“The grass has no clue. The sea never knows.

Fresh florets climb a stem.

They’re moving, together. I think I belong with them.”

— Stephanie Burt, "Wherowhero Lane" published in The Poetry Review. 
Headline poet of the 2026 Nantucket Poetry Festival.

2025 program: a snapshot

friday, august 22nd

reading: OPENING

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. The Nantucket Community School

saturday, august 23rd

workshop: POETRY & NATURE

With Elizabeth Bradfield. 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM. NISDA, 23 Wauwinet Road

reading: LOVE

12:00 PM - 2:30 PM. St. Paul’s Church, 20 Fair St.

WE ARE MERMAIDS: Stephanie Burt

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Pumpkin Pond Farm, 25 Millbrook Rd.

open mic: POETRY SLAM

7:00 PM - 10:30 PM. Pumpkin Pond Farm, 25 Millbrook Rd.

sunday, august 24th

coffee talk: LITERARY PRESS

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM. Corner Table Nantucket, 22 Federal St.

reading: COAST

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The Dreamland, 17 S Water St.

workshop: EKPHRASTIC POETRY & SIP

with Hostetler Gallery. 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Hostetler Gallery, 42 Centre St.

open mic: A TRIBUTE TO ANDREA GIBSON

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. NPAC, 5 N Water St.

A lighthouse with a large, open-mouthed face of a woman on top, appearing to scream or shout with clouds, a full moon, and stormy sky in the background.

The 2025 Nantucket Poetry Festival headline logo

Design by Camryn Hartigan, Nantucket artist