Café Philosophique: Sight & Perception
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.
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
Poetry from Agitation Hill (ONLINE ONLY) ft Peter Lach-Newinsky
Please join us for a night of great poetry with our special guest. Online only.
Zoom link posted on https://www.facebook.com/ross.donlon.58 by Thursday prior.
Cherry Poets
Feature: TBD
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.
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 with Ezra Bix!
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.
Poetry Evening with Sue Lockwood and Joachim Matschodd
Enjoy a poetic evening laced with a complimentary glass of wine and finger food. Local poets Sue Lockwood and Joachim Matschoss will read from their new books and discuss their writerly inspirations. Bookings are essential. Call 94398700 or visit www.ELTHAMbookshop.com.au
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
To The Ends Of The Verse - New home at Cafe Gummo!
Friends! Save the date in your calendars as we have our first gig at our new home in a few weeks!
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
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!
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
Cherry Poets
Feature: TBD
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.
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
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
Cherry Poets
Feature: TBD
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.
Slamtidote 4.0 Love vs Autumn
Slamtidote takes pride in putting the "Lit, in Literature".
A community of primarily ethnic, queer, and femme poets, they are always experimenting with their delivery of poems, spoken work, and more!
A poetry open mic, co hosted by MCs Yasi and Lilia Steele, there will also be musicians providing accompaniment by request.
Poetry Bauhaus ft. Steve Smart
Poetry Bauhaus is a fabulous gig set in West Gippsland, Warragul.
Feature Steve Smart.
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
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
Ballarat Spoken Word
Our monthly Spoken Word gathering. Optional prompt for one of your pieces. 5 minute time slots. All welcome.
Radio Laria Poetry
For women and gender diverse poets, writers and story tellers to gather, be heard and to inspire.
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.
Poetry from Agitation Hill (ONLINE ONLY) ft TBC
Please join us for a night of great poetry with our special guest. Online only.
Zoom link posted on https://www.facebook.com/ross.donlon.58 by Thursday prior.
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.
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.
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..
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.
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..
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..
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!
Assorted Sporks WORKSHOP - Form Poetry with Dr Strangesmarty
Form poetry can be scary, with so many rules to remember. But not all forms are equally complicated and with practice they all can be challenging and fun. We're going to explore ways of training the brain to love structured poetry. Bring a pen or device and let Dr Strangemarty be your form guide.
Ballarat Spoken Word
Our monthly Spoken Word gathering. Optional prompt for one of your pieces. 5 minute time slots. All welcome.
Perc.U.Lations ft. Yvette Stubbs
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 indefatigable Yvette Stubbs will be featuring in May!
This wonderful free event in Dandenong will bring joy and possibly even spark inspiration.
Bring everyone and even recite one of your own poems!
inSITU Workshop SHANZHAI POETRY with Panda Wong
As part of inSITU Workshop Series
Used to describe bootleg goods, ‘shanzhai’ is a Chinese word that literally translates to ‘remote mountain village’. Also referring to an independent group of people living in the mountain and taking it as their own home, this term also gestures towards a place of freedom from authority and control.
In this workshop, we will learn how to write poetry that channels this ‘shanzhai’ spirit. Together, we will read poems by Danielle Mitchell, Vidya Rajan and Chen Chen that will introduce us to centos, cut-up poetry, and lyrical borrowing. Using these techniques, we will create our own ‘shanzhai’ poems. Please bring your favourite text (poem, song, story, conversation, anything at all).
Shane van den Akker @ Cherry Poets
It’s going to be a little weird and a lot wonderful at Cherry Poets over the next few weeks… this week, we have as feature sound poet and experimental musician and general bon vivant Shane van den Akker. I’m not quite sure what he’s preparing for his feature performance, and I’m not sure he’s sure either, but let’s just say, if you caught his recent show at the Festival of Surrealisms, you’ll know it’s going to be very weird indeed. So let’s sit back and enjoy the ride! As always, there will be a huge open mic section for everyone to bring their voices to, good company, fine beer, and lots of fun. Come along!
Chamber Poets #110 ft. Kevin Brophy
Chamber Poets #110 ft. Kevin Brophy
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 MAY: Carina Bettiol
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.
Thin Red Lines: An Evening of Poetry
We're celebrating SIX YEARS with a spectacular sextet as part of @melbwritersfest & @australian_poetry
Based on the Roman god Janus, we've invoked 3 artists from TRL past and 3 artists from TRL future to bring you a night of duality, doorways, and unending beginnings!
Our gateway to TRL past features:
Manisha Anjali @manishaanjali
Hasib Hourani @hellohourani
Micaela Sahhar
Friday 9 May
6.00PM
@wheelercentre
Yarra Valley Spoken Word May 2025 - Paul Whitby
Our May Feature Poet is a wonderful chap, Paul Whitby, who we met at our Annual January Holiday Road Trip the previous year when we went to Cherry Tree Poets in Cremorne.
We have since seen him again at this year’s road trip to The Motley OpenHaus in Carlton and he has visited us several times up here in the Valley.
Radio Laria STORYTELLING with Kendra Keller
Radio Laria has been creating safe stages for poets and artists in Melbourne for many years. In 2025 they are starting Radio Laria Storytelling as a sister event to the popular monthly poets stage.
This event is an open mic and has space for up to 9 storytellers to share stories up to 7minutes each on the night, sign up up is on the door. Keeping it accessible this event is a mighty $10 entry, there is a raffle, a bar and you are invited to BYO snacks or take-away food to the venue. Our feature storyteller is the gorgeous Kendra Keller also known as Lady Longdrop.
Book Launch - G&S - Ghazals and Sonnets in Conversation
Please join us for a night of great poetry with Ann de Hugard & Rob Wallis on Friday, 6-7pm EST.
This reading will take place in the chapel of the Uniting Church, Castlemaine, but will also be zoomed across Australia and into the DigiWorld.
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!
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!
Healthbased IV
Celebrating the release of Oblivion Remastered alongside the announced publication date of Thomas Pynchon's ninth novel (7 Oct), this May you'll notice something different about Healthbased. Come along and see if you can spot it on the night.
Sip & Share Speakeasy ft. Michael Pardy
SIP & SHARE - A speakeasy evening of poetry and spoken word on the Mornington Peninsula with feature poet Michael Pardy .
Join us for a 'speakeasy' evening of wine and spoken word performances at Rahona Valley on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
Radical Choice
The first in The Radical Series a night of live music, raw poetry, and open mic energy. This is where truth gets loud and community feels close. More nights are coming. This is just the beginning. Make the choice. Let it be radical.
Cherry Poets
Feature: TBD
Open mic? You know it. Sign up from 1.30pm, show kicks off at 2pm.
Poetry from Agitation Hill presents Ann de Hugard & Rob Wallis
Please join us for a night of great poetry with Ann de Hugard & Rob Wallis on Friday, 6-7pm EST.
This reading will take place in the chapel of the Uniting Church, Castlemaine, but will also be zoomed across Australia and into the DigiWorld.
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
Slamalamadingdong! ft. Fleassy Malay
Slama is a space where we celebrate intersectional community and encourage Artists to bring their absolute best work to the stage.
This is a season of coming back to our roots, gathering strength, taking risks and supporting our current team who will be competing at an international Poetry Slam, overseas in July 2025.
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!
Stories of Stone (Workshop)
In this workshop, we reflect on our specific relationships with stone to generate new writing. How can paying attention to stone add depth and detail to our stories? How do stone's processes enable us to write organic, non-linear time? And what emotions can be released in our writing when we treat stone as living and animating? You will come away with new ideas, stories, and/or poems, exercises for thinking and writing earth's sacred matter, and a renewed appreciation for the life and wonders of stone.
Poetryspective #130: Myron Lysenko and Retrospective Open Section
Poetry/spoken word- world of poetry, a spoken world, words of worlds, worlds of words! Poetryspective #130: Myron Lysenko and Retrospective Open Section
PoetiCas at the Coolroom ft. Anna Fern
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.
Featuring Anna Fern
Jazz piano and poetry - Bakowski and Bühne
A one hour set of call and response jazz
piano and poems performed by Nico Bühne and Peter Bakowski