Island favorites Justen Ahren and John Maloney last night kicked off a summer festival of poetry at Featherstone Center for the Arts, presented in association with the West Tisbury Poet Laureate and the Martha’s Vineyard Writers’ Residency.

Billy Collins, Naomi Shihab Nye, Fanny Howe, Honor Moore and others are part of the festival program.

The next event is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, with Fan Ogilvie and Fanny Howe.

Billy Collins returns to the Vineyard August 2 to reprise his sold-out performance two years ago. Mr. Collins was Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003.

Donald Nitchie and Honor Moore will read on Thursday, August 20.

And renowned poet Naomi Shihab Nye reads on Saturday, August 29.

The festival readings will be held at Featherstone on Barnes Road in Oak Bluffs. Each event begins at 6:30 p.m. A contribution of $5 is suggested. Mr. Collins’ and Ms. Nye’s readings will start at 7 p.m. and a donation of $20 is suggested.