The countdown is on! We are getting closer to the Poetry Society of Vermont’s 2026 Summer Festival, Gathering Voices, happening on Saturday, August 8th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
We’ve already shared some of our incredible lineup—featuring printmaking with Revolutionary Press, dynamic regional poets, youth laureates, and the powerful indigenous storytelling & poetry of Joseph and Jesse Bruchac. Today, we want to share a few logistical tips and local highlights to help you plan the perfect summer day trip to the beautiful town of Greensboro!
Spread the Word: Free & Open to the Public!
First and foremost, a reminder that this festival is completely free and open to the public. Poetry is for everyone, and we want to fill the space with creative energy!
- Bring a crowd: We encourage all members to invite their friends, family, and neighbors.
- Be a community ambassador: Help us get the word out! Please consider downloading our festival flyer from the event page, printing a few copies, and posting them at your local library, community center, favorite coffee shop, or town bulletin board. Every flyer shared helps us welcome new voices to our community.
Plan Ahead for Lunch: Secure Your Tickets Now
The festival will take place at the world-class Highland Center for the Arts (HCFA). While HCFA features spectacular modern amenities in beautiful surroundings, please note that Greensboro has very few local dining options nearby.
To make your day seamless, The Cafe at HCFA will be open and serving a truly fabulous lunch (featuring delicious vegan and gluten-free options) for $18 (+ fees).
Because on-site lunch purchases will be strictly limited, we highly recommend purchasing your lunch ticket in advance to secure your meal. During the lunch hour, you’ll also get to enjoy Voices in Song: Poetry in Music by the wonderful folk group O’hAnleigh!
Click here to reserve your lunch ticket through HCFA
Turn It Into a Day Trip: Explore Greensboro!
Make the most of your trip to Vermont’s scenic Northeast Kingdom! There are some wonderful local amenities within arm’s reach of the festival to explore during breaks or after we wrap up at 4:00 pm:
- Wilson Farm (Next Door / Walking Distance): Located right beside HCFA, you can take a short walk over to enjoy their famous, hyper-local gourmet botanical ice cream—the perfect summer treat. https://www.facebook.com/wilsonfarmvermont
- Willey’s Store (1 Mile Away): An absolute staple of the area! Take a drive a mile down the road to visit this iconic Vermont Country Store. It’s packed with local charm, groceries, and staples (and a great spot to grab a pre-made sandwich or snack if you miss out on the HCFA lunch!).
- Caspian Beach: Looking to cool off after a day of inspiring poetry? Caspian Beach is a free public beach just down the road. Bring your swimsuit and towel for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Caspian Lake.
- Hill Farmstead Brewery (A Short Drive Away): Consistently named one of the best craft breweries in the world, their beautiful taproom and retail shop are located just a few miles up the road. It’s the perfect stop to pick up a world-class beverage before heading home!
Event Details at a Glance
- When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Where: Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St, Greensboro, VT 05841
- Cost: Free! (Suggested donations of $5-$20 are welcome online & at the welcome table to help cover festival costs).
- Volunteer: If you can help out in any way at the 2026 Summer Festival: Gathering Voices please sign up here.
For the full schedule, open mic sign-ups, and to download the promotional flyer, visit our official event page:
PSOV Summer Poetry Festival Event Page
We can’t wait to gather, listen, and celebrate the power of poetry with you, your family, and your friends. See you on August 8th!