Join us for the Springward Poetry Festival, a weekend of poetry-focused interactive programming for all ages. We aim to foster an environment where poets, appreciators of poetry, and those curious about the art form can celebrate National Poetry Month, learn about poetry, and connect with each other.

Start with our ongoing monthly World Poetry Salon (free), on Thursday night, April 9. The festival then kicks off on Friday night, April 10, at 6:00 with a public reception and a set of poetry readings, including by Max Heinegg, Medford’s Poet Laureate.

On Saturday, April 11, we’ll offer a daylong lineup of programming, with readings, workshops, and more! Featured during this year’s festival will be Black Ocean, an award-winning independent publisher with Medford roots, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. We will highlight Massachusetts and regional poets as headlining performers throughout the weekend. There will be an Open Mic for community members to share their work. We will offer workshops proposed and led by local poets to provide attendees with a safe, communal space for poetic exploration. More program details will posted here later in March.

General admission for the Springward Festival is $20 for adults and $5 for students, for the entire weekend. If you want to help sponsor the festival, please contact admin@artscollabmedford.org about how to support this wonderful event.

Overview Schedule

Saturday   11:00–12:30, Community Workshops I
1:00–2:15, Massachusetts Poets I
2:30–3:30, Open Mic
3:30–5:00, Community Workshops II
5:00–6:00, Black Ocean Poets
6:30–7:30, Massachusetts Poets II
7:30–8:00, Regie Gibson, MA Poet Laureate