Idaho Poetry Out Loud: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Idaho Commission on the Arts is proud to spotlight the poems and voices that help tell our nation’s story. For the 2025–2026 season, Idaho’s Poetry Out Loud program will shine a light on works that celebrate the resilient and ever-evolving tapestry of American history and culture. The Idaho Commission on the Arts has proudly hosted Poetry Out Loud competitions since 2005, helping young Idahoans find their voices—and adding Idaho’s unique spirit to this national celebration of American creativity. Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition for students in grades 9–12—an inspiring program that lifts poetry off the page and into the hearts of communities. Since its launch in 2005, more than 4.5 million students nationwide have stepped up to the microphone, discovering new confidence, strengthening public-speaking skills, and deepening their appreciation for the power of words.