The 2027 Anthony Hecht Prize Reading with A.E. Stallings

The 2027 Anthony Hecht Prize Reading honors the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Anthony Hecht with an annual award for a poetry collection by a writer who has published no more than one book. This year’s reading features acclaimed poet, classicist, and translator A.E. Stallings as the prize judge and featured reader. Stallings, a National Book Critics Circle Award nominee for *Olives* and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for *Like*, will select the prize winner and read at the event alongside the winning poet (to be announced later). The evening introduces a newer yet already celebrated poet to a larger audience, continuing a tradition of spotlighting emerging voices in American poetry.

When: Tuesday, February 16, 2027, at 7:30pm Eastern Time.

Showtimes: The reading begins at 7:30pm; doors likely open 30 minutes prior (check venue).

Tickets: The event is part of the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series full-season subscription ($81 including a $6 handling fee). A virtual pass starting at $30 is available for 3 or more readings and includes live-stream access plus on-demand recordings. Individual tickets may be available later; contact the box office at (202) 544-7077 or folgerboxoffice@folger.edu.

Lineup: A.E. Stallings (prize judge and reader) and the yet-to-be-announced winner of the 2027 Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize.

Run time: Typically 90 minutes to 2 hours, including a Q&A or introduction.

Ages: Not specified; likely all ages welcome, but content may be more suitable for teens and adults.

Venue: Folger Theatre, inside the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.

Note: The winner of the Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize will be announced later, closer to the event date. Subscribers to the full series enjoy 25% savings, guaranteed seats, unlimited access to recordings of all season readings, and discounts on other Folger programs.