SOUTHERN MARYLAND — High school students across Southern Maryland are invited to showcase their creativity in the 2025–26 Young Saturday Visiter Awards, a statewide contest honoring artistic works inspired by Edgar Allan Poe.
Presented by Poe Baltimore and the Baltimore National Heritage Area, the competition recognizes Maryland students in grades 9–12 (or homeschool equivalent) who create original or adapted works celebrating Poe’s life and legacy. Submissions can include writing, film, music, visual art or performance pieces — any medium inspired by Poe’s imagination and influence.
The contest’s unique name and spelling, “Saturday Visiter,” pay tribute to a 19th-century Baltimore newspaper that awarded a young Poe for his short story “MS. Found in a Bottle.” That early honor helped launch his career, and today the modern-day awards continue that tradition by recognizing emerging Maryland talent.
Entries must be submitted digitally by Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. There is no fee to enter.
Two categories are open for entries:
- Adaptations of Poe’s Life or Works — faithful or modern interpretations of Poe’s stories, poems or biography.
- Original Works Inspired by Poe — new creative works influenced by Poe’s themes, characters or style.
Nominees will be announced in December 2025, with winners honored on or before Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, during Poe’s birthday weekend in Baltimore. Winners receive a medal, cash prize and recognition during Poe Fest International.
Students from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties are encouraged to participate and represent Southern Maryland’s creative talent in this statewide celebration of literature and the arts.
For complete guidelines or to enter, visit poefestinternational.org or email contact@poefestinternational.org.
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