The Belfast Poetry Festival, celebrating its 20th year, will take place October 16-19 in venues in downtown Belfast. Nationally recognized poet Ellen Bass will headline the festival as the keynote presenter; she will offer an afternoon craft talk and evening reading on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the First Church in Belfast.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, October 16, at Waterfall Arts, from 6-8:30 p.m., with a Toast to Poetry – reception and readings from Maine Poets, and featuring a performance by the Phil Carlsen Trio.

Friday, October 17, the 2nd annual Haiku Death Match, with host Mattie John Bamman, is slated to take place at the Colonial Theater, 163 High Street in Belfast, from 7-9 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.).

Throughout the weekend there are many workshops and performances scheduled.

Except for the Ellen Bass craft talk, all of the events are free and open to the public.

For more information and the full schedule for the Belfast Poetry Festival visit belfastpoetryfestival.com.