Wednesday, June 22
Heather McHugh
& Sunken Garden Poetry Chapbook Winner
Music: The Meadows Brothers

Sunday, July 10
Brian Turner
& Doug Anderson
Music: Logan Vath
Featuring Veterans’ Art Show & Workshop

Wednesday, July 20
Ed Hirsch
& Clare Rossini
Music: Lords of Liechtenstein

Sunday, August 7
Juan Felipe Herrera, United States Poet Laureate
& Peg Boyers
Music: Latin Heartbeat Ensemble
Featuring Latino Authors & Poets Community Conversation

Wednesday, August 17 – CT YOUNG POETS DAY
Kwame Dawes
& Fresh Voices Student Competition Winners
Music: Mystic Jammers

The Sunken Garden Poetry Festival is a unique outdoor arts event located on the grounds of this National Historic Landmark in the heart of Farmington. Beginning on June 22, the festival presents the first of five performances, scheduled for three Wednesday and two Sunday evenings throughout the summer. Adding to the humanities-rich content of the festival, Hill-Stead offers poetry writing workshops with each headlining performer. The community cherishes this series of readings and music concerts in the informal outdoor setting of the Hill-Stead estate. Visitors can come early to tour the museum’s world-class Impressionist art collection, walk the trails or attend the pre-performance Prelude conversations with the headlining poets.
Festival Schedule: Gates open at 4:30 pm; Prelude conversation with headlining poet at 5:00 pm; opening poet at 6:00 pm; music begins at 6:30 pm; headlining poet begins at 7:15 pm.

Admission: $12 advance on-line purchase, $15 at the gate, ages 18 and under free. Parking is free.
Tickets & Season Passes: hillstead.org.
Seating: Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating in and around the garden, or join Hill-Stead’s Live Poets Society to receive premier reserved seating. To join Live Poets Society, contact Kirsten Fuchs at 860-677-4787, x181, or visit www.hillstead.org.
Food: Al fresco dining is allowed on the grounds. Festival attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic suppers or purchase food, wine and other beverages on site from gourmet food vendors.