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!
Event Filter
WHANGANUI DISTRICT LIBRARY AND GUYTON GROUP TRUST POETRY PARTY
Celebrate National Poetry Day with wise and whimsical words of poets past and present. Come along to listen, or share a poem that you've written or read. Learn who has taken out a prize in the 2026 Guyton Trust Poetry Competition.
Light refreshments provided.
Bookings required. Book on Humanitix or RSVP to 06 349 3131 or gonville@whanganuilibrary.com.
Entry: Free, bookings required
Date/Times: Friday 28 August 2026 | 7pm - 9pm
Location: Whanganui District Library, Whanganui
Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/poetry-party-lib or RSVP to 06 349 3131 or gonville@whanganuilibrary.com.
Further info: See the Guyton Group Trust Poetry Competition on the Competition Calendar
OFF THE PAGE: POTLUCK POETRY - POEMS ABOUT FOOD
To celebrate National Poetry Day, join us for a fun, food-oriented poetry evening. Poets from Landing Press' latest anthology, Potluck: Poems About Food, will be here doing readings.
Followed by an open mic with MC Adrienne Jansen. Bring along a short original poem or favourite poem about food to share.
Celebrating diversity, all languages are encouraged!!
All are welcome; there will be light refreshments from 5:45pm so grab a snack and pull up a pew!
Date/Times: Friday 28 August, 6pm
Location: Mezzanine Lounge, Palmerston North Central Library, 4 The Square, Palmerston North
Contact: genny.vella@pncc.govt.nz
Further Info: In partnership with Massey University and PNCC Welcoming Communities
OFF THE PAGE: LANDING PRESS POETRY WORKSHOP
At Landing Press, we would like to consider all poems from this workshop for our next anthology, on the theme of water.
Limited numbers. Registrations genny.vella@pncc.govt.nz or 027 292 9965
Date/Times: Saturday 29 August, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Oroua Room, Palmerston North Central Library, 4 The Square, Palmerston North
Contact: genny.vella@pncc.govt.nz
Further Info: In partnership with Massey University and PNCC Welcoming Communities