAREN!
Entry: $10 adult / $5 student
Date/Times: Thursday 20 August 2026 / 5.15pm - 7.30pm
Location: Tautoru TSB Space, Tūranga, Christchurch Central Library, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/lambing-season-2026-poetry-reading
Further info: https://facebook.com/events/s/lambing-season/945915528522318/
WAIMATE DISTRICT LIBRARY: WAIMATE WHISPERS & WISDOM
John has written poems daily as a way to process the loss of his partner in 2023, and is now nearing 1,400 poems!
We can't wait for John to showcase his talent, and also for all of you who feel inspired to share your own poem or read a poem that moves you. Come along to celebrate the power of poetry!
Entry: Free
Date/Times: Friday 28 August, 10am to 11.30pm
Location: Waimate District Library, 125 Queen Street, Waimate, 7924
Register: Please register (spaces are limited) by emailing library@waimatedc.govt.nz
‘THINK LIKE A POET’
Entry: $30
Date/Times: Friday 28 August 2026 / 9.30am - 2.30pm
Location: Rangiora Town Hall
Bookings: https://www.schoolforyoungwriters.org/masterclasses
CELEBRATE NATIONAL POETRY DAY WITH WAIMAKARIRI LIBRARIES
Waimakariri Libraries invite you to celebrate National Poetry Day with opportunities for all ages of our hapori to share their work, and enjoy poetry created by local poets on the page and the stage.
POETRY COMPETITION
Dig deep, put pen to paper, and share your best poetry with us! Entry is free and open to all ages. Submit your poem between 3–23 August at any Waimakariri Library. Alternatively, you can email it to: learningconnections@wmk.govt.nz.
Winners will be announced on National Poetry Day, 28 August, and will have their work on display in the libraries and receive a book voucher.
POETRY READING GROUP
Enjoy some NZ poetry read aloud and kōrero | talk with fellow poetry–lovers over a cuppa and a biscuit.
Date/Times: Friday 28 August | 2.00 - 3.00pm
Location: Rangiora Library
FUEGO VOLUME 4 LAUNCH
Join us for the launch of Fuego, the World Congress of Poets Literary Journal. Enjoy rangatahi voices, live readings from local poets, and stunning artwork from Waimakariri artists, featured alongside leading poets from Aotearoa and across the globe.
Date/Times: Friday 28 August, 5.30pm
Location: Rangiora Town Hall, Small Theatre
Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/fuego-volume-4-launch
Further info: https://waimakaririlibraries.com/about/library-news/2026/august/celebrate-national-poetry-day-with-waimakariri-libraries