Important Dates
Deadline: October 11, 2026
Contest Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Arrival: Poets arrive by 12:00 p.m.
Judging: Begins at 1:00 p.m.
Requirements
- Poems must be original, unpublished, and in English.
- Limit submissions to 39 lines of single-spaced text for form poems.
- Entries may reflect current vernacular and moods.
- The jury reserves the right to reject offensive material.
Awards
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100
Honorable Mention: $20
Contest Location
Finalists will perform before a jury in the Crystal Ballroom at Clubhouse I, 3700 Rossmoor Boulevard, Silver Spring, MD 20906.
The jury will be composed of experts and professionals, including professors of English and published authors.
Registration and Submission