2025 contest information
The theme for this year's contest is "Family."
Participants are asked to express the importance of family, what family means to them, or speak about a specific aspect of family life such as love, birth, or loss. Poems can also explore our different emotional bonds with non-relatives such as pets, friends or caregivers to showcase the diverse meaning of family.
Each poem will be entered to win a cash prize in one of the following categories:
• Primary – Kindergarten to Gr. 3
• Junior – Gr. 4 to Gr. 6
• Intermediate – Gr. 7 to Gr. 10
• Senior – Gr. 11 to 12
• Adult – age 18+
First Thursday of every month from 7pm to 9pm
We meet to share, listen and be inspired by the voices of diversity in our community.
Five-minute readings: Share a short piece of your work. It's a great way to practice public speaking, get feedback, and connect with others.
Supportive, low-pressure atmosphere: No critiques unless invited—this is all about encouraging one another and celebrating the craft of writing.
Whether you're writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, or something else, all are welcome!
Third Thursday of every month from 7pm to 9pm
Poet's of all styles and levels of experience welcome. Open to all ages.
Poets are welcome to share anything but are asked to give warning before sharing sensitive or triggering material.
Bring 3-5 minutes worth of material to read or sit in the audience and enjoy a night of heartfelt entertainment.
Stay in touch on our Facebook Group: Dunnville Open Mic Poets
Collaging is a playful and intuitive way to express yourself—piecing together words, images, and textures to create something entirely new.
But what is a zine? It’s a self-published, small-format booklet filled with personal stories, poetry, or artwork—essentially a DIY magazine that gives you complete creative freedom! Plus - we'd love to sell any zines you make in our gift shop zine library, so everyone can enjoy them!
This Pay-What-You-Can night provides access to 100+ magazines and books to cut, tear, and transform into something uniquely yours. Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking for a fun, low-pressure way to create, Collage & Zine Night is an open space for expression and exploration.
Escape the the lavender fields for a whimsical poetry workshop at Purple Haven Lavender Farm in Canfield, Ontario.
Begin with a poetry reading, discussion and essential writing tips in a community of like-minded people, before wandering through the fragrant gardens to let nature spark your imagination and fill your hand-crafted notebooks made by local artist Lacie Williamson.
Gather to share your words and observations, in a safe and encouraging environment, over complimentary high tea service by Purple Haven Lavender Farm.
Experience includes: Live poetry reading and discussion with local poet and Open Mic Poetry Night host, Megan Rose; a handcrafted poetry notebook filled with prompts and inspiration for your journey amongst the lavender and a high tea service complete with sweet and savoury treats.
Don't forget to visit their gift shop, full of fresh lavender and hand-crafted lavender products.
Join us, an evening for poets, dreamers and lovers of the written word, where poetry and nature entwine in the golden glow of summer's peak at Windecker Woods Flower Farm in Cayuga, Ontario.
Savour an earthy array of locally sourced delights prepared by The Carolinian Cafe. Settle in beneath the open sky to listen to the words of local poet and host of Open Mic Poetry Night: Megan Rose, setting the tone for an evening of inspiration and introspection amongst summer blooms.
Take time to wander the garden with your hand-crafted poetry notebook, made by local artist Lacie Williamson, allowing the whispers of nature to guide your musings. While you wander, our photographer will capture your quiet moments in the garden.
Gather together to share your reflections in an intimate circle of kindreds spirits, embracing the beauty of expression in its purest form as the sun sets.
An added bonus: feel free to spend some time gathering yourself a bouquet of fresh flowers from the gardens at no additional cost.
Creative Barracks Arts Studio
131 Lock Street East, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 1J6, Canada