Poetry Postcard Fest 2027
Registration IS OPEN

The Poetry Postcard Fest is an annual 56-day experiment in spontaneity and community building. This literarary event is a self-guided workshop in spontaneous composition where people sign up & must send 31 original poems on postcards to folks on a participation list before the end of August. The fest was initiated in 2007 by poets Paul E. Nelson and Lana Ayers, and has grown to include poets participating worldwide. Registration opens annually on September 1.
Explore practices that help keep consciousness attuned to the realities of the world - and discover how poetry can emerge from that depth. In this five-week workshop, Paul E. Nelson guides participants through readings, interviews, journaling, and writing exercise rooted in the Cascadia bioregion. All levels are welcome; openness and a commitment to the practice are all that's required.
Learn more about Poetry as Neuro-Resilience →
Suggested donation: $130–$275
Saturday Cohort
Saturdays 9-11 AM Pacific Time
November 21, 2026 – December 19, 2026
Sunday Cohort
Sundays 3-5 PM Pacific Time
November 22, 2026 – December 20, 2026
How it Works
The fest is a self-guided 56 day workshop in spontaneous composition and community. Click to learn more about How it Works.
Poetry Postcard Fest News
Online Poetry Postcard Fest Exhibit
Thanks mainly to the work of two postcard people, Kristen Ryberg and James Gaynor, we'll have a launch for the Online Poetry Postcard Fest Exhibit on Sunday, March 28, 2021, from 4-5pm PDT. Here's...
Watch This
Thanks for this, Kristen Ryberg! https://watch.wave.video/ae75306066d3d2161f42929d popo.submittable.com
Susan Kay Anderson book on Virginia Brautigan Aste
Postcard poet Susan Kay Anderson has a new book on Virginia Brautigan Aste: In this startling and fascinating book, Susan Kay Anderson takes the reader on a journey from California to Oaxaca to...
12.11.2020 Nina Murray Poetry Postcard Fest Interview
Nina Murray is a newcomer to the Poetry Postcard Fest, with 2020 being her first year. A Foreign Service Officer, she had a lot to share about the fest, her work and the state of consciousness that...
12.10.2020 Cat Ruiz Kigerl Poetry Postcard Fest Interview
LONGTIME Poetry Postcard Fest POet Cat Ruiz Kigerl discusses her participation in the annual Poetry Postcard Fest: Poetry Postcard Fest. Cat Ruiz Kigerl was born in Seattle. She is the author of...
12.8.2020 CJ Prince Poetry Postcard Fest Interview
CJ Prince discusses her experience with Poetry Postcard Fest, the Poetry Postcard Fest in an interview recorded December 8, 2020. C.J. Prince arrived in the Northwest, escorted by two dragons and...
Bonus for Non-U.S. Poetry Postcard Fest Participants
Bonus for non-USA Poetry Postcard Fest participants in 2024 for the 18th iteration of the event which starts July 4, 2024.
PPF ZOOM OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JUNE 16!
PPF ZOOM OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JUNE 16! Join the Poetry Postcard Fest project board on Sunday, June 6, 2024 at 1 P.M. PDT for a PPF Zoom open house! Now that we are less than a month away from the...
Press Release: Cascadia Poetics LAB to Host 18th Poetry Postcard Fest and Postcards From Here Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 8, 2024 Contact: Paul E. Nelson pen@cascadiapoeticslab.org CASCADIA POETICS LAB TO HOST 18TH POETRY POSTCARD FEST AND POSTCARDS FROM HERE EVENT By Veronica Martinez,...
The Poetry Postcard Fest, initiated by poets Paul Nelson and Lana Ayers in 2007, invites participants to create and send 31 original poems on postcards throughout August. The fest emphasizes spontaneity, with poems written in one take directly onto postcards for recipients worldwide. Registration opens annually on September 1, and participants receive a list of fellow poets to exchange cards with. A $15 contribution supports the Cascadia Poetics LAB, and scholarships are available. For more details and resources on postcard poetry, visit How it Works or check out related essays and wrap-ups from past participants.
How the Poetry Postcard Fest Works

Abhaya Thomas Postcard
How the Poetry Postcard Fest Works
The Poetry Postcard Fest, initiated by poets Paul Nelson and Lana Ayers in 2007, invites participants to create and send 31 original poems on postcards throughout August. The fest emphasizes spontaneity, with poems written in one take directly onto postcards for recipients worldwide. Registration opens annually on September 1, and participants receive a list of fellow poets to exchange cards with. A $15 contribution supports the Cascadia Poetics LAB, and scholarships are available. For more details and resources on postcard poetry, visit How it Works or check out related essays and wrap-ups from past participants.

Abhaya Thomas Postcard













