The National Endowment for the Arts, managed in California by the California Arts Council, and regionally by the City of San Diego Cultural Affairs in association with Write Out Loud, present Poetry Out Loud, a national poetry recitation competition for high school students.
The San Diego Regional Finals take place this year on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. The event is free and the public is encouraged to join the student participants and their families at the Neil Morgan Auditorium at San Diego Central Library. The event will also be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/qFg5aTrG0tQ
At this year’s Regional Finals, poems will be presented by finalists representing: Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Canyon Crest Academy, Christian Family Schools of Poway, Francis Parker High School, Pacific Ridge High School, Valley Center High School, Westview High School and independent students from across the county, according to a news release.
Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about great poetry—both classic and contemporary—through memorization, performance, and competition.
The San Diego winner, who will continue on to the State Finals in Sacramento on March 15-16, 2026, will be announced at the end of the Feb. 3 competition. The winner of the State finals will advance to the National Competition in Washington, DC on April 27-29, 2026.