April 2026 is here — and that means dozens of poetry submission deadlines are closing fast.
Whether you’re chasing cash prizes, publication, or both, this curated list of poetry contests April 2026 and open magazines will help you get your work submitted before the windows close.
Poetry Contests & Prizes Closing in April 2026
- Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest – Deadline: April 1, 2026. Free entry. $2,000 top prize + publication on Winning Writers. Humor poems up to 250 lines.
→ Submit here: https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free - Orison Poetry Prize – Deadline: April 1, 2026 $1,500 + publication. Open to all poets (except prior Orison authors).
→ Submit here: https://www.orisonbooks.com/submissions - Ninth Letter Summer 2026 Web Edition – Deadline: April 1, 2026. Themed web issue. No fee.
→ Submit here: https://ninthletter.com/submit/ - Blood Orange Review – Deadline: April 1, 2026 Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Pays on acceptance.
→ Submit here: https://bloodorangereview.com/submit_v16-1/ - Rhina Espaillat Poetry Award – Deadline: April 30, 2026 $2,000 + publication in Plough Quarterly. Single poem up to 50 lines. $7 fee.
→ Submit here: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/arts/poetry/rhina-espaillat-poetry-award - Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize – Deadline: April 30, 2026 $5,000 + publication (University of Pittsburgh Press). First book.
→ Submit here: https://upress.submittable.com/submit - Berkshire Prize for a First or Second Book of Poetry – Deadline: April 30, 2026 $3,000 + publication (Tupelo Press).
→ Submit here: https://tupelopress.org/berkshire-prize/ - Fieldstone Review “Wild Spaces” Issue – Deadline: April 30, 2026. Themed poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art.
→ Submit here (check Fieldstone Review guidelines)