UPCOMING EVENTS 2025
May 4
~ Buy Your Tickets HERE ~
5th Annual
Afternoon Brunch & Auction
“A Child’s Garden of (the uni) Verse”
Sunday, May 4, 2025
1pm – 4:30pm
The Vinery at Christianson’s Nursery
15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
The Skagit River Poetry Foundation invites the community to our 5th annual auction and brunch to raise funds for our organization. Usher in spring with a children’s garden themed afternoon and take a stroll through the Foundation’s history as we share our mission of supporting literacy through poetry. The featured event will be the live and silent auction where attendees will bid on a wide range of items, experiences, and packages that will appeal to a variety of interests.
Join us for a delicious Dessert Dash, Raise-Your-Hand for Kids, a Secret Garden Photo Booth with costumes and props and Toss-a-Ring on a Garden Gnome game will add to the festivities. A hearty brunch will be included and you will not go home hungry because Master Chef, Georgia Johnson, is in the kitchen.
When you support the Skagit River Poetry Foundation you support student learning, mental and emotional health, and community enrichment. SRPF collaborates with poets from around the nation to bring poetry into the community when they host the Skagit River Poetry Festival every two years in La Conner, WA. Students are our Heart. Bring friends, family, neighbors, and join our party on May 4th and give so we may continue to blossom through the power of poetic expression.
Tickets: Individual $50, Couple $90
*Special Price* – Table for 8: $300
Contact Info: Molly McNulty, directorsrpp@gmail.com
May 13
PAST EVENTS 2025
April 28
April 26
Cascading Peaks: A Poetry Workshop
Saturday, April 26
1pm – 3pm
Instructor: Saul Weisberg
Act One Art Gallery (connected to Concrete Theatre), 45924 Main Street, Concrete, WA 98237
Admission: $25 per person
**Limited Spots Available**
Buy Tickets
In partnership with the Mountain Festival and the Concrete Chamber of Commerce we present a mountain poetry workshop facilitated by Saul Weisberg, former director and founder of the North Cascades Institute. Mountains inspire, challenge and terrify. Join us to explore how we think and feel about living in mountain landscapes through poems from a wide variety of time and place. A series of writing exercises will help us dig deeper into our own experiences in wild nature. Come prepared to listen and write! The workshop is part of the Mountain Festival’s lineup of events. All writing skill levels welcome.
About the Instructor
Saul Weisberg worked throughout the Northwest as a field biologist, wilderness ranger, fire lookout, and commercial fisherman before starting North Cascades Institute in 1986. The Institute is an educational nonprofit whose mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature.
Saul is author of Headwaters: Poems & Field Notes, From the Mountains to the Sea: A Natural History of the Skagit Watershed, and North Cascades: The Story Behind the Scenery.
February 16
Skagit River Wonder
An Afternoon of Poetry, Stories, & Open Mic
Sunday, February 16, 2025
1pm – 2:30pm
Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center
Howard Miller Steelhead Park | Rockport, WA
The Skagit River Poetry Foundation and the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center are partnering to bring you Skagit River Wonder: An Afternoon of Poetry, Stories, & Open Mic. Featured readers include poet and journalist, Kara Briggs, publisher and editor of the Concrete Herald, Jason Miller, and playwright and novelist, Nicola Pearson. They will share poetry and stories about the magic of the Skagit River during this special time of year when migrating eagles congregate, salmon come home to spawn, wintering birds are abundant, and the cycle of life prevails. The audience is encouraged to share during our Open Mic on the theme of “the wonder of nature.” Poetry, stories, and music are welcome.
Learn more about Kara Briggs
Learn more about Jason Miller
Learn more about Nicola Pearson
What: Skagit River Wonder: An Afternoon of Poetry, Stories, & Open Mic
When: Sunday, February 16, 1pm – 2:30pm
Where: 52804 Rockport Park Rd, Rockport, WA 98283
Event Details: Free event, but donations are welcome. Open Mic sign-up at 12:45
Contact Info: Cora Thomas, Skagit River Poetry Foundation, skagitpoetry.cora@gmail.com
February 1
Poetry Out Loud NW Regional Finals
Saturday, February 1, 2025
2pm – 4pm
Anacortes Public Library
1220 10th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221
We are excited to host high school students from around the region as they compete for a spot at the state level competition! Two students will move on to state!
* Competitors arrive at 1pm *
Event open to the public at 1:45pm
Program begins at 2pm
Contact Info: Molly McNulty, directorsrpp@gmail.com
Watch Recitation Videos Here from the national Poetry Out Loud website
PAST EVENTS 2024
October 3, 4, 5
12th Biennial
Skagit River Poetry Festival
October 3 – 5, 2024
Venues in LaConner, WA
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
Maple Hall – Will Call / Buy Tickets
Maple Hall Address: 104 Commercial St., La Conner, WA 98257
Presented by the Skagit River Poetry Foundation
View Festival Schedule
Poets from the PNW, to across the U.S., and around the globe
~ 3 Days ~ 35 Transformative Poets ~ View Poet Bios Here ~
Ellen Bass, Elizabeth Bradfield, Claudia Castro Luna, Chen Chen, Lorna Crozier, Tony Curtis, Samuel Green, Ilya Kaminsky, M.L. Smoker, Robert Wrigley, and 25 other poets!
Workshops, Discussions, Presentations, and Readings
Be Inspired | Transformed | Engaged
Volunteer 6 hours at the festival and receive FREE ADMISSION
Volunteer Sign Up Here
Official 2024 Poster Artist : Anne Schreivogl
View Press Release Here
Contact Info: Molly McNulty, directorsrpp@gmail.com
September 28
Saturday, September 28
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Location: Guemes Island Church
7611 Guemes Island Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221
July 21
3rd Annual
Make Me Wanna Holler: Music & Poetry
Sunday, July 21, 2024
1pm – 5pm
Pioneer Park, 1200 S. 4th Street, LaConner, WA
Skagit River Poetry Foundation thanks our community for all their support with our summer party.
– Make Me Wanna Holler: Music and Poetry event –
Burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, and ice cream for sale. Music by Delta Promenade and other musicians. Plus, Poetry Open Mic so bring a few pieces to read!
Bring a camp chair.
FREE ADMISSION
Contact Info: directorsrpp@gmail.com
May 19
A Poetry Reading for Anne McCracken, 1927 – 2023
Sunday, May 19, 2024
2pm – 4:30pm
Guemes Island, WA
Come celebrate Anne McCracken’s life and legacy with poetry, stories, and memories on beautiful Guemes Island. Open Mic. Learn More About Anne.
LOCATION:
Schoolhouse Park, 5554 Edens Rd, Guemes Island
Contact Info: directorsrpp@gmail.com
May 4
4th Annual Auction – “May the 4th” (Force) Be With You
Buy Your Tickets HERE
Saturday, May 4, 2024
5pm – 9pm
Hillcrest Park Lodge
1717 S. 13th Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
** Individual $50, Couple $90 **
~ May the Force of Poetry Be With You ~
Our event will be out of this world as we celebrate our mission during this Star Wars extravaganza. The featured event will be the live and silent auction where attendees will bid on a wide range of items, experiences, and packages to raise funds for the organization. Be ready to dive into our delicious Dark Side Dessert Dash, Raise-Your-Lightsaber for Kids, photo ops at our “Be the New Hope” Photo Booth with costumes and props, and play games to test your Star Wars trivia knowledge. Hearty appetizers by Simply Sound Catering from Josh Van Hine and themed drinks at our Mos Eisley bar (sans alcohol, too).
Help us continue changing lives through poetry!
Contact Info: directorsrpp@gmail.com
February 10
Valentine Poetry Workshop
Saturday, February 10, 2024
12pm – 3pm
Tri Dee Studio, 215 S. 1st Street, Mount Vernon
~ Write a love poem and create a paper valentine – just in time for Valentine’s Day ~
$15 Includes All Supplies
RSVP Molly, directorsrpp@gmail.com
February 3
Poetry Out Loud Competition — NW Regional
Saturday, February 3, 2024
1pm – 5pm
Hosted by
Skagit River Poetry Foundation
Burlington Public Library, 820 E Washington Ave
Open to the Public
For more info contact Molly, directorsrpp@gmail.com
PAST EVENTS 2023
January 11
Teacher Poetry Workshop
January 11, 2024
4:30pm – 8:30pm
Clock Hours
Lewis Hall, RM 311 & 326
Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon
Register with Molly by Jan. 7th. Please email: directorsrpp@gmail.com
December 14
August 13
Join us for fun in the park
~ Make Me Wanna Holler ~
a day of music, poetry, and summer fun!
Sun. August 13th, 2pm – 7pm
Pioneer Park Amphitheater in LaConner
/ Delta Promenade – blues music \
/ Erik Christensen Band – indie originals \
~ reading by NW poets and poetry open mic ~
1200 S. 4th Street, LaConner, WA
Burgers, Hotdogs, Ice Cream for sale!
~ FREE EVENT ~
Sponsored by
Skagit River Poetry Foundation
June 24
Save the Date
Join us for our
~ 3rd Annual Silent and Live Auction ~
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” themed event
Saturday June 24th, 5pm – 9pm
Hillcrest Park Lodge
1717 S. 13th Street, Mount Vernon, WA
Come Out and Support the
Skagit River Poetry Foundation
and the work that we do to build literacy through poetry
Games, activities, photo booth, appetizers!
MAY 13
SPEAKING OUR TRUTH:
AN EVENING FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS & THEIR ALLIES
Saturday, May 13th, 7pm – 9pm
Poetry reading featuring Seattle poet Luther Hughes & LBGTQ+ poets and Allies
The Lincoln Theatre
712 S. 1st Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Free Admission
funded by a generous grant from the Inatai Foundation
MAY 12
Join us for the Skagit premiere of the documentary
THE HEALING HEART OF THE LUSHOOTSEED
Friday, May 12th, 7:30pm
The Lincoln Theatre
712 S. 1st Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
– Open and free to the public –
__________
In 2002, Vi Hilbert, a Swinomish and Upper Skagit Elder, commissioned the Canadian composer Bruce Ruddell to create a symphony to help heal our country after 9/11.
On May 20, 2006, the Seattle Symphony under Maestro Gerald Swartz premiered the composition at Benaroya Hall.
Join us as we welcome
~ WILL HORNYAK, CELTIC STORYTELLER ~
For an evening of storytelling and music
“ERIN’S DAUGHTERS: IRELAND’S HAGS, HEROINES, WARRIORS, SAINTS & SORCERESSES”
Where: Bruce Performing Arts Center, 305 N. 6th Street, LaConner, WA
When: Tuesday, March 14, 7 – 9 PM
Why: Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC by JAN PETERS & DALE RUSS
Donations at the door
For ages 14 and up
Make Me Wanna Holler Music & Poetry
With Heron & Crow, Erik Christensen Band & Deep River Band
Guest poets Michael Daley, Judy Kleinberg
& Luther Allen
&
an open poetry mic
July 24, 2-7 PM
Pioneer Park, LaConner
The event is free but food and beverages will be sold
Bring a camp chair
Schedule
2-3 PM ~ Heron & Crow~ Bluegrass and originals
3-3:45~ Featured Poets & Open Mic
3:45-5:00~ Deep River Blues~ Country blues from the ’20’s-’50’s
5-5:45~Featured Poets & Open Mic
5:45-7:00~ Erik Christensen Band~singer/songwriter folk & rock group
Poetry Night
Friday, March 25th, 2022
7 PM
Pelican Bay Books, Anacortes
Author & Poet Michael Daley will be reading new works
Also performing
Skagit River Poetry Foundation Student Poets Laureate
Olivia Elias & Lucy Shainin
&
Poet Georgia Johnson
Guitarist
Brad Killion
TRUTH, BEAUTY & TULIPS
Join Washington State Poet Laureate, Rena Priest, Copper Canyon Press poet, Nikki Wallschlaeger,
along with local poets, Jessica Gigot & Gail Davern.
Thank you to Seaport Books in LaConner, WA for partnering with us for this event. Author books can be purchased here.
DURABLE GRACE
An evening with Terrance Hayes
POEMED & UPLIFTED
Lucy Shainin
Olivia Elias
Octavia Prosser
Daemond Arrindell
WORD JAZZ
The Skagit River Poetry Foundation and The Manieri Jazz Endowment of the Anacortes Library present Wordjazz, a hybrid of poetry and jazz performed by local students on Wednesday, April 14 at 7:00 pm.
The performance features the poetry of the SRPF’s three student laureates: Lucy Shainin from Anacortes H.S., Octavia Prosser from Oak Harbor H.S. and Olivia Elias from Sedro Woolley H.S.
Also performing is musician Kellen Murphy from Anacortes High School. Each student poet has collaborated with musicians to create a combination of words and jazz which is more than the sum of its parts.
The performance can be viewed on the Poetry Foundation’s website at skagitriverpoetry.org or on the Anacortes Library site at cityofanacortes.org