BRUNSWICK — Brunswick’s month-long celebration of poetry, Longfellow Days, begins on Feb. 1 with the first of four Sunday Readings by local, published poets in a new venue: Lancaster Lounge in Moulton Union on Bowdoin College’s campus.
In this, the 22nd year of honoring the legacy of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Longfellow Days continues to offer poets, presentations, music, workshops, tours and an interfaith service.
This year’s theme “Finding Your Voice” offers an ideal opportunity to explore the distinct acts of creating, writing, performing and enjoying poetry. Throughout February, there are chances to hear over 50 poets and community members read original work and poems they enjoy.
As always, the month will conclude with a festive open mic celebration on Longfellow’s birthday, Friday, Feb. 27. “Over the years we’ve had many emerging poets step to our Open Mic,” said Longfellow Days’ Co-Chair Maryli Tiemann, “including local farmers, students, folks who had never shared their work before. Audiences are welcoming and inspired. We all enjoy spotlighting poetry from throughout our community.”
Here are ways to join in honoring the 2026 living legacy of Longfellow, Maine’s world renowned poet:
Sun, Feb 01, 1 pm, Sunday Readings Part One (Lancaster Lounge, Moulton Union, Bowdoin)
Wed, Feb 04, 1 pm, Winter Wisdom: A Poet’s Dilemma (UU Church)
Sun, Feb 08, 1 pm, Sunday Readings, Part Two (Lancaster Lounge, Moulton Union)
Thu, Feb 12, 2 pm, Interpreting a Poem (Pejepscot History Center, 159 Park Row)
Sat, Feb 14, 11 am & 1 pm, Chamberlain House Tours (226 Maine Street)
Sun, Feb 15, 10 am, Interfaith Service (UU Church)
Sun, Feb 15, Sunday Readings, Part Three (Lancaster Lounge, Moulton Union)
Fri, Feb 20, Christmas Bells Lecture (Merrymeeting Room, Thornton Oaks)
Sun, Feb 22, Sunday Readings, Part Four (Lancaster Lounge, Moulton Union)
Fri, Feb 27, Open Mic & Longfellow Birthday Celebration (UU Church)
For the schedule of Longfellow Days with complete details of all events, go tohttps://www.uubrunswick.org/programs/longfellow-days-2026/.
Longfellow Days’ Funders and Collaborators include: Bowdoin College, Brunswick Downtown Association, Midcoast Senior College, Nathaniel Davis Fund, Pejepscot History Center, The Senter Fund, Thornton Oaks and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick. Thanks to sponsors, all events are free and open to the public.