State Finals

Sun. Mar. 8, 2026 (12-4pm) - Day 1 of CA POL finals

Location: Jean Runyon Theatre (enter the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J St)

• 11am-11:30am - Check-in with CAC staff at the Jean Runyon Theatre. If you have not checked in by 11:30am, we will call you.

• 11:30-12:00pm - Welcomes and group photo

• 12:00pm-4:00pm - Rounds 1 and 2 of POL, separated by an intermission. Please prepare to perform both your first and second poem.

• 4:00pm - CAC staff will walk all champions/chaperones to the Residence Inn to facilitate hotel check-in.

Mon. Mar. 9, 2026 (8am-12pm)- Day 2 of CA POL finals

Location: California State Capitol, room 112

Due to size constraints, on day 2, ONLY CHAMPIONS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE PERFORMANCE ROOM, guests will watch on monitors

Day 2 will be streamed online starting at 9:30am. Please check back here for the streaming link closer to the event.

• 7:30am-8:00am - Champions must check-in with CAC staff in the lobby of the Residence Inn. If you have not checked in by 8:00am, we will call you.

• 8:00am - CAC staff will walk champions to the Capitol, group photo outside building

• 9:00am - Enter Capitol and prepare for event

• 9:30am - 11:00am - Event begins: Award time!

  • The Poetry Out Loud Hero Award

  • All champions receive their certificates

  • Poetry Ourselves announcements and performances

  • Round 3 of POL

  • POL awards

• 11:00am-12:00pm - Legislators continue to arrive, goodbyes and wrap-up

Please find the program here!