Summer Retreat Overview

The Watering Hole Poetry Summer Retreat is an annual, virtual gathering designed by poets for poets looking to hone their poetic practice or deepen their understanding of other genres. This retreat invites poet-facilitators to lead immersive poetry workshops and workshops in other genres that are rigorous, generative, and designed to push writers to the next level in their craft.

From July 18 to July 20, BIPOC writers will engage in daily three-hour classes, attend two dynamic readings, and connect through evening community-building activities.

Open to poets at all stages of their writing journey, the Summer Retreat fosters deep creative exploration and authentic connection through the lens of US Southern literary traditions. Rooted in our mission to build Tribe through genuine relationships, The Watering Hole Summer Retreat is a space where poets are supported in reaching their best work—together.

Upon attending the 1st retreat, applicants become TWH Fellows. TWH Fellows reapply as normal for future years and receive priority during selection. Fellows become Graduate Fellows after completing three retreats, one of which must be the Winter Retreat. Additionally, while the Winter Retreat can only be attended three times, there is no limit to how many Summer Retreats a Fellow can attend. The Watering Hole is proud to have nurtured and hosted some of today’s most visionary writers. Notable alumni include – Itiola Jones, Willie Lee Kinard III, and Julian Randall. Past faculty have included literary luminaries such as Jericho Brown, Fanny Choi, Patricia Smith, and Paul Tran.