80+ Free Poetry Contests to enter in 2026 –Monthly Updated

Table of Contents

Looking for the complete list of free poetry contests to enter in 2026? You’ve come to the right place. This is the complete updated list of free poetry contests curated from hundreds of renowned literary magazines, authentic publishers and literary organizations worldwide.

Whether you are a beginner, writing your first stanza or a seasoned writer with a full manuscript, there’s something here for you. Every contest on this list is free to enter, open to international submissions (unless noted) and monthly updated.

Taken into consideration, all the feedbacks from fellow writers, the contest genera vary from Free Verse, Sonnets, Haiku, Translation poetry to Image Poetry and more. This list covers free poetry contests for all age groups, nationalities, race, religion, genders including exclusive poetry contests for marginalized groups, BIOPIC writers and more!

Free Poetry Contests 2026

Note: Some online poetry contests might be area restricted , VPN is recommended.

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Requirements Before Applying for Free Poetry Contests:

It might become a challenge for beginners to apply for poetry contests or any writing contests in general,without knowing the proper steps and prerequisites. So, below are the necessary details and requirements that a writer should prepare before submitting their work to any literary platform.

  1. Cover letter (preferably in 3rd person)
  2. Each poem in a separate document
  3. Submission platform account (includes Submittable, Duotrope and more )
  4. Short Bio upto 50 words

To read in more indetail about various platforms and ways to publish writing and its monetization value, check out:

For writers who do not know the correct format to navigate a poetry contest submission, below are step wise instructions, for submitting your work in the below given list of free poetry contests 2026.

  1. Find a poetry contest that matches your personal information requirements like age, nationality, so on or find it according to the genre of your writing example Haiku.
  2. Read all the guidelines before submission.
  3. Click on the button “Visit site” provided below every contest.
  4. Submit your work through submission portal provided example submittable.
  5. Some contests require a fee waiver email that needs to be sent to the magazine.
  6. Submit your submissions before deadline and wait up to minimum 3 months for response.

ALL THE FREE POETRY CONTESTS ARE UPDATED FOR 2026!

1. Catbird Review

Deadline: Friday, January 1st, 2027 at 10:30 AM

Submission Requirements: 

  1. Welcome to include a cover letter with any relevant information
  2. Consider simultaneous submissions
  3. Submit up to 5 poems
  4. No word or line limit.

Prize: PUBLICATION

2. Asymptote

Deadline: Wed, Dec 2, 2026 10:30 AM


Submission Requirements:

  1. Simultaneous submissions are accepted.
  2. Send up to 10 pages of poetry
  3. Submissions from sub-Saharan Africa free


Prize: publication

3. CHESTNUT REVIEW

Deadline: Dec 31, 2026

Submission requirements:

  1. Submit 1-3 poems.
  2. Length and format are open.
  3. There are no absolute length limits
  4. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: publication

4. Wildscape Literary Journal

Deadline: Sunday, November 15, 2026 11:59 PM EST

Submission requirements:

  1. Up to 5 poems, less than two full pages per poem
  2. Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
  3. Third Person Bio: keep your bio under 75 words
  4. Allow up to THREE submissions per issue

Prize: publication

5.  Frontier Poetry’s New Voices: Frontier Poetry

Deadline: FREE for BIOPIC WRITERS

Submission requirements:

  1. Submissions are open to new and emerging poets only.
  2. They accept simultaneous submissions.
  3. They do not accept multiple submissions.

Cover letter needed.

All submissions must be no more than ten pages and no more than five poems.

Prize:

  • $50 per poem, up to $150.

6. Luciscura Literary Magazine

Deadline: December 31, 2026

Submission requirement : THEME: Mosaic

  1. People of all ages can submit
  2. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable.
  3. Submit up to 3 pieces per issue
  4. Recommend keeping submissions under 10 pages

Prize: publication

7. White Wall Review

Deadline: November 28, 2026

Submission requirement:

  1. Submit up to five poems
  2. Simultaneous submissions: accepted
  3. Any theme and length is acceptable

Prize: publication

8. Elephants and Tea

Deadline: Friday, September 11th, 2027

Submission requirements: FOR CANCER PATIENTS ONLY

  1. Theme: Redefining Milestones
  2. Poetry submissions of any word count are encouraged
  3. Submit only previously unpublished work.
  4. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: publication

9. Barely South Review

Deadline: November 1st, 2026

Submission requirements:

  1. Simultaneous submissions are accepted
  2. Submit up to three poems.
  3. Open to poets internationally
  4. Open to poets of all backgrounds and experience levels

Prize : publication

10.  Southeast Review

Deadline: November 31, 2026

Submission requirements:

  1. Free general submissions for writers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
  2. Submit no more than 5 single-spaced poems at a time, with a maximum of 15 pages per total submission.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: Publication

11. Fahmidan Submissions

Deadline: open year-round

Submission requirements:

  1. They do not print previously published work.
  2. Simultaneous submissions are encouraged.
  3. Submit up to 3 Poems for Free

Prize: $25 per piece

12. The Ear Magazine

Deadline: Fri, Jan 1, 2027 1:30 PM

Submission requirement:

  1. Submit up to 3 individual poems (totaling no more than 8 pages)
  2. No need for a bio or cover letter.
  3. Only previously unpublished work.
  4. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable

Prize: publication

13. Baltimore Review

Deadline: Tue, Dec 1, 2026 10:30 AM

Submission requirements:

  1. Submit three poems
  2. Simultaneous submissions are encouraged
  3. One submission per reading period.

Payment: publication

14. PRISM international

Deadline: Mon, Nov 16, 2026 1:30 PM

Submission requirements:

  1. Submit up to five poems, maximum of seven pages
  2. They have an Inclusive Access option under the ‘Submission Fee’ category for those unable to pay the regular fee.
  3. Simultaneous submission accepted.

Payment: $45 /printed page

15. Eurydice Lit

Deadline: open year around

If you are interested in more poetry contests, you can go through our Paid Poetry contests list.

Submission requirements:

  1. Submitters must be between 11-24 years of age to be eligible for consideration.
  2. Accepts simultaneous submissions. No more than 80 lines per poem.
  3. Up to 3 poems per submission.

Prize:   $5.00 USD as a minor monetary compensation

16. Lucky Jefferson

Only STUDENTS & STARTERS SUBMIT FOR FREE

Deadline: open year round

Submission requirements:

  1. Submit up to 5 poems or up to 10 pages of poetry in one file.
  2. Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
  3. They do not accept previously published work.

Payment: $100, publication, and a swag box.

17. The Split Lip Magazine Poetry contests

Deadline: open on in selected months i.e. January, March, May, August, September, November.

Submission requirements:

  1. They are looking for ‘First-time electronic publication rights’ meaning fresh work that’s not published anywhere.
  2. They accept simultaneous submissions with one submission per writer at a time.

Payment: $75 per author for poems along with payment for print is $ 5 per page, minimum of $20, plus 2contributor copies.

18. Ninth Letter

Deadline: Mon, Nov 2, 2026 11:30 AM

Submission requirements:

  1. Submit up to three poems.
  2. Poetry submissions should be no longer than 10 manuscript pages.
  3. Accept simultaneous submissions

Payment: $25 per poem

19. Superpresent

Deadline: December 10, 2026

Submission requirements:

  1. Accept submissions from anywhere in the world.
  2. The theme for the Winter 2027 issue is NOIR
  3. Up to three poems, one per page
  4. Simultaneous submissions are accepted
  5. Include a 50-100 word bio written in the third person

Payment: publication

20. Partially Shy

Deadline: open year round

Submission requirements:

  1. Response time: 2 to 4 weeks
  2. Poetry: up to 3 poems, no page limit
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted
  4. Do not accept previously published work

Prize: Publication

21. Josephine Quarterly

Deadline: open year round

Submission requirements:only consider 200 submissions a month

  1. Simultaneous submissions are welcome.
  2. Submit up to 5 poems of any length
  3. No age bar mentioned specifically
  4. Only previously unpublished work will be considered.

Payment: $30 per poem + also nominate select contributors for the Best of the Net Anthology and for Pushcart Prizes.

22. Lakeer Magazine

Deadline: 15 December, 2026

Submission requirements:

  1. There is no theme.
  2. Send us up to 3 poems
  3. Submit only once per submission period.
  4. Do not accept work that’s been AI generated.

Payment: publication

23. Pagans of the North

Deadline: 1st DECEMBER, 2026

Submission requirements:

  1. All of the issues are unthemed.
  2. Accept international submissions.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are permitted
  4. AI-generated work will be automatically disqualified.

Prize: publication

24. PETAL PROJECTIONS

Deadline:  open year round

Submission requirements: Theme: community, intersectional feminism, self-love/ self-care, environmental care, & ecofeminism.

  1. All work must be original.
  2. Entries should not have been previously published.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are ALLOWED.
  4. Innovative and thought-provoking content is highly appreciated.
  5. No Poetry restrictions
  6. Any topic or style will be considered.

Payments: publication

25. Phylum Press’ quarterly journal

Deadline: October 31st, 2026.

Submission requirements:

  1. Submit up to 5 poems
  2. Previously unpublished poems only
  3. Include a 100 word author bio
  4. Accept simultaneous submissions

Prize: publication

26. The Southeast Review

Deadline: September 30, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Offering free general submissions for writers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
  2. submit no more than 5 single-spaced poems at a time, with a maximum of 15 pages
  3. Submitted work must be previously unpublished.
  4. Accept simultaneous submissions

Payment: publication

27. Squid Literary and Art Magazine

Deadline: Sept 30, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Open for Canadian poets
  2. Theme: Air
  3. Submit up to five poems of any length
  4. Simultaneous submissions are permitted
  5. Multiple submissions are accepted

Payment: publication

28. Isele Magazine

Deadline: 7th November 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Poetry, submit max. 3 poems
  2. DO NOT accept multiple submissions
  3. DO NOT accept AI-generated work.
  4. Simultaneous submissions are allowed and encouraged

Payment: publication

29. MIDNIGHT IRELAND

Deadline: Aug 15, 2026

Guidelines: cannot accept international submissions

  1. Accept submissions of a maximum 4 poems across a maximum of 8 pages total.
  2. Accept all forms of Poetry, including both experimental and traditional pieces.
  3. Previously unpublished work.
  4. Simultaneous submissions are not welcome.

Payment: Publication

30. The Attic Review

Deadline: Aug 7, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Theme is in the attic
  2. Word limit: 5,000
  3. simultaneous submissions are accepted

Payment: publication

31. Reverie Literary Journal

Deadline: August 1, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Word limit is 5 pages per poem.
  2. Previously unpublished works are accepted
  3. Submissions should be primarily in English
  4. Simultaneous submissions are permitted.
  5. Submit up to 5 poems at any given time.

Payment: publication

32. Spellbinder Magazine

Deadline: November 1, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Maximum of 40 lines per poem.
  2. Maximum of 2 poems
  3. Free verse, formal verse and anything in between is welcome.
  4. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Payment: publication

33. Elsewhere Journal

Deadline: November 15th, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Submit between 3 to 5 poems
  2. Include a short biography.
  3. Do not accept multiple submissions

Prize: publication

34. Aster Lit

Deadline: January 15, 2027

Guidelines:

  1. Theme: Ekphrasis
  2. Writers must be 13–25 years old
  3. Accept and encourage simultaneous submissions and previously published pieces.
  4. 1–5 poems, up to 100 lines each poem.

Prize: $100 + Publication

35. Elizabeth AlexanderCreative Writing Award

Deadline: December 31, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Manuscripts of 3-5 poems
  2. Simultaneous submissions are accepted
  3. Submissions are open internationally

Payment: $500 + publication

36. Don Magazine

Deadline: November 30, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Up to 5 poems can be submitted per issue
  2. Allows multiple and simultaneous submissions.
  3. Refrain from submitting fully designed or laid-out pages.
  4. Previously published work is acceptable.

Prize: publication

37. The Table Review

Deadline: Sun, Aug 16, 2026 9:30 AM

Guidelines:

  1. Submit up to four poems at a time
  2. There is no word or page limit.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: publication

38. Guernsey
International Poetry Competition 2027

Deadline: 15 January 2027

Guidelines: Judged by Clare Pollard

  1. Free for writers aged 11–17 years
  2. No more than 14 lines per poem.
  3. Poems must be written in English.
  4. Multiple submissions are accepted

Prize:

  1. 1st prize £250
  2. 2nd place £50
  3. 3rd place £30

39. Quillkeepers Press: Ode to the Ordinary

Deadline: Sat, May 1, 2027 11:30 AM

Guidelines:

  1. Poetry: Up to 5 poems per submission
  2. Must be 18 or older to submit.
  3. Include a short 3rd person bio

Prize: publication

40. Agatha Press

Deadline: Nov 1, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Submit 8-24 pages
  2. Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
  3. Submit a brief bio
  4. Poems must be original and unpublished

Prize: Publication

41. Prairie Fire

Deadline: Tue, Dec 1, 2026 10:30 AM.

Guidelines:

  1. All works must be entirely original.
  2. No word limit or theme
  3. Simultaneous submissions are considered.
  4. Accept previously unpublished reviews.

Prize: payment & publication

42. Storm Publishing

Deadline: open year round

Guidelines:

  1. Submit finished manuscript
  2. submit up to one entry
  3. All genres accepted
  4. Response in 2 weeks

Prize: publication

43. The Shore

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Guidelines: Sarah Brockhaus, Caroline Chavatel, John A Nieves

  1. Submit 3-5 poems
  2. Include a cover letter and third-person bio.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted.

Prize: publication

44. The Slice Poetry Chapbook Contest

Deadline: Fri, Jan 1, 2027 10:30 AM

Guidelines: offer a limited number of fee waivers

  1. Poetry chapbook submissions should be up to 35 pages of poems
  2. One submission per reading period.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: publication

45. Insanity’s Horse Magazine

Deadline: February 15, 2027

Guidelines:

  1. Submit no more than five (5) poems at a time.
  2. Accept all forms and styles of poetry.
  3. Submissions must be previously unpublished.
  4. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: publication

46. Bricolage Literary & Visual Arts Journal

Deadline: December 31, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Submit no more than 2 entries.
  2. Maximum limit per entry: 2 pages
  3. Accept simultaneous submissions
  4. All types of poetry are accepted

Prize: publication

47. Redrosethorns Journal

Deadline: open year round

Guidelines: Theme: mental health; self-care; empowerment

  1. You may include single manuscript in one submission.
  2. Only submit work that has not previously been published, in print or online.
  3. All written work needs to be 3000 words max.

Prize: publication

48. Outskirts

Deadline: Sun, Oct 4, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines:

  1. Submit 3-5 poems (maximum 10 pages)
  2. Specifically for BIPOC writers only
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: publication

49. Menace

Deadline: November 30, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Submit up to 5 poems in one packet, limit 10 pages.
  2. Welcome hybrid work, including multimedia work.
  3. Simultaneous submissioms are accepted

Prize: publication

50. Late Night Projections

Deadline: November 18, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Poetry: 1-3 pieces, up to 1 page each
  2. Submit original, previously unpublished work only
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted.

Prize: publication

51. Loblolly Press

Deadline: Thursday, December 31, 2026 11:59 PM EST.

Guidelines:

  1. Poetry (up to 3 poems in a single PDF)
  2. Welcome simultaneous submissions.
  3. Cover letters are optional
  4. All work must be original and previously unpublished in book form.

Prize: publication

52. 2027 Perugia Press Prize

Deadline: Mon, Nov 16, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines:

  1. Manuscripts must be submitted between August 1 and November 15.
  2. Manuscripts are generally between 45-85 pages.
  3. Cover letter and bio may be added, but are not required.
  4. May submit more than one manuscript

Prize: Book publication & $2,000 prize

53. StoryTree Quarterly

Deadline: 2 DECEMBER 23:59 (GMT)

Guidelines:

  1. Poetry – Up to 5 pages per poem.
  2. Must be primarily written in English
  3. Poems with experimental formats are allowed
  4. Multiple submissions are accepted
  5. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: publication

54. Yellow Lamp

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Send up to three pieces
  2. Theme: aquarium
  3. Simultaneous submissions are allowed

Prize: publication

55. Mosaic Lit Journal

Deadline: open year round

Guidelines:

  1. accept various genres, including creative nonfiction, fiction, haikus, poems, plays, and spoken word.
  2. Theme: New Beginnings
  3. Poem features: Max 200 lines.
  4. Multilingual Submissions: Accept work in different languages but include an English translation.
  5. Response times within two weeks.

Prize: publication

56. South Carolina Review

Deadline: Wed, Dec 16, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines:

  1. No more than one submission per submission period.
  2. Poetry submissions may contain as many as six poems
  3. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable.
  4. No minimum or maximum page limit.

Prize: publication

57. Lacuna Vox

Deadline: November 20th, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Up to 3 poems per submission, no more than 100 lines each.
  2. Submissions are open to individuals aged 13–25.
  3. Only accept works in English
  4. Work must be previously unpublished

Prize: publication

58. The Columbia Review

Deadline: November 15th, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Accepts electronic submissions
  2. Simultaneous submissions are welcome
  3. Submit 3-5 poems
  4. Accept translations so long as the translator has obtained permissions from the author.

Prize: publication

59. Meetinghouse Magazine

Deadline: Mon, Nov 23, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines:

  1. Accept up to five poems per submission
  2. Include a brief bio
  3. International pieces are accepted
  4. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: $50 & publication

60. Asymptote

Deadline: Wed, Dec 2, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines: for contributors based in sub-Saharan Africa

  1. Send up to 10 pages of poetry by one author translated into English.
  2. Previously unpublished work only.
  3. One submission per person per submission period.
  4. Accept and encourage simultaneous submissions

Prize: publication

61. Copytext Magazine

Deadline: Mon, Nov 2, 2026 1:30 PM

Guidelines:

  1. Submission may include up to five poems.
  2. For each poem, include two drafts and one final version.
  3. Submit work where all versions are less than 50 lines (or two pages) each.
  4. Welcome poetry in all forms

Prize: publication

62. Chartium Magazine

Deadline: open

Guidelines:

  1. Up to 3 pieces per individual
  2. Submitters must be aged 13-25.
  3. All pieces must be original. Plagiarism and AI usage are strictly prohibited.
  4. Both unpublished and previously published pieces are welcome.

Prize: publication

63. The Bloomin’ Onion

Deadline: 31 December 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Response time of 4-6 weeks
  2. 1-6 poems, with the combined page count of the poems being no more than 20.
  3. Multiple submissions are not accepted
  4. Simultaneous submissions are allowed

Prize: publication

64. The White Squirrel XXIII

Deadline: January 4th, 2027

Guidelines:

  1. Looking for poems from Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Ohio undergraduate students
  2. Theme: “Urban Legends”
  3. Biography briefly describing yourself (maximum of 80 words).
  4. Cover letter: Number of Words 100-200
  5. Poetry: TWO pieces of any length.

Prize: $100

65. The Ammonite Review

Deadline : year-round

Guidelines:

  1. Send up to 5 poems (not to exceed 15 total pages)
  2. Only submit once per reading period.
  3. Accepts simultaneous submissions

Prize: publication

66. Channel Press

Deadline: 30 November, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Poems of upto 300 lines
  2. All submissions must be previously unpublished.
  3. DO accept simultaneous submissions
  4. Welcome submissions of work translated into English or Irish.

Prize: €35 – €250

67. Joyland Magazine

Deadline: Tue, Dec 1, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines: fee waiver available

  1. Welcome works in translation.
  2. Simultaneous submissions are accepted
  3. Consider fiction submissions (short stories and stand-alone novel excerpts) of up to 12,000 words.
  4. One story at a time.

Prize: $350

68. CommuterLit Submissions

Deadline: open

Guidelines:

  1. Submit one poem at a time.
  2. Simultaneous submissions are accepted
  3. Only original, not-yet-published work

Prize: publication

69. LUAIN PRESS

Deadlines: 31 January 2027

Guidelines:

  1. Submit five poems
  2. Simultaneous submissions are permitted
  3. Previously published work is permitted
  4. No fixed word, line or length limit for individual pieces.

Prize: €50 and publication

70. THE POMEGRANATE LONDON

Deadlines: open year round

Guidelines:

  1. 4 poems max per submission.
  2. Publish new, previously unpublished work by UK & international writers.
  3. Submissions should explore an artist, an artist’s tools, creative process, or artistic environment in some way.

Prize: publication

71. The Turning Leaf Journal

Deadline: November 1, 2026

Guidelines: Submissions should be emailed to theturningleafjournal@gmail.com

  1. Send only one submission per genre per submission period
  2. Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
  3. Do not accept previously published material
  4. Do not consider work created in full or in part by artificial intelligence (AI).

Prize: publication

72. Dust Poetry

Deadline: September 20th 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Email up to three poems
  2. Poems should be unpublished elsewhere.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted
  4. Will respond to all submissions before 31.10.25

Prize: publication

73. New England Review

Deadline: Tue, Dec 1, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines:

  1. New Japanese Literature in Translation only
  2. Only up to three poems.
  3. Previously published translations are not eligible.
  4. Multiple submissions permitted

Prize: $20/page ($50 minimum), plus two copies of the issue

74. Reed Magazine

Deadline: Fri, Oct 2, 2026 12:30 PM

Guidelines:

  1. Submit up to five (5) poems per submission.
  2. Reed Magazine honors the complexity and diversity of human creativity.
  3. Previously published pieces and simultaneous submissions are not allowed.

Prize: publication

75. Perugia Press Prize

Deadline: November 15, 2026

Guidelines: fee-free (for poets who are Black, Indigenous, and women of color).

  1. Manuscripts are generally between 45-85 pages.
  2. Cover letter and bio may be added, but are not required.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: $Book publication, $2,000 prize and more

76. Wishbone Words

Deadline: November 30, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Simultaneous subs are accepted
  2. Maximum 3 poems per submission period
  3. Individual poem length cannot exceed 3 pages
  4. Include a short, third-person author bio. Your author bio should not exceed 100 words.

Prize: publication

77. HNDL Magazine

Deadline: September 20th, 2026

Guidelines:

  1. Submit only 1 piece this time- your best poem, story, art piece, etc.
  2. Accept reprints
  3. Accepts simultaneous submissions

Prize: publication

78. So to Speak

Deadline: Sun, Nov 16, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines: with an intersectional feminist lens.

  1. Submit up to 5 poems
  2. submission should not exceed 10 pages.
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: $100

79. Abode Press

Deadline: Tue, Dec 1, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines: for Black identifying writers ONLY

  1. Send one manuscript only once per reading period.
  2. Abode Press accepts and encourages simultaneous submissions
  3. Currently focused on authors based in the U.S.
  4. Poetry = up to 30 pages
  5. Hybrid = up to 40 pages

Prize: 200.00 USD, 15% of royalties, paid each quarter, or until all books sold and more

80. Nashville Review

Deadline: Wed, Oct 1, 2026 10:30 AM

Guidelines:

  1. Novels/book-length works of poetry are welcome.
  2. two poems from the same original author per submission, per reading period.
  3. Must have permission to translate from the rights holder of the original work.
  4. Works should be published in their original language, but previously unpublished in English.

Prize: publication

81. Arkana

Deadline: March 31st, 2027

Guidelines:

  1. Poetry: Send up to 3 poems
  2. Translation: 3 pages of poetry
  3. Simultaneous submissions are accepted

Prize: publication

82. Cold Mountain Review

Deadline: Dec 21, 2026 – Feb 1, 2027

Guidelines:

  1. Send 3-5 poems
  2. Poems should not exceed ten pages
  3. Consider simultaneous submissions
  4. Do not accept work generated by artificial intelligence.

Prize: publication

What are the best free poetry contests to enter in 2026?

The best free poetry contests in 2026 include the Griffin Poetry Prize (no fee, $65,000 CAD prize), the Adrienne Rich Award for Poetry, the Bridport Prize, and dozens of literary magazine submission windows. See the full list at poetrymama, organized by category.

Are there poetry contests with cash prizes that are free to enter?

Yes, many high-quality poetry contests offer significant cash prizes with zero entry fee. The Griffin Poetry Prize awards over $65,000 CAD. The Adrienne Rich Award offers $1,000. The Bridport Prize awards £5,000. PoetryNation awards up to $2,000. All are free to enter.

How do I know if a poetry contest is legitimate?

Legitimate poetry contests never require you to buy a book, pay for feedback, or sign over all rights to your work as a condition of entry. All contests listed on PoetryMama have been reviewed for these red flags. Resources like Winning Writers and Poets & Writers Magazine also maintain vetted contest databases.

Can international poets enter free poetry contests?

Yes, most contests on PoetryMama list are open internationally unless specifically noted. Contests from publishers in the US, UK, Canada, and India are all represented. We note any geographic restrictions in each listing.

How often is this list updated?

This list is updated every month. When a contest deadline passes, we remove or archive it. When new contests open, we add them. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this article reflects the most recent edit.

What is the difference between a poetry contest and a poetry submission?

A poetry contest has a defined judging period, usually awards prizes and has a single deadline. A poetry submission (or open call) is ongoing or semi-regular and typically results in publication without a competitive prize structure. Many of the opportunities listed here fall somewhere in between, they’re competitive submissions with editorial prizes.

Are there free poetry contests for beginners?

Absolutely. Most contests on this list welcome poets at all experience levels. Literary magazines in particular love discovering new voices. Look for contests that don’t require a publishing history in their guidelines.

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40 thoughts on “80+ Free Poetry Contests to enter in 2026 –Monthly Updated”

    1. Hey Susan Mack

      Writing contests have deadlines, so if any deadline has been met, an ‘expired ‘ tag comes along so you would know before clicking!

      Our list has been updated, so there are no more expired ones!
      Go writer!

    1. Hey Ana-am Timothy Atanga

      If you are eager to submit your poetry for contests, click on any provided links above and you’ll be able to find the required procedure for that specific contest.

      Do remember, every contest has different requirements.

      Hope Poetrymama was of help.
      Thanks for contacting.

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  2. I have been writing poetry for years now and never published any of my poems nor submitted them into any contests for fear that I could somehow lose all my rights because I don’t have a patent what do you suggest

    1. Hey Grover!

      Before submitting to any contest, we suggest you go through their guidelines first. Most of the contests provide all rights of the publication to its writer. Only publishing rights and distribution rights lie with the contest holder.

      But, in case you don’t feel secure in doing so, we suggest you to submit your work to well known magazines. In that way, you’ll have all rights to yourself with additional payment from the magazine.

  3. I got the rocks in my hand
    Ain’t telling me what standing and shoot it
    When I got passion I’m act as fool with it
    I might cross you up fake one way
    Turn around and hit you when ball went away

  4. Most of my poems are personal for people that ask me to write for special occasions. Do the people have to give permission to use their names? I also write inspirational poems. How can I get more information and submit some of my writing? Thank You.

    1. Yes Doborah, you have to ask if you can include any personal info in your poems whether name/residence/parentage.

      We’ll soon update our contests to next upcoming poetry season. You can always come back n check if any particular contest applies for you.

  5. Thanks for compilation. It s really worthwhile, But I am unable to pay Entry Fee to “The National Poetry Foundation” for
    my poetry submitted due to : No Clear for/advise/Account No. and 2ndly, unable to be member of Poetry Soup (for members only) as no clear advise/format there.
    However, Thanks again for this work enabling us to go through it.
    With regards,
    Sukhendu Parui

  6. Hi Jaezlan.
    Thank you for your useful information.
    I’m looking for International contests with these conditions:
    1-free entry
    2-Not limited to English, but Including other languages
    necessarily Persian(Farsi).
    3-Including poetry or/and short story.

    But except ICPD Kazakhstan, I did not find one. Where can I find a contest with above conditions?

    With great amount of love,
    REZA

  7. Onuoha Agwu Onuoha

    Hello, I am writing from Nigeria. I am 73 years old with a huge interest in poetry. Kindly let me know how to submit my works for fair contests with my eights protected. Thanks

    1. Hey there!
      All you have to do is click on the links provided above, fill out their submission form and add your cover letter (if asked) and finally attach your work for the contest. All the above links are of recognized literature magazines which provides all rights to the writer.

  8. Hello, my name is (Hussein Payam Hazim) I am from Iraqi Kurdistan. I will send you my poem to take part in the competition at the festival. I’ll be glad to participate. My poem is about women’s problems due to men.
    I think it would be unique for a foreigner to attend your festival.

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