Reading with Anne Waldman, Billy Collins, and Tracy K Smith; Sharon Springs Poetry Festival; Sharon Springs, NY

Sharon Springs Poetry Festival

We are very pleased that the Sharon Springs Poetry Festival is back for another year. Thanks to the efforts of our festival founder, Paul Muldoon, this year’s festival features former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins, Current Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, and Anne Waldman, acclaimed poet and cultural activist. Click here to learn more about the poets.

That’s a lineup of talent and literary awards you won’t find just anywhere — only in Sharon Springs, as a matter of fact.

This year’s events will begin with a gala fundraising dinner with the poets at the American Hotel on Thursday October 18 (details forthcoming — be patient!).  On Friday, October 19, the poets begin their day conducting poetry workshops with middle and high school students at Sharon Springs Central School and end it with a free public reading at 7 PM in the School Auditorium. On Saturday, Paul Muldoon will again conduct a free poetry writing workshop at the Sharon Springs Free Library, 10 AM – 12 PM (pre-registration required; contact the Library at 518-284-3126 to sign up).

At 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 20 in the Sharon Springs Free Library, you can attend another free event: Billy Collins in Conversation with Paul Muldoon; a unique opportunity to hear two great poets talk about — anything they want to talk about!

Also on Saturday October 20 at 7 PM, “Your Poem or Mine,” a new free event for members of the community to read a favorite poem. Details are still being worked out, but the event will take place at the Roseboro Hotel and will be emceed by Sharon Springs’ own“Fabulous Beekman Boys,” Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell.