
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.

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

Platform Poets presents Alicia Sometimes
Join us for the next Platform Poets with feature guest Michael Reynolds at Platform 3095 💕💕

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

Launch of Act Cute by Andrew Sutherland
Join us to celebrate the launch of award-winning Queer Poz (PLHIV) writer and performance-maker Andrew Sutherland's second poetry collection, Act Cute.

Slamtidote presents Friday Night Poetry Sesh
Slamtidote is back to warm your winter for you,
With the 6th poetry party of the year!
Creating a perfect sandwhich of 3 singer-songwriters and TWO whole sessions of open mic POETRY

Readings Winter Warmers #3
Join us for a tall glass of red and escape the cold with a showcase of Melbourne poets reading their most recent works. Hosted by Tim Loveday. Dan Hogan, Helen Jarvis and Peter Bakowski.

Cherry Poets
Feature: TBD
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.

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.

Sip & Share Speakeasy ft. Andrew Rogerson
SIP & SHARE - A speakeasy evening of poetry and spoken word on the Mornington Peninsula with feature poet Andrew Rogerson..
Join us for a 'speakeasy' evening of wine and spoken word performances at Rahona Valley on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

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’.

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.

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

Assorted Sporks Poetry and Performance ft Tim Loveday
Assorted Sporks is a free queer friendly regular poetry and performance night at Mamma Chen's on Thursday the 31st of July
Featuring: Tim Loveday
Theme: Leisure
Themes are not mandatory, they are just to encourage you to experiment with your writing and improvisation. Feel free to make it weird.

Cherry Poets
Feature: TBD
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.

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..

The Last Outpost of Poetry
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!

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

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.

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

Chamber Poets #113 - Ross Donlon & Tric O’Heare
Chamber Poets #113 - Ross Donjon & Tric O’Heare
With a hearty open section, great original live music from Black Forest Smoke and good value RSL food and drinks. 1pm for a 115pm start..

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.

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.

Ballarat Spoken Word
Our monthly Spoken Word gathering. Optional prompt for one of your pieces. 5 minute time slots. All welcome.

The Last Outpost of Poetry
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!

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

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

Thin Red Lines: Mrs K, Roslyn Orlando, Autumn Royal & Mwaffaq Al-Hajjar
t's that time!!!!
Featuring:
MRS K @mrs.k.poems
Roslyn Orlando @roslyn__orlando
Autumn Royal @temperate.season
Mwaffaq Al-Hajjar @mwaffa_lines
THURSDAY 14TH AUGUST, 6.30PM
@brunswickartistsbar

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.

The Last Outpost of Poetry
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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

The Last Outpost of Poetry
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!

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

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

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

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

Mother Tongue Poetry - July 2025
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.

Chamber Poets #114 - Ian Gostelow & Talon Gostelow
Chamber Poets #114 - Ian Gostelow & Talon Gostelow
With a hearty open section, great original live music from Black Forest Smoke and good value RSL food and drinks. 1pm for a 115pm start..

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.

Ballarat Spoken Word
Our monthly Spoken Word gathering. Optional prompt for one of your pieces. 5 minute time slots. All welcome.

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.
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..

Radio Laria Poetry
For women and gender diverse poets, writers and story tellers to gather, be heard and to inspire.

Chamber Poets #115 - Andy Jackson & Rachael Wenona Guy
Chamber Poets #115 - Andy Jackson & Rachael Wenona Guy
With a hearty open section, great original live music from Black Forest Smoke and good value RSL food and drinks. 1pm for a 115pm start..
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..

Chamber Poets #116 - Lish Skec & Paul Skec
Chamber Poets #116 - Lish Skec & Paul Skec
With a hearty open section, great original live music from Black Forest Smoke and good value RSL food and drinks. 1pm for a 115pm start..

Chamber Poets #117 - PiO & Sandy Callow
Chamber Poets #117 - PiO & Sandy Callow
With a hearty open section, great original live music from Black Forest Smoke and good value RSL food and drinks. 1pm for a 115pm start..

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.

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.

Angela Costi @ Cherry Poets
Feature: Angela Costi
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.

Poetry from Agitation Hill (ONLINE) ft Alex Skovron
Please join us for a night of great poetry with our special guest, Alex Skovron, online only.
Zoom link posted on https://www.facebook.com/ross.donlon.58 by Thursday prior

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

The Last Outpost of Poetry
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!

Perc.U.Lations ft. Anke MacLean
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.
Featuring Anke MacLean

Graeme Turner @ Cherry Poets
Feature: Graeme Turner
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.

Chamber Poets #112 ft. Anna Fern & Maurice McNamara
Chamber Poets #112 ft. Anna Fern & Maurice McNamara
With a hearty open section, great original live music from Black Forest Smoke and good value RSL food and drinks. 1pm for a 115pm start..

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.

Simba Sessions Presents: Nat Bartsch, Sarah Humphreys & Awale Ahmed
Come join us for a warm candlelit night of music, poetry and story. The Simba Sessions is a intentional monthly event, curated around a theme. As our artist offer their own stories, we review our own.
Doors open 7pm. All welcome.
Food and drink available.

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.

Liquid Amber Zoom Reading - Anne Elvey & EA Gleeson
Join in this special Zoom poetry event to hear both Annes read – a must for all of us listening, reading and thinking about the insights that poetry can bring.
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!

Radio Laria STORYTELLING with Ayesha Mona
Radiolaria Storytelling started in 2025, a sister event to the traditional poetry stage where community is invited to share stories on a theme.

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

Café Philosophique: Home
Café Philosophique runs the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Bridge Hotel in Werribee, exploring the hidden forces that shape our lives through music, poetry and conversation.

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

The Last Outpost of Poetry
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!

Ballarat Spoken Word July Open Mic Gathering
Our monthly Spoken Word gathering. Optional prompt for one of your pieces. 5 minute time slots. All welcome.

The 30th Melbourne Poets Union IPC Award Ceremony
Award Ceremony for the 30th Melbourne Poets Union International Poetry Competition! Readings from shortlisted and commended poets!

Paul Kohn @ Cherry Poets
Feature: Paul Kohn
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.

Poetry From Agitation Hill ft Joel Deane
Dear Friends, please join us for a night of great poetry with Joel Deane from Agitation Hill on Djarra Country, Castlemaine. Exclusively via Zoom. Friday, July 4th 6-7pm

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.

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.