The University of East Anglia's first literary festival took place in 1991 and over the last twenty two years we have welcomed a host of award-winning authors, journalists, illustrators, scientists, economists, broadcasters and more. New Zealand poet Bill Manhire, visiting in his capacity as UNESCO City of Literature professor, will …
AngelHousePress presents NationalPoetryMonth.ca, a celebration of the nation of poetry. Poetry is a land of risk, play, meditation, provocation and delight. It cannot be contained within borders and should not be restricted by boundaries of any kind. Through the month of April, you will find poems that explore boundaries and …
National Poetry Month is a month-long celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 and observed since 1999 in Canada. As the Academy of American Poets states, National Poetry Month is meant to widen the attention of individuals and the media to the art of poetry, …
The mission of the Verses Festival of Words is to celebrate the transformative power of words – written, spoken or sung; to engage diverse groups in cutting-edge, live performances as both audience and participants; to present influential artists from both the oral and literary traditions, and to encourage the next …
The Frye Festival is Canada's only bilingual international literary festival and the largest literary event in Atlantic Canada. The Frye Festival offers the best of local, Canadian and international authors, including children's authors, graphic novelists, storytellers, poets, playwrights, spoken-word artists and more. The Festival was created to commemorate Northrop Frye, …
The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with U.S. state arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, a contest that encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn …
The Art Bar is recognized as Canada's longest running poetry-only, weekly reading series. Since 1991, it has featured both emerging and established poets from across Canada and occasionally from abroad. It has become a hub for the poetry community, and entry point for new voices, a place for people to …
Running since May 9, 1980, the Tree Reading Series (Tree) is one of Canada's longest-running literary events and an essential part of Ottawa's vibrant literary community. Tree is a non-profit organization that supports established and emerging writers from Ottawa and across Canada by offering a supportive public venue for writers …
The Poetry Society of America joins Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in hosting a poetry bash for National Poetry Month, with support from media sponsors Academy of American Poets, Cave Canem Poets, and Wave Books. Readings by Rickey Laurentiis, Cate Marvin, Sharon Olds, Matthew Rohrer, Danez Smith, and Wendy Xu. Learn …
The Cascadia Poetry Festival is a result of 20 years of organizing poetry events and conducting interviews on Whole Systems approaches. Founding Director Paul Nelson first learned of the concept of bioregionalism in 1994 when he interviewed Peter Berg of the Planet Drum Foundation. The notion of considering natural and …
Every April, on Poem in Your Pocket Day, people throughout the United States celebrate by selecting a poem, carrying it with them, and sharing it with others throughout the day as schools, bookstores, libraries, parks, workplaces, and other venues ring loud with open readings of poems from pockets. Learn more …
Current U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Wright and 15th Poet Laureate Consultant Charles Simic will participate in a moderated discussion with Poetry magazine editor Don Share to conclude Wright’s term as 20th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry and the spring literary season at the Library of Congress. Learn more here. Return …
Where does a poet end a line and why? When we imagine a poem, we often think of something composed of lines. But the line can be mysterious: why does the poet break off here rather than there? What’s the point of a long line? A short line? In this …
The Strokestown International Poetry Festival is now in its sixteenth year and it is the longest running poetry festival in Ireland. It takes place annually on the first weekend of May, in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, and provides a world-renowned forum for excellence in poetry. The 2015 festival will have an …
During the first weekend of May, Salem becomes the epicenter of contemporary American poetry, offering rare opportunities to hear the nation’s best poets read and discuss their work in intimate and engaging forums. The Massachusetts Poetry Festival showcases nearly 100 poetry readings and workshops, a small press and literary fair, …
Writing on the Wall is a dynamic, Liverpool-based community organisation that coordinates projects and events that celebrate writing in all its forms. They work with a broad and inclusive definition of writing that embraces literature, creative writing, journalism and non-fiction, poetry, songwriting, and storytelling. Writing on the Wall works with …
The Cedric Literary Awards are open to all full-time residents of British Columbia, aged 50 years or older as of January 1, 2015. Participants will be English or French-speaking writers and First Nations storytellers who have never had any of their work published before. Entries to one or all of …
The international Interstellar Award for Speculative Poetry is open to all forms of poetry, from contemporary/free verse to traditional verse. ‘Speculative’ is here defined as science fiction and fantasy, all sub-genres such as space opera, hard SF, soft SF, paranormal, steampunk, new gothic, supernatural, metaphysical fantasy, magical realism, and all …
Cottagers love potty poems! Potty poems tell guests how not to gum up the septic system. Almost every cottage has a potty poem hanging in the bathroom. Write a new classic potty poem for a chance to win! Prizes include cash, signed Purdy first editions, and the winning poem will …
From May 2nd to 9th, 2015 the National Reading Campaign will create an exemplary model of what a reading Canada looks like. For one week, citizens of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Calgary, Alberta, will weave reading into every aspect of their lives through a series of amazing events. Learn …
Brighton Festival is an annual celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events - taking place in venues both familiar and unusual across Brighton & Hove for three weeks every May. Now in its 49th year, Brighton Festival is an innovative commissioning and producing …
Join author and artist educator Sheniz Janmohamed on a (hopefully sunny) May afternoon for a reflective, engaging poetry workshop. Participate in a guided nature walk, create nature mandalas, and of course, learn new styles of poetry! Observe the gentle beauty of spring, notice the changes around you and write them …
The Boneshaker Reading Series hosted by Lillian Necakov is a monthly event that takes place at the St. Clair/Silverthorn branch of the Toronto Public Library. The series has been running for close to four years and has hosted authors such as David W. McFadden, 2013 Griffin Poetry Prize winner, Maggie …
The Art Bar is recognized as Canada's longest running poetry-only, weekly reading series. Since 1991, it has featured both emerging and established poets from across Canada and occasionally from abroad. It has become a hub for the poetry community, and entry point for new voices, a place for people to …
It’s simple to celebrate the day. Just slip a poem onto a friend’s, guest’s, child’s, or lover’s pillow. Consider reading the poem aloud once it’s found. You can write your poem out or share one of the printable poems tweetspeak poetry will provide. Learn more here. Return to the International …
Pivot presents the writers breathing life into Canadian literary culture. Established and emerging, time-tested and fresh; they're what's happening in literature, right now. This evening's readings at The Steady on Bloor West in Toronto are by Shane Neilson, Julie Paul, Damian Rogers and Blair Trewartha. Learn more here. Return to …
Where does memory end and imagination begin? Autobiographical writing has occupied many of the most eloquent minds of our time. A panel of brilliant, envelope-pushing memoirists examines what happens when the most intimate details of a writer’s life become the subject of his or her professional work. Learn more here. …
The first Ullapool Book Festival was held in May 2005. It was founded by a group of literary enthusiasts in Ullapool Entertainments, the local voluntary arts organisation founded in 1982. The aim is to run an annual book festival the purpose of which is to promote and encourage the study, …
Writers at York offers a lively programme of public readings and workshops, and aims to celebrate and explore the work of emerging and established contemporary writers. this event features a reading by the American poet Spencer Reece, author of The Clerk's Tale (2004) and The Road to Emmaus (2013). Learn …
Hear Iraqi and other Middle Eastern poets describe what peace means to them in their own language. The Iraqi Mutual Aid Society is pleased to hold the Third Annual Poetry Festival again in collaboration with Poetry Foundation. Please join us to experience this vibrant oral poetic tradition. English translations will …
This show explores “What is Now?” through performances by Toronto poets – spoken word artists Brent Peers and Tanya Neumeyer rooted in the poetry slam community and performance poet Penn Kemp from London, Ontario, alongside improvised music created by Bill Gilliam (piano), Glen Hall (Kyma X, electroacoustic sounds, saxophone, flutes, …
2006 Griffin Poetry Prize winner Kamau Brathwaite was born on this date in 1930. Learn more about Kamau Brathwaite here and here.
With more than twenty poetry collections to his name, John Ashbery is one of our most agile, philosophically complex, and visionary poets. In Breezeway, Ashbery's powers of observation are at their most astute; his insight at its most penetrating. Learn more here. Return to the International Poetry Calendar.
Join the Poetry Society of America as they celebrate the life and work of poet Galway Kinnell (1927-2014), with Toi Derricotte, Mark Doty, Jonathan Safran Foer, Robert Hass, Edward Hirsch, Marie Howe, Major Jackson, Yusef Komunyakaa, Mirah Kozodoy, Sharon Olds, Myra Shapiro, Gerald Stern, and C.K. Williams. The event is …
The Art Bar is recognized as Canada's longest running poetry-only, weekly reading series. Since 1991, it has featured both emerging and established poets from across Canada and occasionally from abroad. It has become a hub for the poetry community, and entry point for new voices, a place for people to …
Why are our homes so important to us? From the way they look and what they cost, to the experiences and memories stored inside them – what goes on behind those closed doors? Over the course you will study contemporary poems set in kitchens, bathrooms, sitting rooms, bedrooms, gardens, contemplating …
Since 2007, Franschhoek Literary Festival has brought together a broad cross-section of mostly South African English-speaking writers and a few distinguished authors from overseas, aiming to present quality events that inspire and inform. The festival also raises funds for local community and school libraries. Events take place in village venues …
Arc Poetry Magazine has been bringing great poetry to readers in Canada and beyond for over 30 years. For the upcoming Fall 2015 issue, we are seeking brave new voices in spoken word. Send your three most compelling, well-crafted spoken word poems that are as dynamic on the page as …
The winning entries in each category (fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry) will receive a $1,000 cash prize (plus payment for publication) and will be published in the Winter 2015 issue of SubTerrain magazine. First runner-up in each category will be published in the Spring issue of the following year. Learn …
This is a special event for European Literature Night. A specialist panel considers how literature in translation can be a bridge between worlds. With chair Fiona Doloughan (OU), editor Evald Flisar, publisher Susan Curtis-Kojakovic, writer Wioletta Greg and translator Marek Kazmierski. Learn more here. Return to the International Poetry Calendar.
The International Literature Festival Dublin, founded in 1998, is Ireland's premier literary event and gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke, delight and enthral. Described by the press as 'boasting a stunning array of top international literary talent' and 'the country's most successful and easily the best …
During the Nothing But The Poem poetry reading session with poet Kate Hendry, the group will read out and talk about a selection of poems by the poet Tomas Tranströmer. This event will take place at The Saltire Society. Two sessions are available, at 11 am and 2 pm. Learn …
This year the theme of Sydney Writers’ Festival is 'How to Live?'. Where do we find a sense of purpose and how should we best live our lives? It’s a subject seen in all levels of cultural life and running through the books readers are particularly connecting with at the …
The Scottish Poetry Library and the Edwin Morgan Trust have come together to host three Slovakian/Slovakia-based poets and three Scottish poets for a weekend of translating and exchanging poetry, experiences and exciting new ideas. Come to hear them talk about the process and to enjoy the fruits of their labours. …
The Art Bar is recognized as Canada's longest running poetry-only, weekly reading series. Since 1991, it has featured both emerging and established poets from across Canada and occasionally from abroad. It has become a hub for the poetry community, and entry point for new voices, a place for people to …
Supported by Bankstown Youth Development Service (BYDS), the Bankstown Poetry Slam is a live spoken word competition in which the audience is the judge. Join us for another night of magic at the largest regular poetry slam in Australia, featuring David Stavanger and a multitude of local talent. Learn more …
The Spring Pulse Poetry Festival (northern Ontario's largest annual poetry/arts event) returns in 2015 for its eighth year. The festival has a mandate to share poetry in public places. Last year, poets read in Extendicare facilities, in a Grade 8 classroom and other local schools, in hospital settings and more. …
For 27 years Hay Festival has brought together writers from around the world to debate and share stories at its festival in the staggering beauty of the Welsh Borders. Hay celebrates great writing from poets and scientists, lyricists and comedians, novelists and environmentalists, and the power of great ideas to …
CoastWord is a celebration of written, spoken word and song-writing to bring Dunbar, East Lothian and all the festival's many visitors together in story, song and poetry. Combining grass-roots story-making with readings and workshops from established, emerging and local writers, poets, singer-songwriters, CoastWord provides an unique opportunity to celebrate all …
Hosted by Dave Bidini, this fundraiser for the restoration of the Al Purdy A-Frame features readings and performances by Aisha Sasha John, Jeramy Dodds, Laurie Graham and The Billie Hollies. Learn more here. Return to the International Poetry Calendar.
The Art Bar is recognized as Canada's longest running poetry-only, weekly reading series. Since 1991, it has featured both emerging and established poets from across Canada and occasionally from abroad. It has become a hub for the poetry community, and entry point for new voices, a place for people to …
The most diverse poetry reading and open mic in Toronto, for more than two years Shab-e She’r has been bridging the gap between diverse poetry communities, bringing together people from different ethnicities, nationalities, ages, disabilities, religions (or lack thereof), poetic styles, voices and visions. The featured poets this evening are …
Running since May 9, 1980, the Tree Reading Series (Tree) is one of Canada's longest-running literary events and an essential part of Ottawa's vibrant literary community. Tree is a non-profit organization that supports established and emerging writers from Ottawa and across Canada by offering a supportive public venue for writers …
The University of Aberdeen May Festival is a popular series of events which will enable audiences of all ages to experience the joy and inspiration of books, music, film, science, food, history, nature, sport and more in the glorious setting of Old Aberdeen. Learn more here. Return to the International …
The bpNichol Chapbook Award recognizes excellence in Canadian poetry published in chapbook form. The prize is awarded to a poetry chapbook judged to be the best submitted. The author receives $4,000 and the publisher receives $500. Awarded continuously since 1986, the bpNichol Chapbook Award is currently administered by the Meet …
The Reading Line is a book ride that meshes our love of books, bikes, and food to raise awareness of routes in need of infrastructure improvements. Authors present their city-changing ideas to a larger audience that might not otherwise have exposure to them. We select books by a range of …
Roundel is a group of poets and poetry lovers based in Tonbridge, Kent in England. They meet monthly in central Tonbridge to develop their work and explore poetic forms. Evening events of poetry readings and music are held on a regular basis. The 2015 Roundel Poetry Competition is being judged …
The Edna Staebler Laurier Writer-in-Residence program is a full-time, three-month residency for Canadian writers. The writer-in-residence resides in Lucinda House, a century home close to Laurier's Waterloo campus, and splits his or her time between writing and community programming at the university's various campuses. All Canadian writers of established literary …
The London Magazine is again hosting a worldwide poetry competition which is open for all ages. This will be a chance to get published in the most prestigious literary journal in the UK which has been home to the likes of Sylvia Plath, Ted Hughes, Christopher Reid and many more, …