2026 Zócalo Poetry Prize

Since 2012, the Zócalo Public Square Poetry Prize has recognized the U.S. writer of a poem that best evokes a connection to place. Zócalo is currently accepting submissions. The deadline for entries is January 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST. There is no fee required to enter the contest, and they accept simultaneous submissions.

Zócalo is on the lookout for that rare combination of creativity and clarity, excellence and evocation. The prize interprets “place” in many ways: A location may possess historical, cultural, political, or personal importance, and may be literal, imaginary, or metaphorical.

Their 15th annual winner will be selected by the Zócalo staff, led by poetry editor Connie Voisine, working in conjunction with a Poetry Prize selection committee. This year’s committee consists of ASU Virginia G. Piper, Center for Creative Writing assistant director Sheila Black, 2025 Zócalo Poetry Prize winner Jennifer Blackledge, and Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, ASU vice president for cultural affairs, Gammage executive director, and Zócalo advisory board member.