Be Fearless Poetry - Recitation
July
21

Be Fearless Poetry - Recitation

Tucked in behind Sydney Road in Houdini Lane is Brunswick's best hidden secret... Red Betty. and the third Monday of each month is a poetry open mic where poets can Be Fearless!

Hello everyone, the third Monday night of each month is Be Fearless Poetry night. And the one on 21 July is something different.
Open Mic readers are encouraged to recite their words on this night. It's a challenge to try something different and explore new ways of presenting spoken word on stage. Whether it's a one minute piece, five minutes or even longer, the focus will be on reciting if you are able to do so. Challenge yourself.

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Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou
July
22

Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou

Hosted by MC Danksta Downunder, the format is OPEN MIC for all to join!

No-one knows what will happen on the night! All languages are welcome here. 100% survival rate for first-time performers guaranteed. Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou has a long history within the Melbourne poetry scene - come and join in every Tuesday

View Event →
The Motley Open-Haus
July
23

The Motley Open-Haus

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

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PoetiCas - Cate Kennedy at the Coolroom
July
26

PoetiCas - Cate Kennedy at the Coolroom

PoetiCas has been hosting regular poetry gatherings in Castlemaine since 2015, following on the tradition of Ross Donlon's poetry readings in the decade prior. It has grown into a wonderful community and their monthly events are beloved by many.

Acclaimed local poet Cate Kennedy will feature at the PoetiCas reading in July.

Cate Kennedy's collection Signs of Other Fires was published in 2001, and won the Vincent Buckley Award, enabling Cate to travel to Ireland in 2002 and write many of the poems that appear in her second collection Joyflight - poems concerned with legacy, loss and memory.

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What Distance Means, poetry by Edward Caruso
July
29

What Distance Means, poetry by Edward Caruso

What Distance Means is Edward Caruso's third book of poems. It contains impressionistic and evocative descriptions that bring to life people and places encountered during Edward Caruso’s journeys to Italy. The language of What Distance Means – moods, colours and landscapes – transports readers to places that link ‘Etruscan necropolises to the fragrances of wild mint because these are images to keep’.

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Ascot Vale Poetry Slam
July
29

Ascot Vale Poetry Slam

Ascot Vale Poetry Slam 8 Poets. 5 Random Judges. One RAUCOUS Crowd. It’s loud. It’s raw. It’s poetry like you’ve never seen it before. Join us for a night of electric energy, bold voices, and unfiltered expression as 8 poets take the stage to battle it out for glory — and your cheers.

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The Motley Open-Haus
July
30

The Motley Open-Haus

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

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Poetry Bauhaus ft. Emma Fayelecaun
Aug
3

Poetry Bauhaus ft. Emma Fayelecaun

Poetry Bauhaus is a fabulous gig set in West Gippsland, Warragul.

Emma Fayelecaun will be our exciting featured poet this August. A poetry workshop preceding Bauhaus at 11am. VRI HALL Warragul pm us if your interested.

Plus a popular  open mic,  where poets vie for the much coveted Bauhaus Poetry Cup, also a support feature in our next gig.

Convened by Yvette Stubbs,

supported by Baw Baw Arts Alliance..

View Event →
The Last Outpost of Poetry
Aug
4

The Last Outpost of Poetry

  • 213 Barkly Street St Kilda, VIC, 3182 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

St Kilda's weekly poetry & spoken word open mic, hosted by Danksta Downunder, in Claypots seafood restaurant @ 213 Barkly Street. Bar snacks & drinks available to whet your appetite for words that may or may not rhyme, let alone make sense &/or nonsense!

View Event →
Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou
Aug
5

Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou

Hosted by MC Danksta Downunder, the format is OPEN MIC for all to join!

No-one knows what will happen on the night! All languages are welcome here. 100% survival rate for first-time performers guaranteed. Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou has a long history within the Melbourne poetry scene - come and join in every Tuesday

View Event →
Words Aloud
Aug
6

Words Aloud

Open Mic poetry/spoken word for local poets - established, emerging, newbies, aspiring and listeners. An inclusive happening for sharing original work and inspiring each other. Five minute limit, with longer spots available on alternate sessions.

View Event →
The Motley Open-Haus
Aug
6

The Motley Open-Haus

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

View Event →
Perc.U.Lations
Aug
9

Perc.U.Lations

Our Poetry and Spoken Word events are (usually) held on the second Saturday of the month at 3 p.m., with a Poetry Writing Workshop running from 2 pm to 3 pm for anyone interested.

The venue for Perc.U.lations is the wonderfully generous Kafé on Hemmings (86 Hemmings St), in Dandenong, about a 15-minute walk from either Dandenong or Yarraman train stations. There is also handy, free parking available behind the medical centre on the opposite corner.

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Writing Through Grief workshop with Amanda Anastasi
Aug
10

Writing Through Grief workshop with Amanda Anastasi

Much has been said about the therapeutic power of writing in helping process grief and loss. This workshop will inspire you with poems and guide you through a series of writing exercises, helping you articulate your unique grief journey and explore past memories in a new way.

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The Last Outpost of Poetry
Aug
11

The Last Outpost of Poetry

  • 213 Barkly Street St Kilda, VIC, 3182 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

St Kilda's weekly poetry & spoken word open mic, hosted by Danksta Downunder, in Claypots seafood restaurant @ 213 Barkly Street. Bar snacks & drinks available to whet your appetite for words that may or may not rhyme, let alone make sense &/or nonsense!

View Event →
Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou
Aug
12

Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou

Hosted by MC Danksta Downunder, the format is OPEN MIC for all to join!

No-one knows what will happen on the night! All languages are welcome here. 100% survival rate for first-time performers guaranteed. Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou has a long history within the Melbourne poetry scene - come and join in every Tuesday

View Event →
The Motley Open-Haus
Aug
13

The Motley Open-Haus

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

View Event →
Radio Laria Poetry with Stephanie Powell and Leone Gabrielle
Aug
14

Radio Laria Poetry with Stephanie Powell and Leone Gabrielle

This July, Radio Laria invites you to join us with features Stephanie Powell and Leone Gabrielle for poetry that explores the rooted, the elevated and many things in between. Stephanie Powell is an award-winning poet whose most recent collection Invisible Wasp was brought out by Liquid Amber press in 2024. Leone Gabrielle is a poet, philosopher, and knitter with a growing fanbase in the Melbourne poetry community.

View Event →
The Last Outpost of Poetry
Aug
18

The Last Outpost of Poetry

  • 213 Barkly Street St Kilda, VIC, 3182 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

St Kilda's weekly poetry & spoken word open mic, hosted by Danksta Downunder, in Claypots seafood restaurant @ 213 Barkly Street. Bar snacks & drinks available to whet your appetite for words that may or may not rhyme, let alone make sense &/or nonsense!

View Event →
Be Fearless Poetry
Aug
18

Be Fearless Poetry

Tucked in behind Sydney Road in Houdini Lane is Brunswick's best hidden secret... Red Betty. and the third Monday of each month is a poetry open mic where poets can Be Fearless!

This will be where poetry will be explored as an art form. Any kind of poetry is welcome, including the experimental and surreal. Musicians, hip hop artists, anyone who is willing to push poetic boundaries. It's all about enjoying art in a fun, safe, supportive space. Where you can perform that piece you thought you never would. Where you can Be Fearless.

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Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou
Aug
19

Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou

Hosted by MC Danksta Downunder, the format is OPEN MIC for all to join!

No-one knows what will happen on the night! All languages are welcome here. 100% survival rate for first-time performers guaranteed. Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou has a long history within the Melbourne poetry scene - come and join in every Tuesday

View Event →
Words Aloud
Aug
20

Words Aloud

Open Mic poetry/spoken word for local poets - established, emerging, newbies, aspiring and listeners. An inclusive happening for sharing original work and inspiring each other. Five minute limit, with longer spots available on alternate sessions.

View Event →
The Motley Open-Haus
Aug
20

The Motley Open-Haus

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

View Event →
PoetiCas at the Coolroom
Aug
23

PoetiCas at the Coolroom

PoetiCas has been hosting regular poetry gatherings in Castlemaine since 2015, following on the tradition of Ross Donlon's poetry readings in the decade prior. It has grown into a wonderful community and their monthly events are beloved by many.

The usual format brings a featured reader to share their work, as well as an open section for the community to share their own original poems in a warm and supportive space, MC'd by a local poet and publisher . All are welcome to attend, to read or just to listen.

View Event →
The Last Outpost of Poetry
Aug
25

The Last Outpost of Poetry

  • 213 Barkly Street St Kilda, VIC, 3182 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

St Kilda's weekly poetry & spoken word open mic, hosted by Danksta Downunder, in Claypots seafood restaurant @ 213 Barkly Street. Bar snacks & drinks available to whet your appetite for words that may or may not rhyme, let alone make sense &/or nonsense!

View Event →
Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou
Aug
26

Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou

Hosted by MC Danksta Downunder, the format is OPEN MIC for all to join!

No-one knows what will happen on the night! All languages are welcome here. 100% survival rate for first-time performers guaranteed. Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou has a long history within the Melbourne poetry scene - come and join in every Tuesday

View Event →
The Motley Open-Haus (Copy)
Aug
27

The Motley Open-Haus (Copy)

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

View Event →
Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou
Sept
2

Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou

Hosted by MC Danksta Downunder, the format is OPEN MIC for all to join!

No-one knows what will happen on the night! All languages are welcome here. 100% survival rate for first-time performers guaranteed. Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou has a long history within the Melbourne poetry scene - come and join in every Tuesday

View Event →
The Motley Open-Haus
Sept
3

The Motley Open-Haus

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

View Event →
Perc.U.Lations
Sept
13

Perc.U.Lations

Our Poetry and Spoken Word events are (usually) held on the second Saturday of the month at 3 p.m., with a Poetry Writing Workshop running from 2 pm to 3 pm for anyone interested.

The venue for Perc.U.lations is the wonderfully generous Kafé on Hemmings (86 Hemmings St), in Dandenong, about a 15-minute walk from either Dandenong or Yarraman train stations. There is also handy, free parking available behind the medical centre on the opposite corner.

View Event →
PoetiCas at the Coolroom
Sept
27

PoetiCas at the Coolroom

PoetiCas has been hosting regular poetry gatherings in Castlemaine since 2015, following on the tradition of Ross Donlon's poetry readings in the decade prior. It has grown into a wonderful community and their monthly events are beloved by many.

The usual format brings a featured reader to share their work, as well as an open section for the community to share their own original poems in a warm and supportive space, MC'd by a local poet and publisher . All are welcome to attend, to read or just to listen.

View Event →
Poetry Bauhaus ft. TBD
Oct
5

Poetry Bauhaus ft. TBD

Poetry Bauhaus is a fabulous gig set in West Gippsland, Warragul.

Feature TBD

Plus a popular  open mic,  where poets vie for the much coveted Bauhaus Poetry Cup, also a support feature in our next gig.

Convened by Yvette Stubbs,

supported by Baw Baw Arts Alliance..

View Event →
Poetry Bauhaus ft. TBD
Nov
2

Poetry Bauhaus ft. TBD

Poetry Bauhaus is a fabulous gig set in West Gippsland, Warragul.

Feature TBD

Plus a popular  open mic,  where poets vie for the much coveted Bauhaus Poetry Cup, also a support feature in our next gig.

Convened by Yvette Stubbs,

supported by Baw Baw Arts Alliance..

View Event →

Your Stage: Blackwood Open Mic
July
19

Your Stage: Blackwood Open Mic

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-timer with a song in your heart (or a poem in your pocket), Your Stage is the place to share it. Expect an open-hearted crowd, good vibes, hot drinks, and maybe even a surprise duet or two.

All styles welcome—music, poetry, storytelling, comedy, performance. Come to share, or just come to listen and be part of something beautiful.

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Seasons of Women: Poetry Reading with Megan J Riedl
July
19

Seasons of Women: Poetry Reading with Megan J Riedl

Join award-winning spoken word poet Megan J Riedl for a showcase of new poems and old favourites celebrating the women in her life and her own journey as a neurodivergent single mother. Set in the surrounds of the Seasons of Women exhibition, a group show of a staggering number of local Ballarat creative women, sharing an artistic snapshot a day for 365 days. Curated by Janette Wotherspoon.

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Launch of Joss: A History by Grace Yee
July
17

Launch of Joss: A History by Grace Yee

Join us to celebrate the launch of Grace Yee's Joss: A History, the multi-award-winning poet’s follow-up to Chinese Fish, a collection that received the Victorian Prize for Literature and the VPLA for Poetry in 2024.

The book will be launched by Nadia Rhook and Alison Wong, with the event hosted by Tim Loveday and featuring readings by Grace Yee, Ender Baskan, Shu-ling Chua, and Xiaole Zhan.

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The Motley Open-Haus
July
16

The Motley Open-Haus

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

View Event →
Chaotic Musings: Poetry Open Mic
July
16

Chaotic Musings: Poetry Open Mic

A fortnightly open showcase of spoken word, poetry & all other language arts. Hosted at Creatures of Habit, Fitzroy.

Smooth talkers, slick walkers, gather round for a night of linguistic subtlety and sultry word play. Vibe Union presents: Chaotic Musings; with the guidance of poet & MC Jason Voss, we'll be talking a journey through words and experiences. Whether you’re a rapper, poet, spoken word enthusiast who put words to the page but never performed, this stage is for you. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged!

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Words Aloud
July
16

Words Aloud

Open Mic poetry/spoken word for local poets - established, emerging, newbies, aspiring and listeners. An inclusive happening for sharing original work and inspiring each other. Five minute limit, with longer spots available on alternate sessions.

View Event →
To The Ends Of The Verse
July
15

To The Ends Of The Verse

We'll have open mic poetry sets for you and jazzy freestyle rap sets from O'Stranger-Tang, we are all very enthusiastic about this development. A new home, one that we get to hang out in

Sign up to the open mic by sending us a Facebook or Instagram message. You can also put your name down on the sign up sheet at the door when you turn up.

View Event →
Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou
July
15

Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou

Hosted by MC Danksta Downunder, the format is OPEN MIC for all to join!

No-one knows what will happen on the night! All languages are welcome here. 100% survival rate for first-time performers guaranteed. Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou has a long history within the Melbourne poetry scene - come and join in every Tuesday

View Event →
The Last Outpost of Poetry
July
14

The Last Outpost of Poetry

  • 213 Barkly Street St Kilda, VIC, 3182 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

St Kilda's weekly poetry & spoken word open mic, hosted by Danksta Downunder, in Claypots seafood restaurant @ 213 Barkly Street. Bar snacks & drinks available to whet your appetite for words that may or may not rhyme, let alone make sense &/or nonsense!

View Event →
Mother Tongue Poetry JULY 2025: Shyaire Ganglani
July
11

Mother Tongue Poetry JULY 2025: Shyaire Ganglani

This in one of our bi-monthly events with a Feature Artist and 8 open mic spots. Mother Tongue is a place for Passionate, Powerful, Vulnerable and Honest performance; it stands aside from most Spoken Word events in its depth and authenticity.

Shyaire (which aptly means poetry in Hindi) is a writer, slam poet and stand-up comic. Her performances have taken her from Melbourne to stages in Dubai, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid. She’s been published in Chaotic Musings Vol 1 & 2, Mavens Mag, and featured at events like UNESCO’s Slam-O-Vision, Malthouse’s The Hate Race, Poets for Palestine, and Melbourne Fashion Week 2024.

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Yarra Valley Spoken Word July - Bert Spinks
July
11

Yarra Valley Spoken Word July - Bert Spinks

Please join us in welcoming Bert Spinks as Feature Poet Friday 13th June 2025.

Bert Spinks is a poet, writer and bushwalking guide from Tasmania. He lives in an old train carriage in the forest. Bert's work is largely about the relationships humans have with the environments in which they live. He has performed his stories and poems in a wide variety of settings over the last 15 years.

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Train Lines
July
10

Train Lines

We’re a new poetry open mic event in Collingwood (Yalla-Birr-Ang). Cosy up in the warm lighting and join us to share poetry or to simply listen. Our inclusive space welcomes all languages, all experience levels and all forms of storytelling. Come and enjoy the journey!

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The Motley Open-Haus
July
9

The Motley Open-Haus

Welcome to the Motley Openhaus! A space to let your heart bleed and words run. An inclusive, encouraging space for writers of all experiences to come up and read whatever they've been working on. Long form, short stories, haikus, spoken word, if you wanna say it, we wanna hear it! Every Wednesday evening, 7:30 start. Free entry

View Event →
Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou
July
8

Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou

Hosted by MC Danksta Downunder, the format is OPEN MIC for all to join!

No-one knows what will happen on the night! All languages are welcome here. 100% survival rate for first-time performers guaranteed. Spoken Word @ Bar Oussou has a long history within the Melbourne poetry scene - come and join in every Tuesday

View Event →
The Last Outpost of Poetry
July
7

The Last Outpost of Poetry

  • 213 Barkly Street St Kilda, VIC, 3182 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

St Kilda's weekly poetry & spoken word open mic, hosted by Danksta Downunder, in Claypots seafood restaurant @ 213 Barkly Street. Bar snacks & drinks available to whet your appetite for words that may or may not rhyme, let alone make sense &/or nonsense!

View Event →
5 Island Press First Anniversary
July
4

5 Island Press First Anniversary

Poetry, as the man said, is for everyone, and if you are the slightest bit curious about what is happening in contemporary Australian poetry, this is your chance to find out. We have a diverse assembly of twelve excellent poets reading from their own work; live music from a talented and vibrant vocal quartet; a discussion about how poems are made; and—working the Christmas in July theme—the world premiere of new musical setting of two original carols by Mark Tredinnick.

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OUTSPOKEN
July
3

OUTSPOKEN

OUTSPOKEN is not your average night of entertainment… it’s a deeply moving experience where truth takes centre stage.

This is a space for the stories we don’t usually tell. The ones weighed down by shame, silenced by fear, or hidden in the name of keeping things ‘comfortable.’ But not here! OUTSPOKEN is a celebration of authenticity, where raw, powerful storytelling is met with open hearts, genuine connection, and exquisite presence.

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