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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TŪMANAKO: WORDS OF HOPE – CELEBRATING NATIONAL POETRY DAY IN ŌTEPOTI DUNEDIN
Our event will also include musical performances and an opportunity for talk and sharing over refreshments.
Entry Details: Free entry
Date/Times: Friday 28 August, 7-9pm
Location: The Athenaeum Library, 23 The Octagon, Dunedin
Contact: Wendy Parkins wparkinsnz@gmail.com
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1737597867431854?active_tab=about
WĀNAKA LIBRARY: FREE VERSE POETRY CLASS WITH STEPHANIE FIELDSEND
Like to create to the beat of your own drum? Free verse poetry is free of constraints or rules. Whether you’re an avid or emerging poet this fun interactive workshop invites you to create and share.
Entry: Free
Date/Times: 20 August 2026 / 5.45-6.45pm
Location: Wānaka Library, 1 Bullock Creek Lane, Wānaka
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/free-verse-poetry-class
WĀNAKA LIBRARY: LIBRARY POETRY SLAM (NON-COMPETITIVE)
Read a favourite poem or perform your own. All styles welcome. All voices valued. Sign up to on the night, mic drops encouraged.
Entry: Free
Date/Times: 27 August 2026 / 5.45-6.45pm
Location: Wānaka Library, 1 Bullock Creek Lane, Wānaka
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/library-poetry-slam
NATIONAL POETRY DAY WITH ALEXANDRA LIBRARY
From August 24 to National Poetry Day August 28, come into Alexandra Library with a poem and swap it for one written by someone else! We will have supplies available for black-out poems and poetry prompts in the library. Note: we will be able to make a copy of your poem if you are wanting to keep the original.
MAKE A BLACK-OUT POEM
Make a Black-Out Poem - Upcycle damaged library books by making your own black-out poem with one or some of the pages from these books. This activity will be available from 24 August 24 to National Poetry Day, 28 August, with in-person support available from 9-10am August 24-27.
Entry: Free
Date/Times:
Take a Poem Leave a Poem: 24-28 August | 9.00am - 5.00pm
Make a Blackout Poem: 24-28 August | 9.00am - 5.00pm. In-person support available from 24-27 August, 9-10am
Location: Alexandra Library, 43 Tarbert St, Alexandra