Calendar compliments of www.bywords.ca.
The following events changed since the pdf was created.
Capital Comic Book Convention 11 Edition
Time and Place: November 30 at 11:00 am. RA Centre Clark Hall, 2451 Riverside Drive
Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/capital-comic-book-convention-12th-edition-tickets-1740823432749?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
tickets online or at door $8
Black History Month
Web: blackhistoryottawa.org/black-history-month-2026/
a celebration of the histories, achievements, and lasting contributions of people of African descent.
Books on Beechwood Readings and Signings
Time and Place: 35 Beechwood
Web: booksonbeechwood.ca/
Club de lecture francophone de BD
Time and Place: Bibliothèque Morisset Salle MRT 141 (1er étage)
Web: www.uottawa.ca/bibliotheque/tous-evenements/club-lecture-francophone-bande-dessinee-laccessibilite-seance-presentiel
Découvrez une sélection diversifiée de BD par des artistes autochtones! Soyez des nôtres pour la première rencontre de notre Club de lecture francophone de bande dessinée :
Freedom to Read Week 2026
Web: www.freedomtoread.ca/
an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom
Indigo Kanata Signings and Readings
Time and Place: 400 Earl Grey Dr Unit 1
Web: www.indigo.ca/en-ca/store-locator/kanata-indigo-kanata.html
Indigo Pinecrest Readings and Signings
Time and Place: Pinecrest Shopping Centre, 2735 Iris
Indigo South Keys Readings and Signings
Time and Place: 2210 Bank
James Joyce Association of Ottawa
Time and Place: St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts, 310 Saint Patrick
Web: jamesjoyceassociationofottawa.com/
promotes awareness and accessibility to the works of literary icon, James Joyce.
Lancements chez Bouquinart Librairie & Galerie d'art
Time and Place: 110, rue Principale, Gatineau, Quebec
Librairie du soleil: Lancements et lectures
Time and Place: 33, rue Georges
Love is a Practice - Opening Night
Time and Place: May 8. Ottawa Bike Cafe, 79 Sparks
Web: www.ottawaartsdatabase.com/community#h.c0q5fis87h2x
includes poetry, zines, photography, art and more
National Indigenous Language Day
Time and Place: March 31.
Web: tinyurl.com/mwfwdkxu
a time to celebrate the rich linguistic heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Ottawa Public Library's Indigenous Collection
Octopus Books Readings and Signings
Time and Place: 116 Third
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
May 14 - Joint Book Launch | Jon Claytor and Ian Roy 6:30pm
Ottawa Indie Bookstore Crawl
Web: www.todocanada.ca/city/ottawa/event/ottawa-indie-bookstore-crawl/
Pick up your passport at a participating store starting April 25 and visit 7 out of 8 participating bookstores. Submit your competed passport for your chance to win: • $200 to spend at Ottawa indie bookstores, OR • One of eight secondary prizes of $25 to spend at an indie. No purchase necessary! Each store will also have their own in-store activities and giveaways to celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day.
Ottawa International Writers Festival Book Club
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2026/festival-book-club
$40
May 13 - Featuring Literary Agent Carly Watters, and authors Mai Nguyen and Kerry Clare. 6:30pm Parlour • 1319 Wellington Street West
Ottawa International Writers Festival Fall 2026 Edition
Web: writersfestival.org/
Ottawa International Writers Festival Spring 2026 Edition
Time and Place: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/
April 30 - 6:30pm Monique Gray Smith. 8pm Ashraf Zaghal, Reem Gaafar and Maria Reva
May 1 - 6:30pm Yasuko Thanh. 8pm Tareyn Johnson, Kaie Kellough and Jordan Abel.
May 2 - 11:30am David Eliot. 1pm Louise K. Blight. 2:30pm Karen van Kampen. 4pm Mary Walsh. 6pm Tara Gereaux, Hélène Gaudy and Jennifer Chevalier. 8pm Nick Cutter, Karma Brown and Silvia Moreno-Garcia
May 3 - 1pm Brian Goldman. 2:30pm Wayne Johnston. 4pm Gillian Deacon and Mark Medley. 6pm Claire Cameron. 8pm Emily Austin, Y.M. Abdel-Magied and Sharon Bala.
Perfect Books Readings and Signings
Time and Place: 258A Elgin
Web: https://perfectbooks.ca/events
small step up. ramp on Somerset by Scrimms.
April 7 - Caitlyn Paxson launches A Widow's Charm 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
April 8 - Susan J Atkinson, Marie-Andree Auclair, Dawn Steiner, Adrienne Stevenson 7 to 8pm
April 11 - Pascale Lacelle Book Signing for Infinite Shores 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
April 15 - Pascale Lacelle Book Signing for Infinite Shores 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
April 18 - Book Signing with Miss Rocket 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
April 28 - Zoe Dickinson, Frances Boyle, and Margo LaPierre 7 to 8:30pm
Readings at Library and Archives Canada
Time and Place: Library and Archives of Canada,395 Wellington Street.
Web: www.canada.ca/en/library-archives/services/public/events/events.html
registration recommended
April 22 - From Ragged Ass Road to Rideau Hall with Whit Fraser. 7pm
Rockcliffe Park Spring Book Sale
Time and Place: Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield
Web: www.facebook.com/springbooksale
Salon du livre de l’Outaouais 2026
Time and Place: Palais des congrès de Gatineau, 50 Bd Maisonneuve, Gatineau, QC
Web: slo.qc.ca/
billets et programme sur le site.
Tea for Tara
Time and Place: Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Web: www.facebook.com/search/top?q=ottawa%20trans%20library
A year-long, community-rooted storytelling program, centered on monthly gatherings where participants share, witness, and preserve lived experiences. The program functions as a living, breathing archive, shaped by personal truth, collective care, and trans cultural expression. Watch the livestream on FB page
Tea for Tara
Time and Place: Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DSxEyM8EdzB/
a year-long, monthly community storytelling program created by and for trans people. stay tuned for more info
The Spaniel's Tale Readings and Signings
Time and Place: 1131 Wellington Street West
Web: thespanielstale.ca/events
rsvp on web site
April 29 - Poetry Reading - David O'Meara, Christina Shah and Natalie Southworth 6:30 pm
May 2 - Book signing - Mac Wears a Hat - illustrated by Gillian Reid 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
May 31 - Unrivaled Midnight Release Party 9:30 PM - 12:00 AM
VERSeFest 2026
Time and Place: in person and live-streamed
Web: https://www.verseottawa.ca/
tickets, passes and full program on site
Friday Special Blend
Time and Place: Every Friday at 7:00 am. CKCU FM 93.1
Web: cod.ckcufm.com/programs/158/info.html
Susan is passionate about the transformative power of stories, and how they help us better understand one other and our community. Hosted by: Susan Johnston, Micah Petti and Gianluca Petti Airs: Every Friday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Robert Plante Greenhouses, 2nd Annual Book Fair
Time and Place: February 22 at 9:00 am. 4228 Navan Rd
Web: www.robertplantegreenhouses.com/event-details/book-fair-at-robert-plante-greenhouses-1
9am to 4pm
The Lit Room with Susan Johnston
Time and Place: Every Wednesday at 9:30 am. Every Wednesday at 9:30 am CKCU FM 93.1
Web: cod.ckcufm.com/programs/666/info.html
where books meet conversation, a half-hour show
An Indian Morning
Time and Place: Every Sunday at 10:00 am. CKCU FM 93.1
Web: cod.ckcufm.com/programs/30/info.html
An Indian Morning celebrates not only the music of India but equally its various arts and artisans, poets and potters, kings and patriots.
Book Launch | Little Bee by Danny Neville
Time and Place: April 12 at 10:00 am. Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4853620260412
Canadian Indie Bookstore Day
Time and Place: April 25 at 10:00 am.
visit local independent bookstores
Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Red Dress Day Gathering
Time and Place: May 4 at 10:00 am. Jean Pigott Place, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4975520260504
Octopus Books will be present with a selection of books by Indigenous authors.
Ottawa Comic Arts Festival
Time and Place: April 4 at 10:00 am. Glebe Community Center, 175 Third Ave
Web: ottawacomicsfestival.com/
Winter Family Storytime
Time and Place: January 10 at 10:00 am. National Gallery of Canada Scotiabank Great Hall 380 Sussex Drive
Web: www.gallery.ca/whats-on/calendar/winter-family-storytime
Free. Drop-in activity. No registration needed Bilingual
Words and Culture
Time and Place: Every Tuesday at 10:00 am. CKCU FM 93.1
Web: cod.ckcufm.com/programs/640/info.html
Words and Culture weaves conversations with Indigenous language and knowledge keepers together with music by Indigenous artists. Airs: Every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM
A Queer Community Telethon for the Ottawa Trans Library (OTL).
Time and Place: April 19 at 11:00 am. Non-stop Live-streaming to the Ottawa Trans Library Instagram, Facebook and Youtube pages.
Web: ottawatranslibrary.ca/
Featuring local Trans & Queer Artists: Afraid of Jazz, Xavior Kayvon, Omari B. Johnson, Hanna Vig, Nibi Hiltz, Elaine Kicknosway, MOZ, Jaxon Fenris, Pom Pon Minoune, Ego Stoker, Maggie May Harder, Paula Darling, Kuhu & Sami, Girlboythingband, The Disablings, Francis Coe, August Chun, RIP EM, Helen Robertson, Zelda, Edith Puthie, Gaygothvibes, Matty Grace, Michelle Zackrison, Partygirl 11am to 3pm Supporters who e-transfer donations during the telethon will see their name and donation scroll across the screen during our live streamed program!
Capital Comic Book Convention
Time and Place: July 24 at 11:00 am. Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper Street
Web: capitalcomiccon.com/
$8
Capital Comic Book Convention
Time and Place: May 7 at 11:00 am. Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper Street
Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/capital-comic-book-convention-tickets-562385027757
11 a.m to 5 p.m. $8
Eid Storytime and Craft
Time and Place: March 22 at 11:00 am. Love Lyla Books, 95 Richmond
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DWAmkAJjWcI/
How to Abolish Prisons – Book launch with Rachel Herzing and Justin Piché
Time and Place: May 4 at 11:00 am. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Lancement "La Galerie des portraits" de Philippe Simard
Time and Place: September 11 at 11:00 am. Bouquinart Librairie & Galerie d'art, 110, rue Principale, Gatineau QC
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1064773444167600
Ottawa Public Library Human Library
Time and Place: September 20 at 11:00 am. Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe, Room B125
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/you%E2%80%99re-invited-human-library
11-3pm.
Pierre-Luc Bélanger et Éric Péladeau
Time and Place: September 25 at 11:00 am. Bouquinart Librairie & Galerie d'art, 110, rue Principale, Gatineau QC
Web: www.facebook.com/events/701102250862080/
événement extérieur
Review of City of Ottawa cultural funding programs: English Literary Arts
Time and Place: September 27 at 11:00 am. City Hall, Honeywell Room located on the 2nd floor
Web: engage.ottawa.ca/cultural-funding-review
Email: infoculture@ottawa.ca
The Byward Market in Literature, a walk with Susan Johnston
Time and Place: October 4 at 11:00 am. Le Moulin de Provence, 55 Byward Market Square
Web: www.janeswalkottawa.ca/en/walks/janeswalk-at-oaw-2025/22053
free but sign up required
Unbound Indie Lit Market
Time and Place: March 29 at 11:00 am. Next Door Market & Event Space 955A Gladstone Ave
Web: nextdoorottawa.ca/events-list/unbound-indie-lit-market
Meet Ottawa’s indie authors, explore new reads, and connect with a community that loves books as much as you do. 11am to 5pm
Unbound Indie Lit Market
Time and Place: March 29 at 11:00 am. Next Door Market & Event Space 955A Gladstone Ave
Web: nextdoorottawa.ca/events-list/unbound-indie-lit-market
books and zines from local authors
West Side Pride
Time and Place: July 19 at 11:00 am. Alexander Grove Park, 10 Warner-Colpitts Ln, Stittsville
Web: thespanielstale.ca/events/2707320250719
Visit the Spaniel's Tale Bookstore booth for queer fiction and non-fiction, written by LGBTQ+ authors or about LGBTQ+ characters.
femme fest! IWD Market
Time and Place: March 8 at 11:00 am. Next Door Market & Event Space 955A Gladstone Ave
Web: nextdoorottawa.ca/events-list/femmefest
includes spoken word. 11am to 5pm
Big Gay Book Swap
Time and Place: August 16 at 12:00 pm. The Grove, 19 Louisa Street, Unit 280
his is an all ages drop-in event! Allies welcome. For our book swap, we welcome all genres and all formats of books (books, graphic novels, cookbooks, children's books, zines, etc!). For Be Gay, Do Art, all ages, creative mediums, and skill levels welcome! We will also have: ☆ Bookish Craft Vendors ☆ Blind Date with a Book ☆ and more! All leftover donations will be donated to @incarcerationbook Masks required and provided 12 to 4pm
Book Launch | Lordship and Liberation in Palestine-Israel by Muhannad Ayyash
Time and Place: October 24 at 12:00 pm. Learning Crossroads, Room 230, University of Ottawa
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/decolonial-sovereignties-tickets-1784343672959
register for this free event
Book launch :Monique Aubry-Frize, O.C, A Woman in Engineering
Time and Place: September 19 at 12:00 pm. STEM Complex, room 117, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis-Pasteur Private
Web: tinyurl.com/womaninengineering
free
Community Book Swap
Time and Place: March 22 at 12:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank, Program Room B
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DGf5QN0RGnw/
12-3pm
Jagjeet Sharma - Author Signings and readings
Time and Place: 12:00 pm. 12:00 pm. 12:00 pm. 12:00 pm.
Madelaine Drohan: How Benjamin Franklin Set the Stage for Donald Trump
Time and Place: December 8 at 12:00 pm. FSS 4006, 120 University Private, University of Ottawa
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4159120251208
Material Traces of War: Stories of Canadian Women and Conflict, 1914–1945
Time and Place: November 23 at 12:00 pm. virtual
Web: tinyurl.com/y5dk6p7u
The Canadian Museum of History and the University of Ottawa Press invite you to attend the book launch
New Years Book Swap
Time and Place: January 27 at 12:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe, Room B125
all ages, all genres, all formats. bring a book or two to trade.
Silent Book Club Stittsville
Time and Place: 12:00 pm. Kung Fu Bistro, 1110 Carp Rd. Unit 150,
every second and fourth Saturday. 1-3pm
Social Book Exchange
Time and Place: October 5 at 12:00 pm. Birling Backyard, 562 Somerset W.
Web: tinyurl.com/birlingbookxchange
bring a book to trade
ottawa small press book fair spring 2026 edition
Time and Place: June 20 at 12:00 pm. Glebe Community Center, 175 Third Ave
noon to five pm. admission free to the public
Algonquin Students Association Presents In Conversation with Joshua Whitehead
Time and Place: August 29 at 12:30 pm.
Web: capitalpride.ca/2021-pride/
Book Swap and Fundraiser! for the Ottawa Anarchist Bookfair
Time and Place: March 21 at 12:30 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank, Program Rooms A and B
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DVEhO5oEUwu/
The Ottawa Anarchist Bookfair & Wheelie Productions. This is an all ages event, and we welcome all genres and all formats of books (books, graphic novels, cookbooks, children's books, zines, etc!). Masks are mandatory. 12:30 to 3:30pm
Kind Space Clothing Swap and Fundraiser for the 2026 Ottawa Anarchist Book Fair
Time and Place: January 24 at 12:30 pm. January 24 at 12:30 pm. 400 Cooper
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DSk3NNUkeby/
We will accept any clothing or accessories (all ages, sizes & aesthetics!), however, we do have limited space, so keep that in mind when deciding what to bring! e ask that all attendees wear a high-quality mask/respirator (KN95 or better) at all times to increase the safety of our space. We will have extra KN95 & N95 masks + hand sanitizer available. 12:30 to 4pm
Memorial for Elisabeth Harvor
Time and Place: February 2 at 12:30 pm. Glebe Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 175 Third Ave
All are welcome
Our Power Our Planet: Working Together for the Next Generations
Time and Place: April 23 at 12:30 pm. Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar
Web: tinyurl.com/powerplanet25
Earth Day celebration and tabling
Stages and Pages
Time and Place: 12:30 pm. 12:30 pm. 12:30 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street W.
Web: www.gctc.ca/
A book talk series hosted by Octopus Books, exploring themes from GCTC’s mainstage shows.
May 3 - Dandelion with Jamie Liew
Orange Shirt Day Assembly: Live Stories with Christine Sioui Wawanoloath
Time and Place: 12:45 pm. virtual
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/every-child-matters-national-day-truth-and-reconciliation
12:45pm EN; 1:45pm FR
Amanda Bernardo, The Road to You
Time and Place: March 22 at 1:00 pm. Bean Bag Play Cafe, 1433 Wellington W
Web: amandabernardo.ca/pre-order
Parents: Pick-up your book and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee all while your little one explores, imagines, and plays in a warm, welcoming environment. While there is no reservation needed to pick-up your pre-order, the play area has limited capacity and requires a reservation You can reserve your child’s spot$15 beanbagplaycafe.ca/products/booklaunch Reservations are not needed for adults.
Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers - meet the authors
Time and Place: February 12 at 1:00 pm. Indigo Books, 2735 Iris
Web: www.facebook.com/events/763725998435502
Jen and Éric Desmarais
Book Fair: Crime for Christmas
Time and Place: November 23 at 1:00 pm. Barrhaven Legion, 3500 Fallowfield Road
Email: Peggy@PeggyBlair.ca
Peggy Blair, Don Butler, Brenda Chapman, John Delacourt, Barbara Fradkin, Mike Martin, Amy Tector, and—new this year—Katie Tallo and Wayne Ng.
Capital Region Writer's Group Write-In
Time and Place: Every Sunday at 1:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe, Room MA 117
Web: booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/capital-region-writers-group-write-0
drop in. adult. 60 minutes
Caroline Shenaz Hossein - The Banker Ladies: Voices from the Black Political Economy
Time and Place: November 16 at 1:00 pm. Social Innovation Atelier, 95 Clegg
Web: www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/cd759f77-c888-4932-a179-f07b237da510
free. please register in advance
Culture géniale
Time and Place: Every Sunday at 1:00 pm. unique 94.5 fm
Web: uniquefm.ca/emission-culture-geniale
La culture est la possibilité même de créer, de renouveler et de partager des valeurs. Culture géniale est une émission hebdomadaire animée par Jean-Paul Moreau qui explore le monde du cinéma, de la littérature, des arts vivants, et bien plus encore.
David Geselbracht presents Climate Hope
Time and Place: March 20 at 1:00 pm. Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, 55 Laurier E. DMS 4101
Web: https://telfer.uottawa.ca/en/events/202603201300-keynote-by-david-geselbracht-author-of-climate-hope-stories-of-action-in-an-age-of-global-crisis/
free registration
Horror Author Event
Time and Place: October 19 at 1:00 pm. Main Street Cafe, 1626 Stittsville
Web: rereadusedbooks.com/events
Stephanie Anne, Chris Campeau, Charlene Elsby, Madison McSweeny, MK Schultz, John Haas, Syren Nightshade, James K. Moran, A.J. Dolman, J.E. Marriott. 1-4pm
Indie Author Group with N.G. Avant
Time and Place: 1:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Nepean Centrepointe Branch, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Room 1B
Web: booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/indie-author-group
discussion on the indie publishing process. drop in program. 150 minutes
LGBTQ+ Book Club
Time and Place: 1:00 pm. Amnesty International, 312 Laurier E.
A safespace for queer book lovers and readers We (usually) meet the 2nd and 3rd Saturday of every month, our Instagram: (openpagesbookclub_) posts the updates!
Living Words of the Fallen
Time and Place: February 20 at 1:00 pm. Gordon Woods Lounge, Dunton Tower, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DUd2DfJkw9B/utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Email: cukrainians@gmail.com
A commemorative reading honouring Ukrainian poets and writers whose lives were taken by russia’s war. The event will feature readings of their works and a guest talk by Olena Herasymyuk, Ukrainian poet, writer, and co-founder of the Nedopysani project (a memorial initiative dedicated to literary figures killed as a result of the russian invasion). Organized in collaboration with the Carleton Poetic Society.
 Event is hosted in English. Readers: Student and community readers (Carleton University and Ottawa)


Rudejay
Time and Place: August 17 at 1:00 pm. Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane
Web: tinyurl.com/rudejaybytown
Spoken word and storytelling
Science for the People Magazine – Palestine issue launch
Time and Place: July 5 at 1:00 pm. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson
Web: sftp-canada.org/
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTdTNIk46MUtM0TdjUwBN-HkGyFjzLoHcYE9PVlc_W6TvB0Q/viewform
SlutTalk Ottawa 2021
Time and Place: September 12 at 1:00 pm.
Web: www.facebook.com/events/515308826389711
Asli Mahdi, Meenakshi Sharma, Namitha Rathinappillai and more; free virtual event.
Stories & Sweets: Celebrating Black History
Time and Place: January 25 at 1:00 pm. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum
Web: tinyurl.com/bhmstoriesandsweets
At the market, you’ll discover handcrafted goods, delicious treats, and creative products from a wide range of vendors, while the stage will spotlight Black artists, storytellers, and thought leaders 1-5pm $11.98
The Ottawa Municipal Liaisons of NaNoWriMo Monthly Write-In
Time and Place: Every Sunday at 1:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch Room B125
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/ottawa-region-monthly-write
a monthly recurring write-in to help you keep up your writing habits during the months that are not November. Bring your pen, paper, laptop, ideas, write besides other writers and participate in challenges!
VERSeOttawa Presents Poetry in the Park
Time and Place: August 28 at 1:00 pm. Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road
Web: verseottawa.ca/poetry-in-the-park-august-28-2021/
1pm: lunch (provided) 2pm: poetry set, i 3pm: music: John Carroll 4pm: poetry set, ii 5pm: close Shane Rhodes Frances Boyle Ashley Hynd Stuart Ross Ren Iwamoto Angèle Bassolée Ouédraogo & more
Vernissage de l'exposition collective "Poésie, images & cartes postales
Time and Place: September 18 at 1:00 pm. Bouquinart Librairie & Galerie d'art, 110, rue Principale, Gatineau QC
Web: www.facebook.com/events/413788554195167
Zine Swap in the Park
Time and Place: August 9 at 1:00 pm. Strathcona Park (Laurier Avenue East at Range Road
brought to you by Wyrdsmyth Press. We'll be hanging around from 1:00-3:00 pm if you want to swing by - just look for our bright orange Hallowzine t-shirts. Come by to share your zines and get to know other people in the local zine community. You can bring one zine, multiple copies or a bunch of different zines
Kanata North Book Fair
Time and Place: June 14 at 1:30 pm. 70 Hines Road
Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/kanata-north-book-fair-tickets-1295816836039
local and Canadian authors and publishers
Ottawa Silent Book Club, Downtown
Time and Place: 1:30 pm. Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin
The Book Purge Takes over Studio Staja
Time and Place: January 18 at 1:30 pm. 507 Rideau
Web: www.facebook.com/events/931170232474899
donated books. PWYC. ALL proceeds go to the Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue
2nd Annual CKCU Host Talent Show Fundraiser
Time and Place: March 29 at 2:00 pm. The Robo Lounge, 275 Carling Avenue
Web: cod.ckcufm.com/events/community/14675.html
Price: Pay What You Can - Proceeds To CKCU
50 Years After the Coup in Chile
Time and Place: September 10 at 2:00 pm. Latinos Resto Bar, 665 Bronson
POETRY, NARRATIVE, MUSIC, TESTIMONIALS AND CHRONICLES, 2-6pm
A.J. Dolman, Amanda Earl, James K. Moran
Time and Place: September 28 at 2:00 pm. Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin
Web: angelhousepress.com/
poetry & fiction. doors 1:30pm. a free event
AJ Dolman, Amanda Earl and Concetta Principe
Time and Place: July 28 at 2:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: www.wegottickets.com/event/626201
Email: amanda@angelhousepress.com
reading from their latest and forthcoming works. Event sponsored by the Writers Union of Canada. Register to receive Zoom link or e-mail Amanda.
Albert Dumont: The Sound My Heart Makes
Time and Place: December 14 at 2:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks
Web: www.punchupcollective.org/reo-calendar/book-launch-the-sound-my-heart-makes/
Amanda Earl, Christine McNair, Sandra Ridley
Time and Place: November 12 at 2:00 pm. Zoom
Web: tinyurl.com/beastbodyepicNov1223
Sign up via EventBrite to register for Zoom link. Launch of Beast Body Epic
Amanda Earl, Margo La Pierre, Lisa Richter and Chuqiao Lang
Time and Place: April 27 at 2:00 pm. via Zoom
A National Poetry Month Reading Sponsored by the League of Canadian Poets
Amanda Earl, rob mclennan, Christine McNair
Time and Place: June 1 at 2:00 pm. The Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin
Web: angelhousepress.com/
reading of poetry and prose sponsored by the Writers Union of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts
Amanda Earl Celebrates the End of Winter
Time and Place: April 5 at 2:00 pm. March 20 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: amandaearl.com
Email: amanda@amandaearl.com
a poetry reading from Winter, an Epic. gratitude to the City of Ottawa for funding
Amanda Earl and Liam Taliesin
Time and Place: November 17 at 2:00 pm. The Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin
Web: angelhousepress.com/
celebrating Liam's debut novel, Lithium Fire. Masks encouraged and will be provided.
Amanda Earl celebrates the end of winter
Time and Place: April 26 at 2:00 pm. virtual
Email: amanda@amandaearl.com
a reading from Winter, Collected. Thank you to the City of Ottawa for support. Zoom link via e-mail
AngelHousePress Celebrates National Poetry Month with Ellen Chang-Richardson, Conyer Clayton, and Amanda Earl
Time and Place: April 13 at 2:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: www.wegottickets.com/event/613257
Email: amanda@angelhousepress.com
Reading sponsored by the League of Canadian Poets. Register to get Zoom link please!
BOOK LAUNCH: THE REFUGEE BY AINALEM TEBEJE
Time and Place: June 25 at 2:00 pm. Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave, Multipurpose Room
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/book-launch-the-refugee-by-ainalem-tebeje
Book Launch - Under a Maple Tree, by Jagjeet Sharma
Time and Place: February 11 at 2:00 pm. Eggspectation, 171 Bank
Web: tinyurl.com/323xszpb
Book Launch: Ainalem Tebeje presents The Unknown Mother
Time and Place: May 18 at 2:00 pm. Glebe Community Center, 175 Third Ave
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/37362
Book Launch: Hearts of Freedom: Stories of Southeast Asian Refugees
Time and Place: October 4 at 2:00 pm. Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepoint Dr.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3604320251004
Book Launch for Death in the Family: Stories Obituaries Tell by Donna McCart Sharkey
Time and Place: January 14 at 2:00 pm. Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue
Web: www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/foundation/events/death-family-stories-obituaries-tell-book-launch
Carol A. Stephen Celebration of Life
Time and Place: April 13 at 2:00 pm. Alan R. Barker Funeral Home, 19 McArthur Ave, Carleton Place
Web: www.barkerfh.com/obituary/Carol-Stephen
a Bywords.ca selector and great participant in the literary community. tributes to begin at 3pm. All are welcome.
Collaborative Zine Making
Time and Place: 2:00 pm. Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Web: ottawatranslibrary.ca/series/collaborative-zine-making-night-at-the-otl/
Collaborative Zine Making Workshop - Masking the day of the event is encouraged. Accessibility note: There are two stairs at the door entrance. We have a ramp we can bring out for the door on request. There’s a washroom but it’s not large enough for many mobility devices.
Time and Place: 2:00 pm. Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Web: ottawatranslibrary.ca/event/collaborative-zine-making-night-at-the-otl-2-2-3-3-2/2026-02-07/
work on the next issue of The Dragon Flyer, the Ottawa Trans Library’s community zine.
Community Conversation about the Intersection between Art and Regenerative Agriculture
Time and Place: January 29 at 2:00 pm. Wakefield Library, 1-38 ch de la Vallée de Wakefield, La Pêche, QC
Web: sowingthefutureca.wordpress.com/
Crowd Pleaser with Yotam Ottolenghi
Time and Place: March 1 at 2:00 pm. National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Babs Asper Theatre
Web: nac-cna.ca/en/event/38914#calendar
live cooking, storytelling, and audience interaction $88 2pm and 7:30pm
Dagne Forrestt, Nancy Hugget, Susan Robertson
Time and Place: September 20 at 2:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank, Program Room 1A
Web: www.baselinepress.ca/
Dagne Forrestt and Susan Robertson launch their Baseline Press chapbooks with guest reader Nancy Hugget
Dedication of a Commemorative Park Bench for Michael Dennis
Time and Place: September 16 at 2:00 pm. Riverain Park, 400 River Road, Vanier
beside the basketball court
Dr. Cornel Pewewardy, Indigenous Pathways for Educational Transformation across Turtle Island
Time and Place: April 7 at 2:00 pm. University of Ottawa, Learning Crossroads (CRX) Room C540
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4853120260407
Eleanor Crowder
Time and Place: January 28 at 2:00 pm. virtual
Web: www.radicalconnections.ca/hip/p/eleanor-crowder-in-concert
Circle Round the Sun - a poetry concert / healing interactive performance: $20
How to become an awesome comic book writer with author Éric Péladeau
Time and Place: January 21 at 2:00 pm. virtual
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/how-become-awesome-comic-book-writer-author-%C3%A9ric-p%C3%A9ladeau-virtual
for children (9+) and teens; registration required via OPL site
Irving Layton: The Jewish Poems
Time and Place: October 24 at 2:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvde6rrz0vH90l2yMDFjYoV9Wn754Nx2M6
Seymour Mayne, Natalia Vesselova, Max Layton. Registration required
Lana Crossman, Laurie Koensgen & Pearl Pirie
Time and Place: January 18 at 2:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Crossman's launch of PICS, OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN
Lancement de 'Loger à la même addresse' de Gabrielle Anctil
Time and Place: March 2 at 2:00 pm. Good Eats, 207 Bell Street North
Web: www.instagram.com/p/C3snmjbLPtK/?igsh=MTh1a3h0Y21sNDBtcw%3D%3D
Launch: Stuart Ross & Sun Cows!
Time and Place: November 13 at 2:00 pm. Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong
Stuart Ross, Emily Bertrand, Ciku Gitonga, Vera Hadzic, Jack Lahey, Angelica Malpica, Lila Ndinsil, and David Paré
Library Lecture Series: The "Secret" Writings of Henry VIII and Katherine Parr (His Sixth Wife!)​ ​
Time and Place: December 6 at 2:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Ruth E. Dickinson Branch, 100 Malvern, 2nd Floor Meeting Room
Web: booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/library-lecture-series-secret-writings-henry-viii-and-katherine-parr-his-sixth-wife%E2%80%8B-%E2%80%8B
registration required. 60 minutes
Mike Martin: Sgt. Windflower Mysteries "Christmas in Newfoundland Book 2" and "Dangerous Waters
Time and Place: October 22 at 2:00 pm. Books on Beechwood, 35 Beechwood
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1071879090193255
Music and Poetry by Women Performance Marathon
Time and Place: March 7 at 2:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: oamusicstudios.ca/about-the-music-by-women-marathon/
sign up on site. admission via donation. 2-8pm. proceeds to Ottawa women's shelters
Of Ice and Fire: Stories from Norse Mythology
Time and Place: February 25 at 2:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Blackbox Studio
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/of-ice-and-fire
Jennifer Cayley, Daniel Kletke, Johanna Kuyvenhoven, Marie Victoria Robertson and Anne Schmitz $33 2 to 2pm
OmiSoore Dryden presents Got Blood to Give: Anti-Black Homophobia in Blood Donation
Time and Place: February 3 at 2:00 pm. University of Ottawa, Faculty of Social Sciences Building, room 4007
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Ottawa Book Launch for Laurie D. Graham, Liz Johnston, and Aga Maksimowska
Time and Place: April 18 at 2:00 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/graham-johnston-maksimowska-ottawa-book-launch-tickets-1984137715318?aff=oddtdtcreator
Reserve a spot
Ottawa Silent Book Club Fall 2026 Book Swap
Time and Place: November 21 at 2:00 pm.
Web: events.ticketleap.com/tickets/silent-book-club-ottawa/fall-2026-book-swap-saturday-november-21
more details forthcoming
Ottawa Silent Book Club Spring Book Swap
Time and Place: March 21 at 2:00 pm. Beyond the Pale, 250 City Centre, Bay 106
Web: events.ticketleap.com/tickets/silent-book-club-ottawa/spring-2026-book-swap-saturday-march-21
Register on web site
Ottawa StoryTellers Signature Series 2025/26
Time and Place: 2:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Blackbox Studio and On Demand
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/signature-series
Tickets $23 in person or on demand
January 30 - Adisoke
May 3 - Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village
June 7 - The Strategy Of War: Aztec Mythology Artist: Mera Reyes
January 11 - (un)Told: Stories That Stayed With Us
Poets’ Pathway: City Archives Plaque for William Pittman Lett
Time and Place: May 4 at 2:00 pm. Garden at the City Archives, 100 Tallwood Drive
Web: www.janeswalkottawa.ca/en/walks/janes-walk-ottawa-gatineau-2025/22044
sign up via link
Possible Worlds Zine Launch and Artists' Talks with Macy Siu + Aysha White
Time and Place: February 21 at 2:00 pm. Online + Possible Worlds, 2 Daly
Web: possibleworldsshop.com/events-exhibitions/pw-zine-launch-macy-siu-aysha-white
free. donations welcome. Public Witness Ledger by Macy Siu / @_macysiu_ is, goes, shines by Aysha White / @aysha.white
Rosemount Writing Collective
Time and Place: Every Friday at 2:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Rosemount Branch, 18 Rosemount Ave
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/rosemount-writing-collective
Come engage in creative writing or academic writing! Registration required
SIP & READ (+Book Swap) - Ottawa/Gatineau
Time and Place: February 21 at 2:00 pm. Jenni Tea, 98 Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Gatineau, QC
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/sip-read-book-swap-ottawagatineau-tickets-1981161560559
$30
Sabina Wasserlauf, Gazing at the Moon
Time and Place: November 17 at 2:00 pm. Council Chambers, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepoint
Web: tinyurl.com/wasserlauflaunch
Email: swasserlauf2@gmail.com
memoir/essays. Books $20 cash or e-transfer. all $ donated to Cornerstone Housing for Women. RSVP by November 8.
Salon of the Refused - Ottawa
Time and Place: December 10 at 2:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Courtroom
Web: salonoftherefused.ca/
Email: wajohnst@uoguelph.ca
If you have a poem or a work of micro-fiction whose value went unrecognized when you first submitted it to either a literary journal or competition, regardless whether it was eventually published or not, we invite you to give your work a warm reception in front of a live audience.
Sean Moreland, Library Lecture Series: Cosmic (Horror) Comics!
Time and Place: March 1 at 2:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Ruth E. Dickinson Branch, 100 Malvern
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/library-lecture-series-cosmic-horror-comics
Shira Tzefonit/Northern Poetry - Chapter 2
Time and Place: June 12 at 2:00 pm. virtual
Web: tinyurl.com/2wjjfm44
Ricky Friesem and Morty Schiff. reading and conversation. hosted by Seymour Mayne. visit site to register
Silent Book Club - Hintonburg
Time and Place: 2:00 pm. Absinthe Cafe 1208 Wellington St. W.
Web: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/silent-book-club-ottawa/silent-book-club-ottawa-chapter-hintonburg-meetup
Sign up to attend
Sowing the Future: Artists' Reception and Poetry Reading
Time and Place: January 15 at 2:00 pm. Wakefield Library, 1-38 ch de la Vallée de Wakefield, La Pêche, QC
Web: sowingthefutureca.wordpress.com/
Jess Weatherhead, Barbara Brown and Diane Perazzo: stories and poems to launch the exhibition
The Poets' Picnic
Time and Place: August 16 at 2:00 pm. Lise and Adrian's Lake House, 48 Chemin du Barrage, Val-des-Monts, QC
Web: tinyurl.com/poetspicnic
Live Poetry Reading from 2PM – 4PM, on stage. (Plus Surprise guest!) Everyone’s welcome to read one poem. some food supplied. BYOB. More info on site
Uzma Jalaluddin Book Reading Event - Détective Aunty
Time and Place: May 31 at 2:00 pm. Ben Frankliin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive
Web: lovelylabooks.com/blogs/llb-events/uzma-jalaluddin-book-reading-event-detective-aunty
Tickets starting at $15
Wayne Ng: Book Launch - Johnny Delivers and Yet Keen Seniors’ Day Centre Fundraiser
Time and Place: November 9 at 2:00 pm. Yet Keen Seniors’ Centre | 755 Somerset West
Web: waynengwrites.com/events/
Women's Art Festival 2021
Time and Place: September 12 at 2:00 pm. virtual and at Shenkman Arts Centre , 245 Centrum Boulevard
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/womens-arts-festival-2021-hybrid-event-tickets-166826609881
includes storytelling (2-8pm). donation.
a pop-up poetry book launch: Stephen Brockwell + rob mclennan
Time and Place: August 20 at 2:00 pm. Das Lokal, 190 Dalhousie Street - patio/tent
Web: abovegroundpress.blogspot.com/2022/08/a-pop-up-poetry-book-launch-stephen.html
canthius issue 11 launch
Time and Place: February 18 at 2:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: tinyurl.com/4uuyzwr8
Ellen Chang-Richardson, Emily Kellogg, Ronna Bloom, Fayth Simmons, and Danny McLaren. A brief Q&A period will follow. registration required
les cafés-rencontres de l’Association des auteurs et auteures de l’Outaouais
Time and Place: 2:00 pm. au deuxième étage de la bibliothèque de la Maison du Citoyen au 25, rue Laurier, à Gatineau
Email: fideliteasoi@hotmail.com
14 - 16 h
April 12 -
June 14 -
BRUNTY ALL DRESSED
Time and Place: March 22 at 2:30 pm. Colonnade Pizza. 280 Metcalfe St
Reading from "A Brave New Gulp
Creativity in Hidden Places - Conversations and Recitations with Eleanor Crowder and Barby Clement
Time and Place: February 21 at 2:30 pm. virtual
Web: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsde2rpzMvHNcIOASA0X-75Y-yZwQMZPoy
Exploratory Writing Workshops - Write With Us
Time and Place: Every Sunday at 2:30 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Hazeldean Branch, 50 Castlefrank Rd,
Web: booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/exploratory-writing-workshops-write-us
drop in. 90 minutes. adult
Suzannah Showler
Time and Place: June 4 at 2:30 pm. Irene's Pub Restaurant, 885 Bank St
Quality Time
A Book Launch: The Cold Edge of Heaven with Whit Fraser
Time and Place: October 1 at 3:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/the-cold-edge-of-heaven
free
All Roads Home With Bryan Trottier
Time and Place: November 19 at 3:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/all-roads-home
$25
Anina's Book Swap
Time and Place: 3:00 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
ot a great read collecting dust? 😴 Bring it in, swap it out, and find your next obsession.
Barbara Leimsner
Time and Place: September 9 at 3:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Web: www.barbaraleimsner.com/
Quitting the Master Race: A Daughter's Journey to Break the Bonds of Hate
Book Launch for Barbara Fradkin's Shipwrecked Souls
Time and Place: February 9 at 3:00 pm. Irene's Pub Restaurant, 885 Bank St
Web: perfectbooks.ca/events
Brianna Wiest
Time and Place: March 9 at 3:00 pm. Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Ave.
Web: www.indigo.ca/en-ca/events/
The Life That's Waiting
Brunty, the Banksy of Poetry
Time and Place: January 28 at 3:00 pm. Deacon Brodies, 247 Elgin
Canadian Poets Concert: the poetry of Adele Graf
Time and Place: October 26 at 3:00 pm. St. Francis of Assisi, 20 Fairmont
Web: ottawachoralsociety.com/event/canadian-poets/
$28-$48
Do Weeds Still Grown in Heaven? by Lan "Florence" Yee
Time and Place: November 9 at 3:00 pm. Gallery 101, 280 Catherine
Web: G101.ca/fr/exhibits/do-weeds-still-grow-heaven
exhibition and poetry
Elgin Street Book Fair & Silent Auction
Time and Place: 3:00 pm. 310 Elgin
Web: www.facebook.com/events/220206994150494
Erin Forget
Time and Place: May 31 at 3:00 pm. Irene's Pub Restaurant, 885 Bank St
Web: erinforget.ca/
The Unsung Song of a Wren
For Our Kids online watch party and meet and greet
Time and Place: January 18 at 3:00 pm. St. Paul's University, 95 Clegg St., Desjardins Room
Web: www.forourkids.ca/author_conversation_watch_party
Q&A with Sarah Marie Wiebe, Hot Mess: Mothering Through a Climate Emergency. RSVP
Launch of Buried Secrets by Mike Martin
Time and Place: October 15 at 3:00 pm. virtual
Web: www.facebook.com/NorthGrenvillePL/photos/a.1683638618313958/4817148778296244/
Manahil Banduwala, Natalie Lim, Ellen Chang-Richardson
Time and Place: May 31 at 3:00 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
Elegy for Opportunity Book Launch
Marathon d’écriture Amnisitie Internationale
Time and Place: December 3 at 3:00 pm. Espace DEP Sylvestre 230 Rue Montcalm, Gatineau, QC
Web: www.facebook.com/events/557964536335450
Renaissance Press Book Launch
Time and Place: December 4 at 3:00 pm. virtual
Web: www.facebook.com/events/395598352708307/
Jen and Éric Desmarais, Evan May, Elizabeth Hirst, S.M. Carrière, Erin Rockfort, N. R. M. Roshak and Jen Desmarais
VERSeFest Volunteer Appreciation and Recruitment Night
Time and Place: February 1 at 3:00 pm. Ottawa Embassy Hotel and Suites, 25 Cartier
Myriam Legault-Beauregard, Daniel Groleau Landry, and Margo LaPierre. Sign up for a volunteer shift (postering, ticket-taking, airport drop-offs, and everything in between) and we'll get you a glass of wine or beer, a 0% beverage (mocktails, 0% beer), or a non-alcoholic beverage (tea, coffee, pop) of your choice
Échos + book launch
Time and Place: March 22 at 3:00 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DGx2Xo8Nkwa/?igsh=MWppdGlpM3V2b3RrYQ%3D%3D
readings by the authors
Conyer Clayton, Manahil Bandukwala and Natalie Hanna
Time and Place: June 26 at 3:30 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: www.facebook.com/events/346695307559628
Double book launch: "We Shed Our Skin Like Dynamite" + "But the sun, and the ships, and the fish, and the waves" Masks mandatory.
Ellen Chang-Richardson
Time and Place: March 25 at 3:30 pm. No Filter, CHUO FM 89.1 FM
Web: chuo.fm/
Bitter Melanin Book Launch
Time and Place: November 6 at 4:00 pm. Gallery 101, 280 Catherine
Web: www.facebook.com/events/776372790126067
Filipino/a/x diasporic identities and intersectional experiences
Book Launch: A Plea to Our Mother by Kathleen Rooney.
Time and Place: October 5 at 4:00 pm. Saint Paul University 233 Main Street, Ampitheatre
Web: tinyurl.com/rooneyOct5
Email: kathleen@kathleenrooney.ca
a Poetic Journey of Childhood Incest to Resilience featuring live music by acclaimed cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne. Tickets: $17.31. Contact author if you would like to attend but can't afford a ticket
Book Launch: Laura Horak, Trans Cinema Making Communities, Identities, and Worlds
Time and Place: March 14 at 4:00 pm. Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 MacKenzie Bridge
Web: carleton.ca/transmedialab/cu-events/we-are-pat-screening-trans-cinema-book-qa-in-person/
free and includes "We Are Pat" screening.
Cameron Anstee, Manahil Bandukwala, Chris Johnson
Time and Place: November 10 at 4:00 pm. Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Dunton Tower 1811, the Gordon Wood Lounge
Web: www.manahilbandukwala.com/events
hosted by the English Literary Society
D.W. Livingstone, 2023 Tipping Point for Advanced Capitalism: Class, Class Consciousness, and Activism in the "Knowledge Economy
Time and Place: September 20 at 4:00 pm. Carleton University, Senate Room, Rm 608, Pigiarvik, University Drive
Web: carleton.ca/politicaleconomy/fall-2023-ipe-book-launch/
RSVP required
David A. Robertson: What if everything will be okay?
Time and Place: November 19 at 4:00 pm. University of Ottawa, 100 Louis Pasteur
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-if-everything-will-be-okay-tickets-1934396174029
Register for this free event
Hashem Abdi, When The Last Tree Falls
Time and Place: October 18 at 4:00 pm. The Hub Market Cafe, 9 Byward Market Square
Web: www.tickettailor.com/events/hashemabdi/1892958
North American Book Tour - Ottawa - Author Q&A and Book Signing
Ksenija Spasic, Sneha Madhavan-Reese and Ellen Chang Richardson.
Time and Place: February 15 at 4:00 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
Web: tinyurl.com/beautifulbearable
launch of the beautiful the bearable
Literary Futures Guest Lecture Series
Time and Place: 4:00 pm. University of Ottawa, Hamelin Hall, 70 Laurier E, MHN 509
All welcome
Local Literary Table, GCTC Holiday Market
Time and Place: December 5 at 4:00 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, Lobby, 1233 Wellington Street W.
Curated by Laurie Koensgen with texts by Laurie Koensgen, Robert Bockstael, Jean Van Loon, Blaine Marchand, Frances Boyle, etc. 4 to 8pm
Made in Alta Vista Market
Time and Place: May 29 at 4:00 pm. Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink, 2185 Arch Street
local authors sell books. 4-8pm
Mandala Spotlight: Unveiling Mandala on Stage
Time and Place: September 9 at 4:00 pm. Alma Duncan Salon Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave
Web: www.ottawaartscouncil.ca/whats-on/mandala-spotlight-event?s=03
3-hour showcase of IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour) artists: music and spoken word poetry. PWYC.
Mothering Through a Climate Emergency: A Conversation with Author Sarah Marie Wiebe
Time and Place: January 18 at 4:00 pm. online
Web: www.forourkids.ca/mothering_through_climate_change
RSVP to receive link
Renaissance Books: Deck the Halls with Books, a Celebration
Time and Place: December 11 at 4:00 pm. virtual
Web: /www.eventbrite.com/e/deck-the-halls-with-books-a-holiday-celebration-of-our-newest-releases-tickets-220123313757?fbclid=IwAR05ZXKHhYZi-6O-Gp62DESUBdEW3NQQ2s2noisPx4vGA2WuE3Uk2EWG3hg
Sonia Saikaley, Éric Desmarais, Jamieson Wolf, Bruce D. Gordon, Madona Skaff-Koren & more
Sue Davidson, Dread Comes At Daybreak
Time and Place: October 4 at 4:00 pm. Manotick Morning Owl, 5521 Manotick Main Street
Web: www.suedavidson.com/
THE HOUSE ON 9TH LINE | An Evening with Aaron Bangay
Time and Place: March 21 at 4:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Web: tinyurl.com/BangayMarch21
free. reserve a spot
Alex Neve: Renewing human rights in a fractured world
Time and Place: December 10 at 4:30 pm. FSS 4007, 120 University Private, University of Ottawa
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4159220251210
CypherSpace: Panel + Cypher + Showcase Ft. KazMega
Time and Place: March 27 at 4:30 pm. The Hub Market Cafe, 27 Market Place, Byward Market
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1359215531648657/
4:30 PM - GUEST ARRIVAL/NETWORKING 5:00 PM – FOUNDATIONS/PANEL DISCUSSION We’ll open with a grounding of our shared vision and a discussion on creating and holding space, guided by the 10 Hip-Hop Commandments and the Declaration of Peace. A discussion featuring voices from our community, including: KazMega, Patrick, J. Morris, Seiiizi, Memetic, Adrienne Coddett Facilitated by Simone 6:13 PM – CYPHER SESSION An hour of live, collaborative cypher energy hosted by J. Morris, Nico, KazMega, and beats by DJ Seiiizi. Sunset: Break for Maghreb and Iftar. There is a great selection of prepared food available for purchase at the cafe, as well as restaurants around the ByWard. 7:45 PM – OPEN MIC + FEATURE PERFORMANCE Hosted by King Kimbit with DJ Seiiizi Open to all artists, with a special performance by POEMcee/Producer KazMega. 9:00 PM – Wrap-Up
Gathering // Cosmic Chemistry: Performances after The Baroness
Time and Place: June 25 at 4:30 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre 290 Lisgar Street
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/gathering-cosmic-chemistry-performances-after-the-baroness-tickets-345611903507
free event, includes sound poetry performance by Gabriel Dharmoo, Nina Jane Drystek, Kathy Kennedy, Ellen Waterman, members of Tone Cluster, Grant Wilkins. . a wheelchair-accessible venue with barrier-free washrooms.
Reading and Discussion with Author Mike Blouin
Time and Place: February 28 at 4:30 pm. Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Dunton Tower 1811, the Gordon Wood Lounge
Web: carleton.ca/english/cu-events/reading-and-talk-with-author-mike-blouin/
Thugs Need Love Too " Community Art Showcase
Time and Place: May 31 at 5:00 pm. Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse - BGC Ottawa 1770 Heatherington Road
Web: tinyurl.com/tnl2may31
BIPOC poets, rappers, artists, DJs, local vendors. PWYC. 5-8PM
Accessing Cultural Funding at the City of Ottawa
Time and Place: March 6 at 5:00 pm. The Origin Arts and Community Centre, 57 Lyndale
Web: www.instagram.com/p/C3styKVgUt1/?igsh=MTA0cWVheWVuNTNpZQ%3D%3D
Cultural Funding Officer Yasmina Proveyer
Author Talk | Madelaine Drohan on Benjamin Franklin’s Failure to Annex Canada
Time and Place: October 21 at 5:00 pm. KPMG, 150 Elgin
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/cic-ncbs-annual-general-meeting-fireside-chat-with-madelaine-drohan-tickets-1739496604169
free. registration required
Book Launch - Christopher McPherson Screaming Obscenities at the Sky
Time and Place: November 6 at 5:00 pm. House of Targ, 1077 Bank
Web: www.facebook.com/events/house-of-targ/book-launch-screaming-obscenities-at-the-sky
Christian McPherson is launching his latest book, his 11th, 6th book of poetry, first book of drawings. Octopus Books will be there to sell books. Original works of art will be for sale at bargain basement prices. Originals found in the book. Like a German train, a reading will take at exactly 5:30. We need to leave by 8 pm as House of Targ has a band booked. Or stay for the band. Books are $27 - Christmas is just around the corner! There are PEROGIES and BEER! And pinball! Expect fun and existential angst.
Book Launch: Homing by Alice Irene Whittaker
Time and Place: September 9 at 5:00 pm. Starling Restaurant, 54 York St, Ottawa
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/ottawa-book-launch-homing-by-alice-irene-whittaker-tickets-986848007957
Reserve your free ticket on site.
Book Launch: Kimberly Quiogue Andrews, The Academic Avant-Garde: Poetry and the American University
Time and Place: February 3 at 5:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
stairs
Book Launch: Tessa Belanger, Pass the Sage: Stories from the Fire, Teachings from the Smoke
Time and Place: January 31 at 5:00 pm. the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street
Web: www.passthesage.com/
Meet the author
Creative Cafe
Time and Place: January 17 at 5:00 pm. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue, room 211
We welcome musicians, poets, storytellers…to perform in front of an audience and of course, have fun. Elevator access available, 2nd floor
Dan Rubenstein
Time and Place: June 12 at 5:00 pm. The Black Pug, 1785 Kilbourne Ave
Web: perfectbooks.ca/events
Water Borne: A 1200-Mile Paddleboarding Pilgramage
Jamie Chai Yun Liew: Dandelion launch
Time and Place: April 29 at 5:00 pm. Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge
Web: arsenalpulp.com/Events
Please wear yellow!
Josh O’Kane, Sideways: The City Google Couldn't Buy
Time and Place: April 2 at 5:00 pm. Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie Bridge
Web: perfectbooks.ca/wp/
Margo McDiarmid & Kelly McDonald Book Launch
Time and Place: June 20 at 5:00 pm. Wall Space Gallery, 1090 Bank Street
Web: wallspacegallery.ca/blogs/upcoming-exhibitions/photo-book-launch-margo-mcdiarmid-kelly-mcdonald
Email: responses@wallspacegallery.ca
RSVP your attendance
Media Club of Ottawa Meetings
Time and Place: 5:00 pm.
Phone: 613-521-4855
Email: juhal2019@gmail.com
RSVPs required.
Open Pages Evening Book Club
Time and Place: 5:00 pm. Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Bring your own book
Ottawa Poets Laureate Present Words and Image
Time and Place: January 24 at 5:00 pm. Alma Duncan Salon, Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge
rasis! Ottawa poets react and reflect on Ottawa visual art! Featuring Sonia-Sophie Courdeau, Catherine Couture, Leslie Roach, Bardia Sinaee, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Stephen Brockwell, Michèle Margaret Cook, and Michel Thérien
Ottawa Trans Library: Shared Stories Witness Circle
Time and Place: 5:00 pm. Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Shared Stories Witness Circle is a monthly community event designed to create a warm and supportive space where people can reflect on their lives through writing, journaling, and shared conversation.
Parker AM Johnston Zine Launch: Isn't Being A Man Supposed to Mean Something
Time and Place: June 13 at 5:00 pm. Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Plan 99 Reading Series
Time and Place: 5:00 pm. The Manx Pub, 370 Elgin Street
stairs down to venue.
Pride Night Market
Time and Place: August 16 at 5:00 pm. Parkdale Park
Web: thespanielstale.ca/events/2707920250816
visit the Spaniel's Tale Bookstore booth
Rhymes, Melodies and Prose
Time and Place: November 30 at 5:00 pm. Happy Goat, 1124 Bank
Anvesh Jain and Vera Hadzic registration required for open mic by Nov 28, 11:59pm: tinyurl.com/yc5ywxss
Slam Outaouais Finale régionale de la 16e saison I'm Interested Share
Time and Place: August 23 at 5:00 pm. La filature inc., 78/80/82 rue Hanson,,Gatineau, Quebec,
Web: allevents.in/gatineau/finale-r%C3%A9gionale-de-la-16e-saison/200026973688259
Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Time and Place: June 1 at 5:00 pm. Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie Bridge
Web: suyidavies.com/events
Lost Ark Dreaming
The House Band Reading Series
Time and Place: January 20 at 5:00 pm. The Manx Pub, 370 Elgin
Brendan McNally, Steven K. Donnelly, nina jane drystek, and Rockin' Al.
The Mosquito Bowl: A Conversation with Author Buzz Bissinger
Time and Place: January 19 at 5:00 pm. Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place
Web: tinyurl.com/ms38rtfh
free. reserve a spot on site
The Other Hill Launch Event with Jesse Wente + Joanne Chianello
Time and Place: September 17 at 5:00 pm. allsaints event space 330 Laurier Avenue East
Web: theotherhill-lautrecolline.ca/tours/
University of Ottawa Undergraduate English Students Association Clothing, Food and Book Drive
Time and Place: February 28 at 5:00 pm. Hamelin Hall, 70 Laurier E. Common Area
Web: kindspace.ca/support/
Email: carling@kindspace.ca
kids books are in high demand. 5 - 8pm
Writers' Circle
Time and Place: February 18 at 5:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-writers-circle-tickets-812465876307
Education and Art: Teach the Young... what, exactly? Each session features a short lesson (focusing on the philosophy of art), group discussions, writing exercises, and the opportunity to socialize with strangers. Limited seating.
AUTHOR MEETS READERS
Time and Place: 5:30 pm. Irene's Pub Restaurant, 885 Bank St
free
Authors Meet Readers
Time and Place: 5:30 pm. Irene's Pub Restaurant, 885 Bank St
presented by Carleton University Faculty of Public Affairs
Book Launch for “Cripping Intersex” by Celeste Orr
Time and Place: October 27 at 5:30 pm. Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Web: ottawatranslibrary.ca/event/book-launch-for-cripping-intersex-by-celeste-orr/
Meet the author and have your book signed.
Book launch: The Poilievre Project A radical blueprint for corporate rule by Martin Lukacs
Time and Place: April 10 at 5:30 pm. Delta Hotels, 101 Lyon, Chaudiere Room
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1182434602786953
City of Ottawa Equity and Inclusion in the Arts Information Session
Time and Place: September 11 at 5:30 pm. Ottawa Arts Council Board Room, Arts Court: 2 Daly Ave
Web: www.mac-cam.ca/equityandinclusionintheartsfundinfosession
Register on site
Ellen Chang-Richardson and Chuqiao Yang
Time and Place: April 7 at 5:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
double book launch: The Last to the Part and Blood Belies with guest readers Cameron Anstee and nina jane drystek
Hybrid Book Launch: Masses on Radar by David O’Meara
Time and Place: September 26 at 5:30 pm. virtual and Sparks Beer, 702 Somerset W.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/hybrid-book-launch-masses-on-radar
Limited seating is available on a first come, first served basis for those attending live on the back patio at Spark Beer. Covid-19 precautions required
LANCEMENT | RÉORIGINE DES ESPÈCES | OTTAWA
Time and Place: October 30 at 5:30 pm. Librairie du Soleil, 321 Dalhousie
Web: www.facebook.com/events/librairie-du-soleil/lancement-r%C3%A9origine-des-esp%C3%A8ces-ottawa
le recueil de poésie de la Torontoise Alessandra Naccarato, magistralement traduit en français par Keltie Robertson.bouchées, boissons, lecture et signatures.
Ottawa Talent Showcase for Youth
Time and Place: August 28 at 5:30 pm. Afro Black Cultural Centre, 365 Bank St
Web: artsnetottawa.member365.ca/public/event/details/f2182108e46fe7c4b8d589a5dec569e505347dd1/1
Email: afroblackcentre@gmail.com
3:30 – 5pm: Mentoring session (registration required) 5:30 – 8:30pm: Talent showcase
Poetry Night
Time and Place: 5:30 pm. Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Web: ottawatranslibrary.ca/events/
Poetry Night
Time and Place: 5:30 pm. Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset W.
Web: ottawatranslibrary.ca/event/poetry-night-2/2026-02-07/
An informal evening of poetry reading and discussion. No mic, no stage! Share poems you have discovered or ones you have written in a casual atmosphere of poetry appreciation. Meeting on the first Saturday of the month at 5:30.
The Carleton Poetic Society Outdoor Open Mic
Time and Place: 5:30 pm. Vincent Massey Park, White Gazebo
Web: linktr.ee/thepoeticssocietycu
Under Cover by Garry Clement
Time and Place: November 9 at 5:30 pm. 3 Brewers, 240 Sparks
WOMEN WINNING OFFICE WITH PEGGY NASH AND MEGAN LESLIE
Time and Place: June 7 at 5:30 pm. Metropolitain Brasserie, 700 Sussex Dr, Ottawa
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/women-winning-office-with-peggy-nash-and-megan-leslie
space is limited. registration required.
When the Pine Needles Fall: Indigenous Acts of Resistance, in conversation with Audra Simpson
Time and Place: March 11 at 5:30 pm. University of Ottawa, Faculty of Social Sciences Building, room 4007
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Why We Write: Ottawa
Time and Place: June 10 at 5:30 pm. Woodside Hall, Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: wcc-cec.org/
Mark Frutkin, Billie Nell, Sharon Roberts, Stephen Belanger - a conversation
Writing Women into History
Time and Place: October 9 at 5:30 pm. allsaints event space 330 Laurier Avenue East
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/writing-women-into-history-tickets-1012376444197
Celebrate Women's History Month featuring Dianne Dodd, author of Our 100 Years: Canadian Federation of University Women
Pen and Paper Writer's Group
Time and Place: Every Tuesday at 5:55 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Rideau Branch, 377 Rideau
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/pen-and-paper-writers-group-1
8 mois pour écrire ton premier livre
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Jenni Tea, 98 Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Gatineau, QC
Web: www.jennihealthy.com/event-details/8-mois-pour-ecrire-ton-premier-livre-2026-01-27-18-00
Tu rêves d’écrire un livre, mais tu ne sais pas par où commencer… ou tu n’arrives pas à aller jusqu’au bout ?L’atelier « Écris ton premier livre en 8 mois » est un accompagnement structuré et bienveillant, conçu pour t’aider à passer de l’idée au manuscrit terminé. Pendant 8 mois, tu seras guidé(e) pas à pas à travers les différentes étapes de l’écriture : clarification de ton projet, construction de ton texte, discipline d’écriture, confiance en ta voix, et compréhension des bases légales et éditoriales liées à la publication. 📚 Ce que tu vas apprendre :– Trouver et affiner ton idée de livre– Structurer ton récit (roman, essai, témoignage, autofiction…)– Surmonter le syndrome de la page blanche– Installer une routine d’écriture durable– Comprendre les bases de la publication et du droit d’auteur– Avancer avec clarté, motivation et discipline $57.49
AJ Dolman, natalie hanna, Chris Johnson, Stevie Mikayne, James Moran,
Time and Place: August 21 at 6:00 pm. T's Pub, 323 Somerset W
hosted by Eden Moore
ALSO's 4th Annual Banned Book Night
Time and Place: April 17 at 6:00 pm. Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Ave UUFO Sanctuary event spac
Web: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/also-alternative-learning-styles-and-outlooks/events/alsos-4th-annual-banned-book-night/
$55 Stephanie Anne, Charlotte Gray , Coltrane Seesequasis, Jennifer Whiteford
AfriCANthology book launch / Perspectives of Black Canadian poet
Time and Place: February 26 at 6:00 pm. Facebook Live
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1108237039941033/
Greg Frankson,Dr. McCarthy- Brandt, Evelyn C White, Emanuelle Jackson, Chevelle Malcolm
Also Cool Mag x Bird Lips Zine – Zine Workshop: The Show That Changed My Life
Time and Place: July 3 at 6:00 pm. Ten Toes Coffee House, 593 Bank
Web: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUTjc3sqxAre-2Sqf3D5bcrFIlvgAAzi6Pitqry3Ogr232Ag/viewform
free; registration required
Asian Sounds
Time and Place: Every Wednesday at 6:00 pm. CKCU FM 93.1
Web: cod.ckcufm.com/programs/91/info.html
music from the Indian sub-continent and showcases events taking place in Ottawa. The show hosts conduct a number of interviews with local artists, musicians, and writers.
Astrid Nannini, spoken word performance
Time and Place: December 9 at 6:00 pm. SAW Centre, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1158259915846045
GBV Art Show Multi-media art event commemorating the 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence. Theme: Transformation. Performances include spoken word, music, dance, and visual art by youth and adults.
Author Talk | Curtis Chin - Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant
Time and Place: April 23 at 6:00 pm. Yet Keen Senior Center, 755 Somerset St W
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4883420260423
Author Talk | Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism
Time and Place: October 30 at 6:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/man-up-the-new-misogyny-and-the-rise-of-violent-extremism-tickets-1681206647339
register for this free presentation
Awesome Arts Festival
Time and Place: April 14 at 6:00 pm. livestreamed from the Ottawa Art Gallery
Web: tinyurl.com/554vem5d
presentations and performances
Between the Pages An Evening with the Scotiabank Giller Prize Finalists
Time and Place: October 12 at 6:00 pm. National Gallery of Canada • 380 Sussex Drive
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/between-the-pages-an-evening-with-the-scotiabank-giller-prize-finalists
$30
Between the Pages An Evening with the Scotiabank Giller Prize Finalists
Time and Place: October 18 at 6:00 pm. National Gallery of Canada • 380 Sussex Drive
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/between-the-pages-an-evening-with-the-scotiabank-giller-prize-finalists
$25
Book Arts Lab Tour: Learning with our Hands
Time and Place: May 5 at 6:00 pm. virtual
Web: events.carleton.ca/book-arts-lab-tour-learning-with-our-hands/
free. registration required
Book Launch: Democracy's Second Act: Why Politics Needs the Public
Time and Place: February 12 at 6:00 pm. Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant, 700 Sussex
Web: perfectbooks.ca/events
Join Peter MacLeod, co-author of Democracy’s Second Act, in conversation with journalist Joanne Chianello
Book Launch: Fancy Gap by Zak Jones
Time and Place: February 28 at 6:00 pm. Dominion City Brew Co, 5510 Canotek Rd Unit 15
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DU3ptkyEcSh/
Book Launch: From Havana to Hollywood by Philip Kaisary
Time and Place: October 2 at 6:00 pm. Wise Town Cafe, 329A Elgin.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Book Launch: Monia Mazigh presents Farida
Time and Place: October 9 at 6:00 pm. Haven Cafe, 43 Seneca Street
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Book Launch of A Capital Mystery, featuring 21 stories set in Ottawa by 21 local authors.
Time and Place: October 16 at 6:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
an evening of author panels, readings and book signings. Program will run from about 6-8 with a reception and food afterwards
Book Launch | A Love Affair with the Unknown by Gillian Deacon
Time and Place: January 28 at 6:00 pm. SAW Centre, 67 Nicholas
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4268420260128
RSVP required
Book Speed Dating
Time and Place: October 8 at 6:00 pm. Arlington Five, 5 Arlington
Web: checkout.square.site/merchant/ML422SM6MP16V/checkout/MBTWC4Q2ZYRY3DEFNVJTOKO4
Bring your favourite book and get ready to mingle! Rotate through quick conversations using fun prompts to share stories, swap recommendations, and act as a spokesperson for someone's next hot book date. At the end, you'll get to create your very own custom bookmark to take home. $25
Books and Biryani: Re-Imagining Feminism with Rafia Zakaria
Time and Place: November 13 at 6:00 pm. St. John the Evangelist • 275 Elgin St.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/books-and-biryani-2023-re-imagining-feminism
In person tickets include a Biryani dinner. Livestream for those unable to attend in person begins at 7PM. $35
Books on Beechwood Author Dinner Series
Time and Place: 6:00 pm.
Phone: 613-742-5030
Web: booksonbeechwood.ca/
Email: staff@booksonbeechwood.ca
call, visit or e-mail to reserve a spot and pay non-refundable cost for tickets.
Carleton University Department of English and Language Arts' Spring Showcase of Literary and Dramatic Art
Time and Place: March 17 at 6:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: carleton.ca/english/event/spring-showcase-of-literary-and-dramatic-arts-2026
Please join us in celebrating the creative talents of our English, Creative Writing, and Drama Studies students. Featuring original literary works, music, and dramatic performances by: Guest Speakers English and Creative Writing Students Drama Workshop Students Winners of the Annual Poetry Competitions. Register to attend.
Collage Club
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe, Room B125
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/program?text=collage
free, drop-in program
Conyer Clayton at Booknanza
Time and Place: October 23 at 6:00 pm. virtual
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/booknanza-part-two-schneider-heslop-englert-with-clayton-and-wint-tickets-186007743167?fbclid=IwAR2wsKVX7ZjsIyeezaCT9PKMi73_5KX1nq0NWvleofHSoh28dYbGNJQoPSM
additional readers include Brandon Wint, Sile Englert, Aaron Schneider, and Kevin Andrew Heslop
Current Conversations: Poetry by the River
Time and Place: June 18 at 6:00 pm. NCC River House, Learning Lab, 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
Web: tinyurl.com/june18riverkeeper
Véronique Sylvain, David O'Meara, Amanda Earl, Michèle Matteau, Manahil Bandukwala, Julie Huard, Monty Reid, Clémence Roy-Darisse, Myriam Legault-Beauregard, David Groulx. $20 Refreshments included
D.S. Stymeist and Tyler Pennock
Time and Place: November 16 at 6:00 pm. Haven Books, 43 Seneca Street
Web: www.facebook.com/100011565995130/
Driving in Palestine - Exhibit and Book Launch by Rehab Nazzal
Time and Place: May 17 at 6:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1222640568399933
Fifteen Dogs Unleashed, From Page to Stage: A Creative Discussion
Time and Place: September 19 at 6:00 pm. Peter A. Hernndorf Place, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin
Web: nac-cna.ca/en/event/39562
Join author Andre Alexis of Fifteen Dogs and playwright/director Marie Farsi for an in-depth look at the creative journey. Moderated by Nina Lee Aquino. Free. Register on site for tickets
Helen Chau Bradley, Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch, natalie hanna and the liam burkes, Ellen Chang-Richardson
Time and Place: December 3 at 6:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1356484448129245/
Vaccine passports required; street-level space/wheelchair accessible. Books for sale on site.
How Alternative Comics Help Shape Today's American Comics Industry
Time and Place: January 19 at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe, Room B125
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/how-alternative-comics-help-shape-todays-american-comics-industry
Kevin Pat Fong – Ph.D. student at Carleton Univeristy's Institute for Comparative Studies in Literature, Art and Culture
Inside Out: Artist Talk & Zine Swap
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
Web: www.thearthousecafe.ca/events
6:00 pm Arrival & Setup 6:15 pm Intro & Artist Talk 6:30 pm Q&A, Open Discussion 6:45-8:00 pm Zine Swap, Mingle & Network
Jordana Globerman, Soul Machine book launch
Time and Place: May 21 at 6:00 pm. Black Squirrel Books, 1073 Bank
Web: www.annickpress.com/Books/S/Soul-Machine
Joseph Kaï: Restless
Time and Place: September 23 at 6:00 pm. SAW Centre, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.facebook.com/events/s/book-launch-and-artist-talk-by
launch and artist's talk; free admission
Live and Express your Joy through Poetry with Eddie Lartey
Time and Place: April 27 at 6:00 pm. The Origin Arts and Community Centre, 57 Lyndale
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/live-and-express-your-joy-through-poetry-eddie-lartey
Free event. Registration required
Love as resistance: Political discussion and letter writing
Time and Place: February 13 at 6:00 pm. Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Paterson Hall 201
Web: www.punchupcollective.org/reo-calendar/love-as-resistance-political-discussion-and-letter-writing/
This year, we’re celebrating love in all its revolutionary forms: community, resistance, and understanding. Join us for letter writing and a political discussion on Friday February 13 ahead of Valentines Day!
Mary-Lou Zeitoun presents Jamilah at the End of the World, with guest E.K. Highland
Time and Place: July 6 at 6:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: www.facebook.com/events/323872079954810
Mike Martin, All That Glitters
Time and Place: June 7 at 6:00 pm. Colonnade Restaurant, 280 Metcalfe Street
Monday Director Spotlight - Lee Chang-dong - Poetry
Time and Place: May 26 at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe, Room B125
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/monday-director-spotlight-lee-chang-dong-poetry
National Awakening, A Book Launch: A National Awakening: Robin Mathews & the Struggle for Canadian Identity
Time and Place: June 25 at 6:00 pm. GCTC, 1233 Wellington St. W,
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
North Gloucester Writing Workshop
Time and Place: Every Monday at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, North Gloucester Branch, 2036 Ogilvie Road
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/writing-workshop-1
Come and share your writing and participate in guided writing activities with other writers in the neighborhood. Writers of all genres and skill levels are welcome.
OG500 Poetry Slam Competition
Time and Place: August 19 at 6:00 pm. SAW Gallery 2 Daly Avenue
Web: tinyurl.com/2p9xf39y
special feature: Scribe Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Ottawa Black Creatives Hub Performing Arts Showcase
Time and Place: February 20 at 6:00 pm. Algonquins Commons Theatre Robert C. Gillett Student Common 1385 Woodroffe Ave Room E 104
Web: www.horspairsocial.com/events/obchshowcase
performances by musical artists, dancers, poets and more. $25+
Ottawa Design Club: Pivotal Moments - Special Zine Edition Launch Event
Time and Place: October 16 at 6:00 pm. Wallack Galleries 305 Bank Street
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/pivotal-moments-special-zine-edition-launch-event-tickets-1727383744279
0 - $80. a collaboration between the Ottawa Design Club and New York Design Club, we are bringing together creatives to share stories of personal shifts, bold pivots, and the moments that shape creative lives. Join us at Wallack Galleries for the official Ottawa launch, where the zine comes to life through a paper installation featuring works from our local contributors. Featured voices include Alisha Giroux, Sarah Farmer, Andrea Reade, Dennis Moran, Chris Glabb, Ryan Antooa, Jared Lebel, Albert Nguyen, Dominic Laporte, Anaïs Labrèque, Caroline Sarrette, and Isabelle Poirier.
Ottawa Public Library Vanier Community Writing Workshop
Time and Place: Every Tuesday at 6:00 pm. 310 Pères Blancs
Web: booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/community-writing-workshop-0
Drop in. Adult. 120 minutes
PAUL P. AMOR ET MORS - POETRY AND MUSIC
Time and Place: June 1 at 6:00 pm. National Gallery of Canada Gallery C218 380 Sussex Drive
John Barton, Blaine Marchand, Daniel Groleau Landry, and John Ian.
Pen and Paper Writer's Group
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Rideau Branch, 377 Rideau
Get feedback on your writing (any genre) and ideas from the group. Hear the work of other writers and offer your feedback. Discuss issues about writing and publishing. Share your triumphs, trials and tribulations with a supportive, informal group.
Pieces of Us - Creative Experience
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Live on Elgin, 220 Elgin Street, 2nd Floor
Web: linkin.bio/shareyourpiece
open mic and feature. stairs up to venue
Pique spring '23
Time and Place: March 11 at 6:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue
Web: thisispique.com/
Vivek Shraya, Joe Rainey, Darius Jones & Amirtha Kidambi, Mas Aya, Diana Lynn VanderMeulen, Stefana Fratila, Geronimo Inutiq, MvB,No Tourists, Fraud Perry. Theland Kicknosway,VJ Sleeps-With-Bears, MS. BABY,Banggz,JAYEL, natalie hanna, Jennifer Pederson, & Liam Burke, Aaron Daniels Casey $20-$40
Pizza and Poetry Open Mic
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Spark Beer, 702 Somerset W.
Web: www.facebook.com/events/2332829013567354/2360122337504688
Poets Laureate Reading: David O'Meara, Véronique Sylvain and Chimwemwe Undi
Time and Place: June 10 at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
free
Prayers to the God of Tasty Moss with Matt Jones and Matt Atton
Time and Place: August 9 at 6:00 pm. Bamm's Snack Shack, 74 Cobourg
Web: www.bammssnackshack.com/
a reading and epicurean delight with flash fiction, poetry & amazing food. featuring Jennifer Baker, David Currie, Amanda Earl, Jenna Jarvis and Vivian Vavassis. registration advised. read at the open mic
Professor Wendy H. Wong, We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age
Time and Place: October 17 at 6:00 pm. Spark Beer, 702 Somerset W.
Web: www.cdsn-rcds.com/network-events/we-the-data-human-rights-in-the-digital-age
2023 Paterson Chair – Public Book Launch
Public Talk and Poetry Evening with Prof. Nimi Wariboko, Poet and Director, African Studies Center, Boston University
Time and Place: April 2 at 6:00 pm. Carleton University Bookstore 173 Nideyinàn, First Floor , Nideyinàn, Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Drive
Web: carleton.ca/africanstudies/evening-of-poetry-and-book-launch-with-prof-nimi-wariboko-2/
Email: Gabriel.Habiyaremye@carleton.ca
Please register at the link.
RPL Acoustic Music Jam
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Rockcliffe Public Library, 380 Springfield Road
Email: rplacousticmusicclub@gmail.com
poetry and spoken word welcome
Retracing history with Dr. Amadou B (Virtual)
Time and Place: February 13 at 6:00 pm.
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/retracing-history-dr-amadou-b-virtual
Rough Draft Paper Company Annotated Book Swap
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Arlington Five, 5 Arlington
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DT8AiB_DM_p/
Spend a month falling into a new story by highlighting, annotating, dog-earing, and leaving little notes behind, then come together to swap books and talk about what you found. This is a cozy, low-pressure bookish social made for readers who love marginalia, shared thoughts, and discovering a story through someone else’s lens. Your ticket includes a book to annotate, all supplies, and a guided discussion when we gather to swap. Books will be available for pick-up the week of March 2nd, giving you plenty of time to read and make it your own before the social. Come ready to trade, chat, and leave with a brand-new annotated book (and a few new reader friends). Date: Wednesday, April 1 Book pick-up the week of March 2nd Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Price: $30 (all supplies included)
Signing | James Duthie presents Certified Beauties
Time and Place: October 23 at 6:00 pm. Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3852920251023
Spring Open Mic and Drama Showcase
Time and Place: March 19 at 6:00 pm. Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Dunton Tower 1811, the Gordon Wood Lounge
original literary works and music + readings by the winners of the Lilian I. Found Award for Poetry and the George Johnston Poetry Awards
Sunnyside Writers' Group with Michael F. Stewart
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/sunnyside-writers-group-2
Sunnyside Writers Group
Time and Place: Every Monday at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/sunnyside-writers-group-1
Join author Michael F. Stewart for an evening of shared writing, support, and constructive criticism from peers. No experience necessary, all forms of writing welcome.
The Alex Trebek Distinguished Lecture Series with Kim Thúy
Time and Place: November 13 at 6:00 pm. Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By and virtual
Web: www.uottawa.ca/alumni/events-all/alex-trebek-distinguished-lecture-series-kim-thuy
$0 to $25
The Blurred Divide: Can We Draw a Line Between Fiction and Non-Fiction?
Time and Place: February 4 at 6:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: carleton.ca/english/event/the-blurred-divide-can-we-draw-a-line-between-fiction-and-non-fiction/
A conversation between Ottawa authors Monia Mazigh and Jamie Chai Yun Liew. a free public event.
The Carleton University Poetic Society Dead Poet Society Event
Time and Place: October 30 at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
prizes for best costume as a Dead Poet Society character
The Carleton University Poetics Society, CUSA and Impact Present Verses for Change
Time and Place: January 8 at 6:00 pm. Ollies Pub, University Centre, 1125 Colonel By, 1st Floor
Web: tinyurl.com/v4c2026
an open mic event to support the Unified Support Centre’s Food Centre. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and attendees are encouraged to bring some items the Food Centre is looking for this time of year to create hampers for students, such as non-perishable food items and personal care products. Trade in items for raffle tickets, play trivia about the USC to win prizes, and participate in games before the show starts and during intermission! Although doors open at 6, performances will not start until 6:30p.m. As always, you can sign up in advance or at the door. Interested in being an opener to support a good cause? Email poeticssociety@gmail.com or D.M us on Instagram or Discord. Performers may sign up at the link
The Carleton University Poetics Society Poetry Anthology: Cake Edition
Time and Place: December 18 at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Web: tinyurl.com/carletoncakedec18
come join us for a sweet soirée where every slice tells a story! Let your creativity flow by capturing the sensory symphony of taste, texture and memories that every cake evokes. Share the heartfelt origins of your recipe, and together, let’s weave a tapestry of delicious narratives! To attend, each group of participants is required to bring a cake. Bring your own Tupperware to bring a bit of your favourite cakes home! Please write down a list of allergens in your cake. Drinks provided. This venue is wheelchair accessible. Sign up at link
The Echo, Carleton University Poetic Society Open Mic
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Every Person Cafe, 139 Bank
Web: linktr.ee/thepoeticssocietycu
Email: poeticssociety@gmail.com
sign tinyurl.com/tcupsfebopenmic
The Me in the Mirror: Multi-media event commemorating the 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence
Time and Place: December 2 at 6:00 pm. Saw Gallery, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DRkklpoAbgO/
spoken word, music, dance, drama and visual art by youth and adults. Free entry.
The Stories That Shape Us: Open Mic Poetry Reading
Time and Place: October 7 at 6:00 pm. Alora Ottawa, 34 Clarence
Web: tinyurl.com/oct7openmic
Admission: $12.19 Registration required. Hosted by Stéphanie St-Jean of Lessons in Discernment
The Voices of Ottawa Variety Show
Time and Place: April 2 at 6:00 pm. The Bridge Public House, 1 Donald Street
Web: tinyurl.com/vov260402
Join us for an evening at The Voices of Ottawa Variety Show featuring local musicians, comedians and poets. the Algonquin College Public Relations (ACPR) Culture2Culture campaign for OCISO (Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization) will highlight musicians, comedians, poets and more from Ottawa and its surrounding communities. $17.55
Third World Players Present
Time and Place: Every Thursday at 6:00 pm.
Web: cod.ckcufm.com/programs/108/info.html
Increasing awareness of the rich cultural heritage of Canadians with origins in the Third World. Hosted by: Lloyd Stanford Airs: Every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
U Ottawa Poetry x RISE X PRIDE X Tyah Art and Event Open Mic and Craft Night
Time and Place: January 26 at 6:00 pm. Deja Vu, University of Ottawa, MRT 2nd Floor, 65 University Private
Web: tinyurl.com/uopoetry20260126
everyone is welcome. more info at sign up sheet
Voices | Poetry in Motion
Time and Place: October 5 at 6:00 pm. Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Avenue, 3rd Floor
Web: /www.facebook.com/events/959933995096920
Tickets: $25 + tax Featuring Poetry by: Christine Dupuis, Kelly Kaur, Martha Adem, Eli Mushumanski, Emma Schuster, Keith Garebian, Kendra Guidolin, Lee Thomas, Myranda Bingham, Sneha Subramanian, and Riley Hannah Lewicki
What Family Means to You
Time and Place: December 12 at 6:00 pm. virtual and limited in person at the Origin Arts and Community Centre
Web: www.facebook.com/theorigin57/?ref=page_internal
Email: 613-793-8888
Aspects, Mya, Jacqui Du Toit and Captain. to be part of studio audience, call. live stream link given on 11th
Zine Club with Ottawa Public Library
Time and Place: March 20 at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Rosemount Branch, 18 Rosemount Ave
Web: possibleworldsshop.com/events-exhibitions/zine-club-mar2025
free
Zine Club with Possible Worlds
Time and Place: January 23 at 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Rosemount Branch, 18 Rosemount Ave
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/zine-club-possible-worlds-0
Zine Workshop
Time and Place: 6:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Rideau Branch, 377 Rideau
Web: booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/zine-workshop-1
uOpoetry x RISE x PRIDE Open Mic
Time and Place: October 29 at 6:00 pm. University of Ottawa, Agora UCU 215
Web: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3af-KDNDt7RxEN-cnSU2MYd4qm8DZk7pYDIxkt604N4RgTw/viewform
sign up at Google form. everyone is welcome
House Band Reading Series: Atomic Rooster Edition
Time and Place: October 24 at 6:15 pm. Atomic Rooster, 301 Bank
Web: www.facebook.com/events/s/house-band-reading-series-atom/
Brendan McNally, Monique and Rick Tremblay, nina jane drystek and Grant Wilkins
Ottawa Urbanism Book Club
Time and Place: 6:15 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Web: ottawaurbanismbookclub.wordpress.com/
a group of Ottawa residents that gather once a month to discuss how to make Ottawa more sustainable and affordable. Attendance is free and reading is optional.
April 27 - If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight: A Guide to Effective Transportation Advocacy by Carter Lavin.
10 Days That Shaped Modern Canada with Aaron Hughes & Isabel Metcalfe
Time and Place: November 7 at 6:30 pm. Perfect Books, 258A Elgin
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/10-days-that-shaped-modern-canada-with-aaron-hughes-isabel-metcalfe-tickets-439879039047
2024 John Newlove Poetry Award
Time and Place: October 1 at 6:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
stay tuned for more info
Al-Funun: An Evening of Solidarity with Palestine
Time and Place: January 18 at 6:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: tinyurl.com/palestinejan18
music, film, poetry and art with books on Palestine published by Love Layla Books. $10 or PWYC. Masks required and provided. There will be air purifiers in the space as an additional measure. We ask that attendees avoid wearing scented products to this event.
Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks' Banned Books Night
Time and Place: April 12 at 6:30 pm. Heartwood House, 404 MacArthur
Web: tinyurl.com/alsobannedbooks
local authors read from favourite banned books. silent auction, finger foods
Andrew Gayed, Queer World Making Contemporary Middle Eastern Diasporic Art
Time and Place: March 21 at 6:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Arc 103 Ottawa Launch
Time and Place: June 18 at 6:30 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: arcpoetry.ca/editorials/magazine/arc-103
Yvonne Blomer, Jesse Keith Butler, Lauren Turner
Art des archives : créer un collage
Time and Place: January 24 at 6:30 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/art-des-archives-creer-un-collage-tickets-1107300919859?aff=oddtdtcreator
Gratuit. Inscription obligatoire
Art from the Archives : create a collage
Time and Place: January 23 at 6:30 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/art-from-the-archives-create-a-collage-tickets-1107321932709?aff=oddtdtcreator
free. registration required
Author Conversation with Leslie Roach
Time and Place: February 9 at 6:30 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/author-conversation-leslie-roach
Author conversation with Leslie Roach
BOOK LAUNCH: GENDERED ISLAMOPHOBIA BY MONIA MAZIGH
Time and Place: June 20 at 6:30 pm. Abbotsford House, 950 Bank St
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/book-launch-gendered-islamophobia-by-monia-mazigh
Register to indicate attendance
BOOK LAUNCH: THE ROOFTOP GARDEN BY MENAKA RAMAN-WILMS
Time and Place: November 26 at 6:30 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/book-launch-the-rooftop-garden-by-menaka-raman-wilms
Blue Monday
Time and Place: 6:30 pm. Happy Goat, 317 Wilbroad
Web: https://linktr.ee/commonhousemag
Email: commonhousemag@gmail.com
sign up for open mic for poetry, prose, music
Book Launch: Ann Cavlovic, Count on Me
Time and Place: October 4 at 6:30 pm. le Fab sur Mill, 8 Chemin Mill, Chelsea, Quebec
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1735697670411175
Book Launch: Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons With Charlotte Gray
Time and Place: September 12 at 6:30 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/book-launch-passionate-mothers-powerful-sons
register for free tickets. limited seating
Book Launch: Reading the Room
Time and Place: January 21 at 6:30 pm. University of Ottawa, FSS 4004, 120 University Private
Web: carleton.ca/fist/cu-events/reading-the-room/
RSVP required
Book Launch: Reading the Room with Natalie Kouri-Towe
Time and Place: January 21 at 6:30 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Book Launch | Cancelling Billionaires Before They Cancel Us
Time and Place: April 22 at 6:30 pm. tbd
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4873320260422
Book Launch | Louise Bernice Halfe – Sky Dancer presents wîhtamawik / Tell Them
Time and Place: April 23 at 6:30 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street W.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4860920260423
Book Launch | Ottawology by Tonya Davidson
Time and Place: November 12 at 6:30 pm. Glebe Central Pub, 779 Bank S
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3853720251112
Book Launch | The Long Sixties with Joan Kuyek and Lib Spry
Time and Place: April 20 at 6:30 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street W.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4856420260420
Book Launch | The Long Sixties with Joan Kuyek and Lib Spry
Time and Place: April 21 at 6:30 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street W.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
RSVP
Book launch: Best Canadian Poetry 2023
Time and Place: November 23 at 6:30 pm. Perfect Books, 258A Elgin
Web: www.facebook.com/events/866599344495794
Bywords.ca 2025 John Newlove Poetry Award
Time and Place: October 14 at 6:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas and online
Web: writersfestival.org/
Mahaila Smith, Benoit Christie and the Newlove Award recipient and honourable mentions
CBC All in A Day Book Club
Time and Place: 6:30 pm.
Email: allinaday@cbc.ca
hosted by Alan Neal. sign up via link
April 28 - Zeina Sleiman, Where The Jasmine Blooms. IN-PERSON: www.eventbrite.ca/e/all-in-a-day-book-club-in-person-zeina-sleiman-tickets-1985979182195?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true ONLINE: www.eventbrite.ca/e/all-in-a-day-book-club-virtual-zeina-sleimans-where-the-jasmine-blooms-tickets-1985980005658?aff=oddtdtcreator
David Blaikie and Claudia Coutu Radmore
Time and Place: November 1 at 6:30 pm. Perfect Books, 258A Elgin
reading from A Season in Lowertown and Pink Hibiscus - Poems of the South Pacific.
David O'Meara, launch of Chandelier
Time and Place: September 18 at 6:30 pm. The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray
Web: therainbow.ca/events?calendar_page=2
with musical guest Megan Jerome. $5
Dupil Collective Folk Punk & Poetry Concert Featuring Felix Policarpio & Lukayo Estrella
Time and Place: October 13 at 6:30 pm. Origin Arts & Community Centre 57 Lyndale Ave
Email: dupilcollective@gmail.com
suggested donation $20
Editors Canada Ottawa-Gatineau Speaker Night
Time and Place: 6:30 pm. virtual
Web: www.editors.ca/local-groups/ottawa-gatineau/speaker-night
$10 non-members
Elmvale Writers Group
Time and Place: Every Monday at 6:30 pm. Ottawa Public Library Elmvale Branch, 1910 St. Laurent Blvd
Web: booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/elmvale-writers-group
registration required. adult / teen. 90 minutes
Fat Zines for Fat People with Theo Houghtaling
Time and Place: March 26 at 6:30 pm. Venus Envy Warehouse, 329 Catherine
Web: venusenvy.ca/collections/workshops/products/fat-zines-for-fat-people
Email: rachele@venusenvy.ca
$20. 2-hour workshop. masks required. registration required.
Finding Molly Johnson – The Untold Story of Irish Famine Orphans in Canada
Time and Place: March 19 at 6:30 pm. Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue
Web: landing.beechwoodottawa.ca/irish_heritage-2025
Registration on site
Happiness Book Walk Club: Happiness Habits 613 x Ottawa Public Library
Time and Place: 6:30 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
a family-friendly community walk in Old Ottawa South with stops along the way to connect and read excerpts of IKIGAI: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life. Free, but registration required.
Harmony Circle for Palestine
Time and Place: May 13 at 6:30 pm. virtual
Web: worldchangingkids.ca/archives/8465
Albert Dumont and Moriel Rothman-Zecher. Registration required
Kate Marshall Flaherty, Anne Hurley, Jim Videto
Time and Place: April 29 at 6:30 pm. Coady Co-op Community Centre, 3099 Uplands
poetry and music to celebrate National Poetry Month. PWYC
Last Poet Laughing
Time and Place: January 24 at 6:30 pm. Bamm's Snack Shack, 74 Cobourg
Dessa Bayrock, Jeff Blackman, David Currie, Jenna Jarvis, Ian Martin Space is limited for this panel show poetry event. Five of Ottawa’s funniest poets will go poem-to-poem for five rounds to be crowned the NCC’s greatest buzzkill. Hosted by Bam Snack Shack, Chef Matt Atton has created five unique dishes inspired by each poet. This dinner-and-a-show event will be hosted by friend of the festival, Jennifer Baker. She will enforce the rules and run tie-breaking games. What are the rules? None of the five poets is allowed to laugh, crack a smile, break, or smirk during each other’s poems. The audience will join Jennifer in keeping an eye out for any infractions. Round by round, one poet will be eliminated until a winner is crowned. This is a free event, though space is limited to approximately 50 people. Streaming will be available in an overflow room and online. This is a free event, though space is limited to roughly 50 people. Streaming will be available in an overflow room and online.
Launch of Tree Abraham's Cyclettes
Time and Place: November 12 at 6:30 pm. Perfect Books, 258A Elgin
Web: bookhugpress.ca/event/cyclettes-ottawa-book-launch/
Le Cinq-Zéro, Une célébration du le cinquantenaire du drapeau franco-ontarien
Time and Place: September 25 at 6:30 pm. Place TD à Lansdowne
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/billets-le-cinq-zero-grande-soiree-du-25-septembre-1656981900469
Véronique Sylvain, Daniel Groleau-Landry et Tina Charlebois
Let the Heart Speak Poetry Night at Rumi Cup Commune-A-Tea Arthouse
Time and Place: January 24 at 6:30 pm. The Rhoda Masjid and Spiritual Wellness Centre 2871 Saint Joseph Boulevard
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/open-doors-open-hearts-tickets-1097402052079
Jamaal Amir Akbari 'jaaword', Khaleefa 'Apollo the Child' Hamdan, King Kimbit, Henrik Yusuf Vierula $11.98 ,
Manahil Bandukwala, Conyer Clayton, natalie hanna, and Frances Boyle
Time and Place: August 21 at 6:30 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: www.facebook.com/events/449771163417948
poetry and book launch, with music by Liam Burke
Mary Lee Bragg. Ronnie R. Brown, Blaine Marchand, Susan McMaster, and Colin Morton
Time and Place: April 21 at 6:30 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Emerald Plaza Branch, 1547 Merivale
Celebrate Spring and National Poetry Month. readings by the featured poets followed by an open set.
Michael Decter
Time and Place: November 16 at 6:30 pm. Perfect Books, 258A Elgin
Shadow Life
Michael McBane, Irish Famine and Bytown – An evening of history.
Time and Place: March 7 at 6:30 pm. Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue
Web: landing.beechwoodottawa.ca/irish_heritage
author of “Bytown 1847: Élisabeth Bruyère and the Irish Famine refugees” (2022); “John Egan: Pine and Politics in the Ottawa Valley” (2018); and “Irish Famine Stories in the Ottawa Valley,” (1996).
Of Light: A Celebration of the Poetry of Robert Hogg
Time and Place: April 27 at 6:30 pm. Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Dunton Tower 2017
Web: carleton.ca/english/cu-events/of-light-robert-hogg/
Jennifer Baker, Phil Hall, natatlie hanna, rob mclennan, Collette Tracey, Chris Turnbull
Off the Pages: A Celebration of Banned Books
Time and Place: April 11 at 6:30 pm. UUFO Sanctuary Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Ave
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/46029
Kevin Hearne, Monia Mazigh, Suyi Davies Okungbowa, and Dancia Kendra Susilo $50
Open Pages Queer Writers Circle
Time and Place: 6:30 pm. 400 Sparks
Web: discord.gg/uZCt6B4UER
Come through the side door by the parking lot.
Ottawa Book Launch | Cameron Anstee's "Sheets: Typewriter Works" (with Monty Reid and Pearl Pirie)
Time and Place: November 2 at 6:30 pm. Perfect Books, 258A Elgin
Ottawa Public Library Beaverbrook Writing Group
Time and Place: Every Thursday at 6:30 pm. Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Meeting Room A
Web: booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/beaverbrook-writing-group-0
drop in. adult. 120 minutes
Pride Poetry Reading with Kimberly Quiogue Andrews, Sanita Fejzic, and Kevin Shaw
Time and Place: August 19 at 6:30 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 2nd Floor Mezzanine, 1233 Wellington Street W.
FREE Hosted by Ben Ladouceur and introduced by Ottawa EN-language Poet Laureate David O'Meara.
Queer SWANA Stories
Time and Place: November 23 at 6:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.tixtree.com/e/queer-swana-stories-ca81a6493308
A live storytelling showcase in Ottawa–Gatineau, by and for queer SWANA artists. Pricing and tickets on site.
Queers Bash Back II: Stories from Queer Elders; Zine Making with the Queer Zine Collective
Time and Place: June 26 at 6:30 pm. Ottawa Bike Cafe, 79 Sparks
Web: tinyurl.com/qbbjune26
Tales from Behind the Counter. Tickets: 6.66 to 33.28. Masks required
Remembering Ukraine, a Fundraiser for Humanitarian Appeal
Time and Place: March 4 at 6:30 pm. Clocktower Brew Pub, 575 Bank, Downstairs
open mic 6:30, featured poets David C. Brydges, Ronnie Brown, Susan McMaster, Blaine Marchand with music. PWYC
Renaissance Press: An Evening of Thrills and Mystery
Time and Place: March 4 at 6:30 pm. via Zoom
Web: www.facebook.com/events/356023106530097
readings, book trailers, cover reveals & prizes
Silent Book Club - Bells Corners
Time and Place: 6:30 pm. Kichesippi Beer Co, 2265 Robertson Rd
Web: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/silent-book-club-ottawa/silent-book-club-ottawa-chapter-bells-corners-meetup
Sign up to attend
Smutty Storytelling
Time and Place: March 26 at 6:30 pm. the Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray
Web: therainbow.ca/event/6456214/753083924/tickets-for-smutty-burlesque-combo-deal
Stephanie Kain, Lifeline, an elegy
Time and Place: October 3 at 6:30 pm. Black Squirrel Books, 1073 Bank
Web: ecwpress.com/products/lifeline
Stories for Healing: An Evening of Personal Stories at DARC Microcinema
Time and Place: September 19 at 6:30 pm. Digital Arts Resource Centre 67 Nicholas Street
Web: tinyurl.com/storiesforhealing
Mohamad Aly Adam Frey Theo Paradis Sara Parsa Jenny Trainer Carmel Whittle. free
Sumac Literary Magazine – Issue 3 Launch Party
Time and Place: April 9 at 6:30 pm. Carleton University MacOdrum Library/Book Arts Lab 1125 Colonel By Drive
Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/sumac-literary-magazine-issue-3-launch-party-tickets-1308533311359
Free. Registration requested
Toronto Living With AIDS: Book Launch and Screening
Time and Place: June 4 at 6:30 pm. DARC Microcinema, Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
ULPC Poetry in the Park #1: outdoor open mic
Time and Place: August 12 at 6:30 pm. Parkdale Park, 366 Parkdale Ave
Web: tinyurl.com/5n6zhvja
Email: urbanlegendspoetry@gmail.com
PWYC, $5 suggested; sign up for open mic starting Aug 8. COVID-19 regulations in place.
ULPC Poetry in the Park #2
Time and Place: August 26 at 6:30 pm. Parkdale Park, 366 Parkdale Ave
Web: bit.ly/ULPCPoetryInThePark2Eventbrite
open mic sign up: forms.gle/xrvAAcP5KgyD31VT7 PWYC. suggested donation $5
Unwinnable Peace: Untold Stories of Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan, by veteran diplomat and the last Representative of Canada in Kandahar, Tim Martin
Time and Place: October 29 at 6:30 pm. Haven Cafe, 43 Seneca Street
Email: events@octopusbooks.ca
rsvp to confirm attendance
You Talk. We Taco
Time and Place: May 5 at 6:30 pm. Bamm's Snack Shack, 74 Cobourg
Web: www.bammssnackshack.com/
Email: bammsnacks@gmail.com
Open-mic style event. Come for the tasty food; stay for the spicy words. Sign-up starts at 19h – talk to the one of the Matts to get on the list. Reservations required
Verses for Change
Time and Place: February 15 at 6:45 pm. Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Dunton Tower 1811, the Gordon Wood Lounge
Web: www.instagram.com/p/C3DkVABRmWK/?img_index=1
Gabriel Comba, Emmanuel Opemua, Annie Pomer, Jo Samson, and...YOU. sign up. Donate non-perishable food items. see list at link.
Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet
Time and Place: March 28 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: https://tinyurl.com/2p969yur
Leah Thomas plus q and a. registration required
(un)told 2025 - Ottawa StoryTellers
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/untold
tickets are free but spaces are limited. tickets on site
2022-2023 Munro Beattie Lecture with Waubgeshig Rice: Anishinaabe History and Writing the Future
Time and Place: January 28 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre 355 Cooper Street
Web: carleton.ca/fass/event/2022-2023-munro-beattie-lecture/
registration required. reception at 6pm
2024 Lampman Award Finalists
Time and Place: October 7 at 7:00 pm. SPAO Photographic Arts Centre, 77 Pamilla Street
Web: buff.ly/4eeJfez
Cluster Flux" by D.S. Stymeist; "Vixen" by Sandra Ridley; and, "World's End" by rob mclennan.Make sure to register on Eventbrite.
2024 Womxn of The World Poetry Slam Qualifier
Time and Place: November 24 at 7:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Atelier Studio
Email: urbanlegendspoetry@gmail.com
e-mail to sign up
2025 Ottawa Book Awards
Time and Place: November 15 at 7:00 pm. Meridian Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Drive
Web: ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/professional-cultural-awards-and-programs/ottawa-book-awards#ottawa-book-awards-finalists
2025-2026 Munro Beattie Lecture with Ivan Coyote
Time and Place: October 15 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: carleton.ca/english/cu-events/2025-2026-munro-beattie-lecture-with-ivan-coyote/
Email: english@carleton.ca
free public event
A Communist for the RCMP: The Uncovered Story of a Social Movement Informant, Dennis Gruending
Time and Place: November 7 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: tinyurl.com/rcmpcommunist
free, but please register in advance
A Heart Full of Headstones With Ian Rankin
Time and Place: November 8 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/a-heart-full-of-headstones
$25 tickets available via site
A Most Extraordinary Ride with Marc Garneau
Time and Place: October 17 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/a-most-extraordinary-ride
Free. Registration in advance recommended
A Truce That Is Not Peace with Miriam Toews
Time and Place: September 16 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/a-truce-that-is-not-peace
$25
Against the Grain with Terry O'Reilly
Time and Place: November 27 at 7:00 pm. Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar
$25
Ajar Presents: Halloween
Time and Place: October 31 at 7:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: tinyurl.com/ajaroct3125
Costume party and reading by Jason Purcell, Nicola Vulpe and Margo LaPierre plus open mic. RSVP at link
Alannah Radburn
Time and Place: July 14 at 7:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Poetry book launch: On An Ebbing Seafoam Tide
All in A Day Book Club
Time and Place: October 4 at 7:00 pm. Drip House Cafe, 692 Somerset
Web: twitter.com/cbcallinaday/status/1574881946777387008
Alan Neal and Jamie Chai Yun Liew and book club members discuss Dandelion. doors open at 6:30pm
All the Happy Endings: a reading and a reunion of sorts
Time and Place: January 15 at 7:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1303952287614046
A whimsical gathering of friends for a gentle reunion of sorts. Wake Lloire is going to be reading from their newly written novelette All The Happy Endings, and there will be wondrous performances by friends.
All the Years Combine by Ray Robertson Launch and Tribute Show
Time and Place: February 22 at 7:00 pm. Red Bird Live, 1165 Bank Street
Web: https://redbirdlive.ca/shows/#top
$10 buy tickets on site
Amanda Earl, Beast Body Epic
Time and Place: November 12 at 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: angelhousepress.com/
a one hour reading from Beast Body Epic to celebrate Amanda's 15th anniversary of being alive post-health crisis.
An Evening with Elizabeth Hay
Time and Place: January 25 at 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: www.cfuwkanata.ca/page-18306
tickets $20 All proceeds support Canadian Federation of University Women/Kanata Scholarship Trust
Anna Zivarts, Communities for Everyone: When Driving Isn't An Option
Time and Place: March 27 at 7:00 pm. University of Ottawa, Faculty of Social Sciences Building, FHS Lees Room 142
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/communities-for-everyone-when-driving-is-not-an-option-tickets-1226507740669?aff=oddtdtcreator
Apollo the Child and Lady LaProfeta: Open Mic, Book Launch and Fundraiser
Time and Place: July 4 at 7:00 pm. Origin Arts & Community Centre 57 Lyndale Ave
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/open-mic-book-launch-book-fundraiser-tickets-922508245997
$10
Arc Poetry Magazine 2021 Lampman Award Shortlist Reading
Time and Place: October 6 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: arcpoetry.ca/2021/08/06/2021-archibald-lampman-shortlist/
Doris Fiszer, Pearl Pirie, Deborah-Anne Tunney
Arc Poetry Magazine 2025 Archibald Lampman Award Finalists Reading
Time and Place: September 23 at 7:00 pm. Perfect Books, 258 A Elgin Street
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1457520602188708
Gay Girl Prayers" by Emily Austin; "Heliotropia" by Manahil Bandukwala; and "Crazy/Mad" by AJ Dolman.
Arc Poetry Magazine Issue 100 Launch
Time and Place: May 16 at 7:00 pm. SAW, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.arcpoetry.ca/
Frances Boyle, Katia Grubisic, rob mclennan, Sadiqa de Meijer and Brandon Wint
Art House Cafe Open Mic
Time and Place: Every Monday at 7:00 pm. 555 Somerset W
musicians, vocalists, poets, and comedians. sign up in advance on site. stairs leading up to cafe and down to open mic area. sign up opens at 6:30pm
Art House Cafe Open Mic
Time and Place: Every Monday at 7:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
poetry, music, & more. sign up in person at 6:30pm.
At a Loss for Words with Carol Off
Time and Place: November 13 at 7:00 pm. Southminster United Church • 15 Aylmer Ave.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/at-a-loss-for-words
Reserve tickets on site. $25
BOOK LAUNCH: I WILL LIVE FOR BOTH OF US WITH JOAN SCOTTIE
Time and Place: February 28 at 7:00 pm. The Social Innovation Atelier, 95 Clegg St
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/book-launch-i-will-live-for-both-of-us-with-joan-scottie-tickets-529532304377
Register to confirm your attendance; free
Barley Bruised Books Open Mic Poetry Night
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. 315 Wilbrod, 2nd Floor
$30 store credit to POET OF THE NIGHT. $5 entry. Limit of 20 people.
Behind the Happily Ever Afters
Time and Place: March 26 at 7:00 pm. Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station
Web: collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/behind-happily-ever-afters
K.A. Tucker, Roselle Lim, Ruby Barrett, and Jennifer Whiteford
Ben Philippe: Sure, I’ll Be Your Black Friend
Time and Place: September 16 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/ben-philippe-sure-i%E2%80%99ll-be-your-black-friend
Between Good and Evil with Mellissa Fung
Time and Place: April 19 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2023-in-person-events/between-good-and-evil
Bill Waiser and Jennie Hanse, Cheated: The Laurier Liberals and the Theft of First Nations Reserve Land
Time and Place: June 4 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: tinyurl.com/laurierliberals
free, but registration required
Blood: The science, medicine, and mythology of menstruation Dr. Jen Gunter
Time and Place: February 10 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2024-in-person-events/blood
$25
Bob Joseph, 21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act.
Time and Place: October 27 at 7:00 pm. AllSaints, 330 Laurier East
Web: theotherhill-lautrecolline.ca/event/perfect-books-toh/
Tickets: $10
Book Launch - Clara at the Door with a Revolver
Time and Place: February 9 at 7:00 pm. The Spaniel's Tale Bookstore, 1131 Wellington Street W.
Web: thespanielstale.ca/clara
Carolyn Whitzman and Sarah Waisvisz. 2 steps at entrance, but portable ramps available.
Book Launch: A Communist for the RCMP by Dennis Gruending
Time and Place: June 17 at 7:00 pm. Ottawa Mennonite Church, 1830 Kilborn Ave
Web: www.punchupcollective.org/reo-calendar/book-launch-a-communist-for-the-rcmp-by-dennis-gruending/
Book Launch: Aboriginal TM with author Jennifer Adese
Time and Place: November 8 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/book-launch-aboriginal-tm-with-author-jennifer-adese-tickets-446558397187
Register to attend
Book Launch: Advocating for Palestine in Canada
Time and Place: April 27 at 7:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
panel discussion and Q&A Michael Bueckert, Rana Nazzal Hamadeh, Dr. Nadia Abu Zahra and Diana Ralph
Book Launch: Andy Hargreaves and Joel Westheimer
Time and Place: April 29 at 7:00 pm. Haven Books, 43 Seneca Street
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/37286
Andy Hargreaves, co-author of The Age of Identity, and Joel Westheimer, author of What Kind of Citizen?, at a joint book launch event hosted by Octopus Books.
Book Launch: BLEED With Tracey Lindeman
Time and Place: March 20 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2023-in-person-events/book-launch-bleed%C2%A0
Book Launch: Burnt by Democracy by Jacqueline Kennelly
Time and Place: January 22 at 7:00 pm. Irene's Pub Restaurant, 885 Bank St
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Book Launch: Canadians Who Innovate with Roseann O’Reilly Runte
Time and Place: May 9 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2024-in-person-events/book-launch-canadians-who-innovate
free. registration required
Book Launch: Judy Darcy presents Leading from the Heart
Time and Place: September 29 at 7:00 pm. Abbotsford House, 950 Bank St.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3599320250929
Book Launch: Make Me a Mixtape by Jennifer Whiteford
Time and Place: October 10 at 7:00 pm. Spark Beer, 702 Somerset W.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
Book Launch: Ronald J. Deibert, Chasing Shadows
Time and Place: March 26 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-20251/chasing-shadows
Free with registration
Book Launch: Ruminations: exhibition of poetry illustrations by Naive Fantatic and Tamaz Valley
Time and Place: July 4 at 7:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
Book Launch: Snow Road Station With Elizabeth Hay
Time and Place: April 13 at 7:00 pm. St. John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2023-in-person-events/book-launch-snow-road-station
Book Launch: The Prince: the Turbulent Reign of Justin Trudeau with Stephen Maher
Time and Place: June 3 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2024-in-person-events/book-launch-the-prince
panel discussion featuring Stephen Maher, CBC’s Jorge Barrera, the Globe and Mail’s Steven Chase, The Hill Times’ Charelle Evelyn, and Le Devoir’s Marie Vastel. $25
Book Launch: We Inherit the Fire Kagiso Lesego Molope
Time and Place: January 12 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/book-launch-we-inherit-the-fire
free. Registration on site
Book Launch: Where the Jasmine Blooms by Zeina Sleiman
Time and Place: June 24 at 7:00 pm. Phynicia Restaurant 605 Longfields Drive #Unit: 9
Web: tinyurl.com/Where-the-Jasmine-Blooms
$10 book reading and signing
Book Launch | Taslim: We Are the Prophets by Dr. Carolyn Ramzy
Time and Place: March 26 at 7:00 pm. Bread By Us, 128 Smirle Ave
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4872620260326
7:00–7:30 PM: Doors open and socializing 7:30–8:30 PM: Roundtable discussion with the author 8:30–9:00 PM: Socializing and book signing Roundtable Dr. Carolyn Ramzy, Associate Professor at Carleton University Dr. Fady Shanouda, Assistant Professor at Carleton University Dr. Manjeet Birk, Associate Professor at Carleton University
Book Launch | The Cheese Cure by Michael Finnerty
Time and Place: October 28 at 7:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3790520251028
The Cheese Cure: How Comté and Camembert Fed My Soul with author, cheesemonger, and former CBC Radio host Michael Finnerty, in conversation with Robyn Bresnahan.
Book Launch | The Winter Witch by Jennifer Chevalier
Time and Place: January 27 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4266020260127
Historically-accurate snacks & drink will be served! Doors open at 6:30pm. Registration is required, please RSVP
Book Launch | Troubles Online: Ableism and Access in Higher Education
Time and Place: November 18 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3854120251117
Book Talk with Nino Ricci
Time and Place: June 13 at 7:00 pm. The Italian-Canadian Historical Centre, 1026 Baseline Rd
Web: italianweekottawa.ca/event/nino-ricci-book-talk-2/
Tickets: $25
Books and Biryani: A Muslim History of North America with Omar Mouallem
Time and Place: October 17 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/books-and-biryani-a-muslim-history-of-north-america
the Canadian Council of Muslim Women-Ottawa
Breaking Free of Neoliberalism: A conversation with Alex Himelfarb
Time and Place: December 2 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events
RSVP on site
By the Ghost Light with R.H. Thomson
Time and Place: November 28 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/by-the-ghost-light
free event. register in advance.
C.R. Avery with Kathryn Patricia
Time and Place: August 27 at 7:00 pm. Buckingham Palace Audio, 501 Rue Gillies, Gatineau, QC
Web: crbuckingham.eventbrite.ca
tickets: $25-45
Canadian Authors' Association National Capital Region MONTHLY MEETINGS
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: canadianauthors.org/nationalcapitalregion/events/
$20 non members; registration on site
April 16 - Reading and Writing Splendid Sentences with Melanie White-Heron 7 to 8:30pm
Cancer Research Society Read for the Cure
Time and Place: November 21 at 7:00 pm. Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr
Web: www.societederecherchesurlecancer.ca/en/take-action/discover-our-events/read-for-the-cure/events/2023-11-2
Kai Thomas, Elizabeth Hay, and Roy MacGregor $135
Cap City Cyphers
Time and Place: June 28 at 7:00 pm. Origin Arts & Community Centre 57 Lyndale Ave
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DK5e-1oxZIF/
open mic
Capital Crime Writers
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: capitalcrimewriters.com/
Email: treasurer@capitalcrimewriters.com
Ottawa mystery writers group meets on 2nd Wednesday of the month except July/August. Guests wishing to attend should send an e-mail.
Carleton's Sumac Literary Magazine Launch Event
Time and Place: April 14 at 7:00 pm. Haven Books, 43 Seneca Street
Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/carletons-sumac-literary-magazine-launch-event-tickets-605052938627
free; registration required. stairs leading up to venue
Carleton Presents: No New Land? With Tina Athaide, Tasneem Jamal, and Hafsa Zayyan
Time and Place: November 14 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre 355 Cooper Street
Web: carleton.ca/uganda-collection/no-new-land-event/
held in person and live-streamed. registration on web site.
Carleton University Fundraiser for the CUSA Food Centre: Open Mic + featured poets
Time and Place: November 29 at 7:00 pm. Haven Cafe, 43 Seneca Street
Web: linktr.ee/thepoeticssocietycu
PWYC/Donate items for the Food Cupboard. Attendee form: https://tinyurl.com/1129openmicaudience Performer form: https://tinyurl.com/2911openmicperformer
Carleton University Presents: A Half-Built Garden with Ruthanna Emrys
Time and Place: April 15 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-20251/carleton-university-presents-a-half-built-garden
Carleton University Spring Showcase of Literary and Dramatic Arts
Time and Place: March 18 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: carleton.ca/english/cu-events/spring-showcase-of-literary-and-dramatic-arts-2025/
Email: english@carleton.ca
Featuring readings and performances of original works by: Alumni Guest Speakers English and Creative Writing Students Drama Workshop Students Winners of the Annual Poetry Competitions. Registration required
Catherine Allard, Christine Kifoil, Nshannacappo
Time and Place: October 18 at 7:00 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
naviagate the world of independent publishing with 3 local writers
Chasing Shadows with Ronald J. Deibert
Time and Place: March 26 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives of Canada,395 Wellington Street.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-20251/chasing-shadows
free. registration advised
City of Ottawa 2022 Book Awards
Time and Place: October 19 at 7:00 pm. Les Lye Studio Theatre, Meridian Theatre, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepoint Drive,
Web: ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/professional-cultural-awards-and-programs/ottawa-book-awards
Come Home to Poetry- Ottawa launch of Susan Wismer’s poetry book, Hag Dances, with guest poet, Sheila Steward, reading from her collection, If I Write About My Father.
Time and Place: October 22 at 7:00 pm.
Hosted at home in Alta Vista by Suzanne Doerge. RSVP – suzanne-doerge@outlook.com
Common House Issue 3 Launch Party/open mic
Time and Place: April 24 at 7:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Common House Issue 5 Launch Party
Time and Place: April 6 at 7:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DHMNXZNxCtO/
readings from contributors and open mic
CommonHouse Magazine, Issue 4 Launch Party
Time and Place: December 15 at 7:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: linktr.ee/commonhousemag
sign up for the open mic at the link
Commonhouse Issue 7 Launch Party
Time and Place: April 8 at 7:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DWE_K0LicCx/
readings and open mic
Commonhouse Magazine: Issue 6 Release Party
Time and Place: December 7 at 7:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DRCqGCxkeum/
7-9pm. reading from the team and open mic
Conservation in Fiction Panel Discussion
Time and Place: October 24 at 7:00 pm. Canadian Museum of History Theatre, 100 Laurier, Gatineau, Quebec
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DQIGl85D05d/
Bob Barclay, Miriam Clavir, Leslie Carlyle, Kate Cole, Monty Reid. Moderated by Christine McNair
Croisée des mots : une causerie littéraire : Denise Desautels et François Baril Pelletier
Time and Place: January 22 at 7:00 pm. online
Web: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OsJeL9KCQayP1lnKCKx3yw#/registration
Inscription en avance
Croisée des mots
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. virtuelle
Association des auteures et auteurs de l'Ontario français; inscription requise
Croisée des mots
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. en ligne
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/third-season-crois%C3%A9e-des-mots
Curious and Kind Presents
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. 14 Bridge St, Mississippi Mills
A monthly showcase of folks trying new things, emerging performance artists and brilliant performers who’ve been at it awhile.
DYKE SMUT
Time and Place: April 2 at 7:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
Web: www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/dyke-smut
DYKE SMUT 1/2 CREATIVE WRITING. 1/2 SMUT READING. For not-cis-man queers. FIRST HALF: Get a drink and settle into a guided meditation and creative writing session designed to get your creative and erotic energy flowing. SECOND HALF: Enjoy the hot, wet, juicy, fruits of our labour with some live smut reading. Bring your own journals, pens, etc. I will have some supplies too if you'd like. Want to read smut you've written outside of the event? No problem. Bring it with you. You will NOT be put on the spot. Choosing to read is entirely optional. Signing up to read will be first come first serve in person at the event. Relaxed. Erotic. Creative. APRIL 2. ART HOUSE. OTTAWA. MASKED EVENT. SLIDING SCALE STARTING AT $20. CODE TRANS OR BIPOC FOR $15 TIX. WRITING AT 7PM. READING AT 8PM. ACCESS INFO: Art House has limited seating! Please email Maggie (maggiemharder@icloud.com) or DM (@maggiemayharder) if you need a guaranteed seat.
Dangerous Memory with Charlie Angus
Time and Place: November 19 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/dangerous-memory
reserve tickets on site. $25
Dave Tulloch, Ottawa's Caribbean Community - History and Profiles since 1955
Time and Place: October 19 at 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: tinyurl.com/beyondbytown101923
register for Zoom link
Decarceral Futures for People and Communities: An Abolitionist Intimacies Book Launch with El Jones
Time and Place: November 4 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre 355 Cooper Street
Web: www.facebook.com/events/5647090065312337
Email: cpep.action@gmail.com
Dimitri Nasrallah, Hotline
Time and Place: April 25 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: tinyurl.com/HotlineApril25
free; advance registration required
Discussion avec l'auteur Blaise Ndala dans le cadre du Mois de l'histoire des Noirs
Time and Place: February 15 at 7:00 pm. Bibliotheque publique d'Ottawa, Succursale St. Laurent, 515, rue Cote
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/node/641631
19h
Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World with Naomi Klein
Time and Place: October 3 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/doppelganger-a-trip-into-the-mirror-world
$25
Elbows Up! Canadian Voices of Resilience and Resistance with David Moscrop, Carol Off and Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Time and Place: September 22 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/elbows-up-canadian-voices-of-resilience-and-resistance
$25. tickets on site
Elie Mikhael Nasrallah: Gates & Walls: Stories of Migration in Modern Times
Time and Place: December 5 at 7:00 pm. Sala San Marco, 215 Preston Street
Web: burnstownpublishing.com/product/gates-walls-stories-of-migration-and-modern-times/?v=3e8d115eb4b3
Elsie Reford: 150 Objects of Passion
Time and Place: March 8 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada 395 Wellington Street
Email: rsvp@bac-lac.gc.ca
space is limited. please rsvp
Empathy: Turning Compassion into Action with David Johnston
Time and Place: January 16 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/empathy-turning-compassion-into-action
free
Final Orbit with Chris Hadfield
Time and Place: October 29 at 7:00 pm. Knox Presbyterian • 120 Lisgar St.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/final-orbit
Book and ticket: $55.
Frances Boyle, Anvesh Jain, D. S. Stymeist
Time and Place: November 15 at 7:00 pm. Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street
Launch of books by Frontenac House authors Boyle and Jain. Hosted by David O’Meara with special guest D. S. Stymeist.
Gary Geddes
Time and Place: October 20 at 7:00 pm. Hamelin Hall 509 University of Ottawa 70 Laurier East
The Oysters I Bring to Banquets and The Ventriloquist: Poetic Narratives from the Womb of War
Global Cypher Day for Climate Justice 2025
Time and Place: December 21 at 7:00 pm. Origin Arts & Community Centre 57 Lyndale Ave
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DSS9LfVEXBj/
Calling EMCEES and DANCERS for our last CYPHER of 2025
Guernica In-Person Ottawa Launch
Time and Place: December 9 at 7:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
✨️ "On The News that Sagittarius A* Grows Hungrier" by Nicola Vulpe (Essential Poets)⁠ ✨️"Ajar" by Margo LaPierre (Essential Poets)⁠ ✨️ "Count On Me" by Ann Cavlovic (Essential Prose)⁠ ✨️ "A Mouth of Vowels" by Sophie Anne Edwards (1366 Books)⁠ ✨️ "A Ladder of Bones" by Bunmi Oyinsan (Essential Prose)⁠ ✨️"The Grand Tour of Park Ex & Assorted Half-Told Yarns" by Andreas Kessaris (MiroLand)⁠
Health for All With Jane Philpott
Time and Place: April 9 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2024-in-person-events/health-for-all
$25 in person; $20 online
House of Anansi Poetry Bash with AF Moritz, Clémence Dumas-Côté, Farah Ghafoor and Karen Solie.
Time and Place: April 16 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-20251/house-of-anansi-poetry-bash
free. registration advised
House of PaintT 0G 500 Poetry Slam Competition
Time and Place: August 29 at 7:00 pm. National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Azrieli Studio
Web: nac-cna.ca/en/event/37175
$25
How Canada Works With Peter Mansbridge
Time and Place: December 4 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/how-canada-works
$25
In Our Tongues Reading and Art Series: Indigenous History Month
Time and Place: June 10 at 7:00 pm. Origin Arts & Community Centre 57 Lyndale Ave
Web: www.inourtongues.ca/upcoming-gatherings
Alicia Kayley, Patsea Griffin and Doreen Stevens
In Winter I Get Up at Night with Jane Urquhart
Time and Place: October 9 at 7:00 pm. Southminster United Church • 15 Aylmer Ave.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/in-winter-i-get-up-at-night
$25
Indigenous Open Mic
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Beandigen Cafe, 900 Exhibition Way
Web: tinyurl.com/2p995ecd
Indigenous performers are welcome to sign up
International Children's Book Day
Time and Place: March 25 at 7:00 pm. online
Web: tinyurl.com/yjfhs2x6
Kaumatua Ben Brown and Elder Jo-Anne Saddleback: Māori and Cree children’s storytelling; Dallas Hunt, Richard Van Camp, Gavin Bishop, Miriama Kamo, and Tim Tipene. Registration required
Invisible Prisons with Lisa Moore and Jack Whalen
Time and Place: October 8 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/invisible-prisons
free; registration recommended
Irene (Irena) R. Makaryk, ‘Wild and Whirling’: Shakespeare, War, and Cabaret.
Time and Place: March 2 at 7:00 pm. Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Paterson Hall
Web: carleton.ca/chum/2023/rose-maguire-lecture-in-the-humanities/
Rose Maguire Lecture in the Humanities
Is a River Alive? with Robert Macfarlane
Time and Place: May 30 at 7:00 pm. Southminster United Church • 15 Aylmer Ave.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-20251/is-a-river-alive
$25 in person; $20 on line
Jackson Rogers and Jay Odjick
Time and Place: December 1 at 7:00 pm. Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin
Hosted by the uOttawa Department of English
Jacqueline Bourque, Jim Johnstone, Kirby and Shane Nielson
Time and Place: May 24 at 7:00 pm. University of Ottawa, Hamelin Hall, 70 Laurier East, 509
Web: poetryisqueer.com/tour-dates-bookings/
Jamie Liew, Monia Mazigh, Ellen Chang-Richardson, Narratives of Belonging: Stories of Identity, Community and Kinship
Time and Place: May 22 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: tinyurl.com/narrativesmay22
Registration recommended
Jann Arden, The Brittlemores
Time and Place: November 10 at 7:00 pm. Chateau Laurier Ballroom • 1 Rideau St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/the-brittlemores
Book and ticket $55
Jennifer Baker, Stephen Brockwell and Vera Hadzic
Time and Place: November 18 at 7:00 pm. The Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin
Web: www.facebook.com/events/2853149791744142
KATY HESSEL ON THE STORY OF ART WITHOUT MEN
Time and Place: November 7 at 7:00 pm. National Gallery of Canada • 380 Sussex Drive, Auditorium
Web: www.gallery.ca/whats-on/calendar/katy-hessel-on-the-story-of-art-without-men
free event. no tickets required
Kate Heartfield: The Embroidered Book
Time and Place: May 25 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: tinyurl.com/ua5rjwpc
registration required. signed copies at Perfect Books
Kent Monkman and Gisèle Gordon, The Memoirs of Miss Chief Eagle Testickle
Time and Place: November 17 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/the-memoirs-of-miss-chief-eagle-testickle
Special limited seating event. free. please register in advance
Khaleefa 'Apollo the Child' Hamdan, Poems For Fools Who Fell In Love Launch
Time and Place: June 20 at 7:00 pm. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum
Web: shenkmanarts.ca/en/poems-fools-who-fell-love-launch
tickets: $13.25
Khashayar Mohammadi, natalie hanna, Ellen Chang Richardson, Kimberly Quiogue Andrews, Ian Martin, Terese Mason Pierre
Time and Place: September 16 at 7:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1093675951546170/
launch of WJD / The Ocean Dweller
Kihiani: A Memoir of Healing with Susan Aglukark
Time and Place: September 4 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/kihiani-a-memoir-of-healing
free. tickets on site
Kìyàbadj Kidandanizimin. We are still here.
Time and Place: September 29 at 7:00 pm.
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/k%C3%ACy%C3%A0badj-kidandanizimin-we-are-still-here
Jenny Buckshot Tenasco and Anita Tenasco; register for Zoom link. event is also streamed live on Ottawa Public Library Facebook.
LIVESTREAM ONLY: A World of Curiosities with Louise Penny
Time and Place: February 25 at 7:00 pm.
Web: https://writersfestival.org/events/spring-2023-in-person-events/livestream-only-a-world-of-curiosities
$25 or $50 with signed book. tickets on site.
Launch of Skipping Stones by Marie-Andrée Auclair and Adrienne Stevenson
Time and Place: June 26 at 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/chapbook-launch-skipping-stones-tickets-914917481817?
Leveller Story Meeting
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. virtual
Email: editors@leveller.ca
pitch article ideas, help brainstorm content, or be assigned a story. e-mail editor for link to meeting.
Lloyd Axworthy: My Life in Politics
Time and Place: November 21 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/book-launch-lancement-lloyd-axworthy-my-life-in-politics-tickets-1015571942017
Free: registration recommended
MacKay Music & Meditation Fall 2024 series
Time and Place: Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm. MacKay United Church, 39 Dufferin Road & via Vimeo & FB Livestream
Web: www.mackayunited.ca/events
music, meditation and spoken word. links to FB Live/Vimeo livestreams on site.
Making Love with the Land with Joshua Whitehead
Time and Place: September 9 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/making-love-with-the-land
$25
Manahil Bandukwala, Conyer Clayton, Anna Lee-Popham, Margo LaPierre, Mahaila Smith
Time and Place: August 20 at 7:00 pm. Wise Town Cafe, 329A Elgin.
poetry
Margaret Code, Colin Morton and Blaine Marchand
Time and Place: August 22 at 7:00 pm. Clocktower Pub, 1141 Richmond Road
Poetry Reading and Open Mic; accessible
Marie-Paule Charette-Poulin, Michel Bastarache, Antoine Trépanier and Fred Langan.
Time and Place: March 13 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/two-great-canadians-two-journalists-and-biographers-tickets-847140579277
free. registration required
Matthew Firth: Asking for Directions
Time and Place: November 30 at 7:00 pm. Enriched Bread Artists, 951 Gladstone
Michael Blouin - Book Launch: I Am Billy the Kid
Time and Place: July 19 at 7:00 pm. Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Ave
Web: www.facebook.com/events/4686135998154100/
www.iambillythekid.com
Miller Adams, Mary Lee Bragg, Brian Cameron, Blaine Marchand, Colin Morton, Claudia Coutu Radmore, and JC Sulzenko
Time and Place: October 17 at 7:00 pm. Perfect Books, 258A Elgin
Phone: 613-231-6468
Web: perfectbooks.ca/
7 Ottawa Poets read from their recent Aeolus House books
Murderino
Time and Place: October 31 at 7:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
Web: arthouseottawa.square.site/events
An open mic featuring real true scary stories, followed by a dark disco dance. Register for tickets and to sign up to the open mic
Namaashoum
Time and Place: Every Monday at 7:00 pm. CKCU FM 93.1
Web: cod.ckcufm.com/programs/53/info.html
Promoting the Persian culture, especially its music and literature. Hosted by: Mehdi Fallahi
Nesting”: A Community Poetry Reading on Home
Time and Place: December 5 at 7:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: tinyurl.com/nesting25
$17.31 A community poetry reading on home and belonging, featuring a curated lineup of local poets. Taking place at the beautiful Happy Goat Laurel St. location, come enjoy an evening full of poems on the theme of "home and belonging". Hosted and curated by Noah Reinoso (@reinpress on instagram), he will read from his newest zine "Nesting" and introduce you to talented, primarily queer and trans BIPOC poets from around Ottawa. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and the reading will begin at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Seating is first-come, first-served. There will be chairs arranged to seat 30 people, with additional standing room for 20 people. Copies of the zine "Nesting", as well as some linocut prints + stickers by Noah will be available after the reading. This is a covid-conscious event and ticket-holders will be asked to wear a mask throughout the evening (masks will be provided for those without). Performing poets may choose to wear or not wear one while they read, but will be promptly worn post-set. Coat check will be available by donation (cash only). There are no stairs to enter the venue, but there is a small lip upon entering the space. Washrooms are gender neutral.
Night Oat Open Stage
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. 750 Gladstone
music, poetry, spoken word. sign up 6:30pm
Norman Ravvin, Who Gets In: An Immigration Story
Time and Place: November 29 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: library-archives.canada.ca/eng/services/public/events-exhibitions/2023/Pages/book-launch-norman-ravvin-who-gets-in-an-immigration-story.aspx
free admission with limited seating. please register
Ode to Palestine
Time and Place: August 29 at 7:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Email: ndawo034@uottawa.ca
featuring artists, poets and DJ Yuck. Curated by Palestinian Artist Noura Dawood, this fundraiser has donations going to: Water Is Life Gaza: From Turtle Island To Palestine.
One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This with Omar El Akkad
Time and Place: March 6 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-20251/one-day-everyone-will-have-always-been-against-this
$25
Open Mic Poetry Night
Time and Place: May 25 at 7:00 pm. 315 Wilbrod, 2nd Floor
Web: www.facebook.com/events/974042024925288/
Ottawa Independent Writers Meetings
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: www.ottawaindependentwriters.com/
Ottawa Poetry Salon
Time and Place: February 1 at 7:00 pm. The Hintonburg Public House, 1020 Wellington
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1423669765775355/
Bring a favourite poem to share with the group, or simply come and listen to, appreciate, and discuss poetry of all kinds and be inspired. Everyone is welcome! The theme for our first gathering is “open me carefully,” from a letter by Emily Dickinson to her beloved friend Susan Huntington Gilbert Dickinson.
Ottawa Public Library Celebrates the Joy of Reading with Steve Patterson
Time and Place: October 21 at 7:00 pm. Meridian Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Drive
Web: meridiancentrepointe.com/en/opl-steve-patterson
free event; reservations required
Ottawa Public Library Storytelling Open Mic for Teens
Time and Place: May 21 at 7:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
drop in. 5-10 minute stories welcome.
Ottawa Scrabble Club
Time and Place: Every Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Calvin Christian Reformed Church, 1475 Merivale
Web: www.ottawascrabbleclub.com/
Players of all skill are welcome
Ottawa StoryTellers: Story Cafe
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. The Barley Mow, 399 Richmond
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/story-cafe
Pay-What-You-Can event, and donations are accepted in person, via canadahelps.org, or by sending an e-transfer to ostbusiness@ottawastorytellers.ca. Suggested donation: $10.
Ottawa Storytellers, STORIES IN THE PARK
Time and Place: July 19 at 7:00 pm. Windsor Park, 1 Windsor Ave
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/all-ost-events/2023/7/19/storiespark
Ottawa Storytellers: Stories in the Park
Time and Place: August 16 at 7:00 pm. Windsor Park, 1 Windsor Ave
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/stories-park
Ottawa Storytellers Annual Fundraiser
Time and Place: September 23 at 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/fundraiser
Email: info@ottawastorytellers.ca
trivia and stories; register for the event and donate
Ottawa Storytellers Open Mic In Person
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Ottawa Public Library, Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank, Room A
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/open-mic#open-mic-in-person
hosted by Véronique Dupuis
Out of Darkness with Denise Chong
Time and Place: April 18 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2024-in-person-events/out-of-darkness
register to attend this free event
PS Guelph presents: Aedan Corey (KINAUVUNGA?), Emily Henderson (Hold Steady My Vision) & Janice Grey (Cautionary Tales).
Time and Place: May 30 at 7:00 pm. Beandigen Café, 106-900 Exhibition Way (Lansdowne)
free event.
Passed the Threshold, and Back
Time and Place: April 16 at 7:00 pm. The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone
Web: thegladstone.ca/shows/passed-the-threshold-and-back/
Storytelling with Jamaal Akbari Kaï Iversen Natalie Fraser Peter James Haworth Julie Le Gal $41
Phyllis Webstad
Time and Place: June 26 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: tinyurl.com/Webstad
Registration requested
Poetry Cabaret with Billy Ray Belcourt, Canisia Lubrin and katherena vermette
Time and Place: November 10 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/poetry-cabaret
$25
Poetry at Barely Bruised Books
Time and Place: August 29 at 7:00 pm.
Web: www.facebook.com/unsociablyhigh
Nina Jane Drystek, Tiffany Wallace with music by Unsociably High live streamed via FB / IG www.instagram.com/unsociablyhigh/
Policing Black Lives (2nd ed) - Book launch with Robyn Maynard
Time and Place: October 29 at 7:00 pm. SAW Centre, 67 Nicholas
Email: justin.piche@uottawa.ca
Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present
Queers and Cheers, open mic and talent show
Time and Place: July 17 at 7:00 pm. Happy Goat, 326 Elgin
Email: elgin@happygoatcoffee.com
poetry, music and more. a pay what you can event. e-mail to sign up. ramp and accessible washrooms.
REVERIE: flo. issue 04 launch party
Time and Place: August 3 at 7:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
issue available for $15. free event. stairs
RICHARD POWERS IN CONVERSATION WITH ALYSSA YORK
Time and Place: October 4 at 7:00 pm.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/richard-powers-in-conversation-with-alyssa-york
Your purchase of Bewilderment gives you exclusive access to this online event
Raja G. Khouri and Dr Jeffrey J. Wilkinson
Time and Place: October 18 at 7:00 pm. First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave
Web: www.firstunitarianottawa.ca/lifespan-learning.html#Justice
Book Launch for "The Wall Between: What Jews and Palestinians Don't Want to Know about Each Other
Reasonable Cause to Suspect: Book Launch and Discussion on a Hidden Human Rights Case
Time and Place: February 21 at 7:00 pm. First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave
Web: www.punchupcollective.org/reo-calendar/reasonable-cause-to-suspect-book-launch-and-discussion-on-a-hidden-human-rights-case/
Sally Lane, Monia Mazigh, Alex Neve, Matthew Behrens
Reconciling History with Jody Wilson-Raybould and Roshan Danesh
Time and Place: November 8 at 7:00 pm. Southminster United Church • 15 Aylmer Ave.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/reconciling-history
Reserve tickets on site. $25
Review of City of Ottawa cultural funding programs (Creation and production fund for professional artists)
Time and Place: November 9 at 7:00 pm. Microsoft Teams
Email: infoculture@ottawa.ca
e-mail in advance for link
Rhiannon Ng Cheng Hin with Conyer Clayton
Time and Place: October 28 at 7:00 pm. Eden's Cafe, 329A Elgin
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/fire-cider-rain-by-rhiannon-ng-cheng-hin-launch-tickets-445520593087
Robin Blackburn McBride, Nancy Huggett, Laurie Koensgen
Time and Place: August 21 at 7:00 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, Upstairs Lobby, 1233 Wellington Street W.
Web: pinholepoetry.ca/shoppoetry/
launch of Koengsen's this clingstone love
Run Towards the Danger with Sarah Polley
Time and Place: June 26 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2022-in-person/run-towards-the-danger
$25
Sad Girl Cafe
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. GigSpace, 953 Gladstone Ave
Web: www.gigspaceottawa.com
music, poetry spoken word open mic for women of all ages on the 3rd Thursday of each. Capacity: 35
Salem Paige - The Third Self launch
Time and Place: May 19 at 7:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
Salon of the Refused Ottawa, 2025
Time and Place: December 15 at 7:00 pm. Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane
Web: salonoftherefused.ca/
Email: wajohnst@uoguelph.ca
It is a celebration of writing that was initially rejected. It is also a celebration of marginalized communities who often feel rejected by mainstream society. The authors will present works of poetry or prose that went unrecognized when first submitted to either a literary journal or competition but whose power and beauty will be evident to those in attendance. See site for list of readers.
Science Fiction and Social Movements: Prof. Krys Maki in conversation with Aric McBay
Time and Place: February 27 at 7:00 pm. Social Innovation Atelier, 95 Clegg
Web: www.punchupcollective.org/reo-calendar/science-fiction-and-social-movements-prof-krys-maki-in-conversation-with-aric-mcbay/
Scribblin' in the Margins - Ellen Chang-Richardson
Time and Place: October 13 at 7:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Atelier Studio
Web: www.facebook.com/events/3648213898746877/
This event will be a poetry slam, with a short open mic at the start of the show, with sign ups open specifically to Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) artists.
Scribblin' in the Margins: BIPOC Slam, ft. Desiree Mckenzie
Time and Place: April 6 at 7:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Atelier Studio
Web: www.facebook.com/events/738352891273723/?ref=newsfeed
PWYC
Scribblin' in the Margins Slam
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue
Web: bit.ly/ULPCsitmtickets
sign ups open specifically to folks of marginalized gender identities including but not limited to genderqueer, Two-Spirit, non-binary, transgender people, all women, intersex poets.
Share Your Peace
Time and Place: April 25 at 7:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: tinyurl.com/shareyrpeace24
poets, singers and musicians; Cost: $38.61. Register on site.
Silent Book Club - Constance Bay
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. The Bay Cafe , 131 Constance Bay Rd
Web: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/silent-book-club-ottawa/silent-book-club-ottawa-chapter-constance-bay-meetup
Silent Book Club - East End
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Dominion City Brew Co, 5510 Canotek Rd Unit 15
Web: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/silent-book-club-ottawa/silent-book-club-ottawa-chapter-gloucester-east-meetup
Silent Book Club Ottawa - Kanata
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. 3 Brasseurs, 565 Kanata Ave
Web: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/silent-book-club-ottawa/silent-book-club-ottawa-chapter-kanata
an opportunity to meet fellow book lovers and read quietly together. Sign up on site.
Silent Book Club Ottawa - Ottawa Centre
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Beyond the Pale, 250 City Centre, Bay 106
Web: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/silent-book-club-ottawa/silent-book-club-ottawa-chapter-city-centre-meetup#
a quiet place to read and meet other book lovers. Sign up on site.
Slavery and Capitalism Book Launch | Slavery and Capitalism by David McNally
Time and Place: December 6 at 7:00 pm. Social Innovation Atelier, 95 Clegg St.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3862520251206
RSVP on site
Somerset Poets Circle
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Kaleidoscope Sky, 1106 Somerset St W
Read your poem. Read poems by other poets. Discuss poetry. Bring a poem in progress to discuss. Play poetry/word games. Share resources. Publish an anthology. Plan open mics. The point is to inspire poetry. Refreshments provided.
Spoken Word Café
Time and Place: September 21 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Email: prompt@wcc-cec.org
8 Ottawa-based workshops from The Writers Collective of Canada. e-mail for link to event.
Still Hopeful with Maude Barlow
Time and Place: May 10 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2022-in-person/still-hopeful
$25 Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (double vaccination plus 14 days) will be required for all guests 12 years of age and older to enter the venue. Once inside, masks are required and reduced capacity will be in place to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Ticket holders unable to attend in person can request access to the livestream. Ticket holders unable to attend in person can request access to the livestream. writersfestival.org/events/spring-2022-in-person/still-hopeful
Stonecroft Symposium: Poetry and performance / gathering and conversation
Time and Place: November 18 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: carleton-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtduyppjIvGdG8HBJl186A7-l-DblF17nj
ray ferreira, Taqralik Partridge and Carol Sawyer selections from their own poetry as well as historical works by Baroness Elsa. registration required
Sucker Punch with Scaachi Koul
Time and Place: April 2 at 7:00 pm. Southminster United Church • 15 Aylmer Ave.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-20251/sucker-punch
$25
TRIALS: flo. issue 03 launch party
Time and Place: March 29 at 7:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
Web: tinyurl.com/w5hd88t8
stairs leading up to building and in stage area. Elizabeth Emond-Stevenson, Lauren Radey, Sarah Bouchereau, Laura Hebert, Kees Kapteyn, Dawn Steiner, Allana Stuart, D.S. Stymeist, Lily Inskip-Shesnicky, Robin Blackburn-McBride, Emma Schuster, Cara Goodwin, Ciku Gitonga, and Laurie Koensgen. Sign up via link for open mic
Taiaiake Alfred presents It's All About the Land
Time and Place: October 26 at 7:00 pm. Know History office 384 Bank St. suite 300,
Web: tinyurl.com/Taiaiake-Alfred
Register your attendance; free
Talking to Canadians with Rick Mercer
Time and Place: December 5 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-in-person/talking-to-canadians
sold out. Covid 19 measures listed on site
Thank You for Asking, featuring Brandon Wint, May Spoken and Amanda Lowe
Time and Place: September 5 at 7:00 pm. Arts Court, 67 Nicholas,Theatre
Web: bit.ly/ThankYouForAskingOttawa
pay-what-you-decide. suggested donation: $15. face masks required. doors 6:30pm cinema, music and conversation
The Bone Hacker with Kathy Reichs
Time and Place: October 16 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/the-bone-hacker
$25
The Calligraphy Society of Ottawa
Time and Place: 7:00 pm.
Web: ottawacalligraphy.ca/
The Society meets on the first or second Friday of each month from September through December, and from February through June, at 7:00 PM at the location indicated in the corresponding event page, with the exception of the February and March meetings held on the first Saturday afternoon of the month. Everyone is welcome; your first meeting is free.
The Capitol of Dreams with Heather O’Neill
Time and Place: September 10 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/the-capitol-of-dreams
$25
The Carleton Poetic Society Open Mic at Oat Couture's Night Oat
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. 1154 Bank
sign up on Google form
The Distance of a Shout with Michael Ondaatje
Time and Place: March 3 at 7:00 pm. Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2026/the-distance-of-a-shout
$25
The Dusty Owl Reading Series Open Mic Night and Book Launch
Time and Place: April 17 at 7:00 pm. Caldwell Family Centre, 1475 Caldwell Ave
The Dusty Owl Reading Series Launches Real Men Don't Wear Spray Tans by Thompson K. Fraser -- its first book in 15 years
The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People's History of Afghanistan with Lyse Doucet
Time and Place: November 12 at 7:00 pm. Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar
Web: https://writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/the-finest-hotel-in-kabul-a-peoples-history-of-afghanistan
The Inaugural Father Jim Bleackley OMI Lecture on Indigenous Justice with Guest Speaker Niigaan Sinclair
Time and Place: February 12 at 7:00 pm. St.Joseph's Church, 174 Wilbrod St
Phone: 613-233-4095 x 251
Web: perfectbooks.ca/events
Email: info@st-josephs.ca
Join us at the free event on the subject of Indigenous Justice with guest speaker Niigaan Sinclair, co-sponsored by St.Joseph's Parish and Kateri Native Ministry of Ottawa.
The Knowing with Tanya Talaga
Time and Place: September 30 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/the-knowing
Free. Limited Seating. Registration required.
The Last Chairlift With John Irving
Time and Place: December 12 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/the-last-chairlift
$25
The Myth of Normal with Gabor Mate
Time and Place: October 1 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/the-myth-of-normal
$25
The Octopus Books Reading Club
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Octopus Books, 116 Third Ave
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/42287
You're encouraged to bring a book to discuss, but also feel free to join us if you simply wish to listen in on the conversations.
The Old Black Maple, NAC Hip Hop Theatre Festival
Time and Place: February 3 at 7:00 pm. National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street
Web: nac-cna.ca/en/event/35007
$25 Joshua "Scribe" Watkis, Rose-Ingrid Benjamin, Ikenna "Open Secret" Onyegbula, Maya "MayaSpoken" Basudde, Brandon Wint, Jadyn Hardie-Bardy 9:30pm - Black Out show for Black audiences and their guests
The Paris Express with Emma Donoghue
Time and Place: September 28 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/the-paris-express
$25
The Siege with Ben Macintyre
Time and Place: September 25 at 7:00 pm. Southminster United Church • 15 Aylmer Ave.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/the-siege
$25
The Whole Megayllah: A Purim Variety Show
Time and Place: March 18 at 7:00 pm. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue
Web: tinyurl.com/purimvariety24
Comedy, poetry, live music, drag and local Jewish vendors. $11.98
The Writers Circle
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. Art House Cafe, 555 Somerset W.
meet other writers, discuss important topics, and practice doing writing exercises. $8
Tree Reading Series
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. via Zoom
Email: treeliterary@gmail.com
workshops-12 spots only, open mics and featured readers on Zoom; registration required
True Reconciliation with Jody Wilson-Raybould
Time and Place: November 9 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/true-reconciliation
$25 tickets on site
Tunes in the Nude
Time and Place: September 29 at 7:00 pm. Urban Art Collective, 1088 Somerset Street W.
Web: urbanartcollective.ca/products/tunes-in-the-nude
Unsociably High with Nina Jane Drystek and Margo LaPierre $20 An Evening Filled with Dreamy Songs, Poetry, Art, Laughter & Snacks. Audience are Invited to Draw, Paint, Write, or Simply Watch.
UESA Creative Writing Capstone Reading
Time and Place: April 1 at 7:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DVwGbSODaXF/
As the academic year is coming to an end, many students are preparing for their graduations. Come down to Club Saw to checkout what the graduating creative writers have been working on throughout their degrees! It’ll be a night to celebrate their hard work, listen to some cool pieces, and socialize. You might even get to hear some works from your professors!
ULPC Broken Mic
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. zoom
sign up for open mic and event registration
UMOJA A Story of UNITY through Sound, Song, Meditation, Movement & Art
Time and Place: February 24 at 7:00 pm. SAW, 67 Nicholas
Web: tinyurl.com/4r8fddfp
storytelling, music and art $33.28
Unbroken with Angela Sterritt
Time and Place: October 2 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/unbroken
free
Urban Legends Poetry Collective
Time and Place: 7:00 pm. The Origin, 57 Lyndale Ave.
Web: linktr.ee/urbanlegendsott
Email: urbanlegendspoetry@gmail.com
Ottawa's spoken word poetry collective. open mic, slam and features. PWYC. Covid regulations followed. register in advance for the open mic/slam.
Uzma Jalaluddin: Hana Khan Carries on
Time and Place: September 23 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/uzma-jalaluddin-hana-khan-carries
Valentine in Montreal with Arizona O’Neill and Heather O’Neill
Time and Place: September 9 at 7:00 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/valentine-in-montreal
$25
Vibrations from Gaza: Screening, talk and book launch
Time and Place: October 5 at 7:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
To mark the final stop of the North American tour of Driving in Palestine by Rehab Nazzal, now on view at The People’s Forum in New York City, SAW is pleased to present a screening of Vibrations from Gaza and Canada Park and talk with the artist on Sunday, October 5 at 7PM at Club SAW. The evening will also include the launch of Soumoud in Dark Times, a limited-edition publication by the artist, published by Monolith Editions (New York City).Admission: Pay-what-you-can — All proceeds support the Amani Fund
Vivek Shraya
Time and Place: April 28 at 7:00 pm. Ottawa Art Gallery 50 Mackenzie King Bridge and Zoom
Web: tinyurl.com/y4x632u8
wheelchair accessible. Reserved accessible seating is available by contacting info@capitalpride.ca following the purchase of tickets.
We Breed Lions with Rick Westhead
Time and Place: November 19 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/we-breed-lions
free. registration recommended
What Would Ms. Hina Do? Themes and lessons from the novel Scarborough. Allyship, community, in the context of Black History Month.
Time and Place: February 22 at 7:00 pm. Peter A. Herrndorf Place, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin
When We Lost Our Heads With Heather O'Neill
Time and Place: September 19 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral • 414 Sparks St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2022-in-person-events/when-we-lost-our-heads
$25
When the Forest Breathes with Suzanne Simard
Time and Place: April 25 at 7:00 pm. Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2026/when-the-forest-breathes
$25. Tickets on web site.
Whit Fraser, True North Rising
Time and Place: February 1 at 7:00 pm. 50 Sussex Drive
Web: interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E347378QE&id=90&s=03
Writing and Activism: Words in Action A Reading and Discussion with Author, Activist, and Carleton Adjunct Research Professor Monia Mazigh
Time and Place: November 30 at 7:00 pm. virtual
Web: carleton-ca.zoom.us/j/99073040863
Yolande and Michel. One great love story. Two masterful books. An unforgettable evening.
Time and Place: March 12 at 7:00 pm. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/billets-one-great-love-story-two-masterful-books-an-unforgettable-evening-852067495817
registration required
Yves Engler, Canada’s Long Fight Against Democracy.
Time and Place: March 21 at 7:00 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: www.punchupcollective.org/reo-calendar/book-launch-canadas-long-fight-against-democracy/
battleaxe press Winter Launch
Time and Place: December 8 at 7:00 pm. SPAO Photographic Arts Centre, 77 Pamilla Street
Diane Perazzo: “Suddenly, Time was Like the Flowers,” and Sue Bracken: "27." doors: 6:30pm. SPAO is wheelchair accessible, and has an accessible washroom.
flo. Issue 5 Launch Party
Time and Place: February 23 at 7:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar 147 Besserer St,.
Web: www.facebook.com/events/290993167321918
flo. literary magazine: Solstice, Issue 06 launch party
Time and Place: September 5 at 7:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
free event. wheelchair accessible with accessible, gender-neutral bathrooms
flo. literary magazine: Wrap Party
Time and Place: December 8 at 7:00 pm. Possible Worlds, 1165 Wellington
Web: www.instagram.com/p/ClhVTD4gIIK/
readings on the hour, art, music. 7-10pm. free. come when you want. street level - wheelchair accessible
flo literary magazine: Home: Issue 07 launch and farewell to flo.
Time and Place: March 16 at 7:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.facebook.com/events/632146102846896
readings and mingling
he Munro Beattie Lecture with Drew Hayden Taylor
Time and Place: November 4 at 7:00 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street
Web: carleton.ca/fass/event/2023-munro-beattie-lecture-drew-hayden-taylor/
natalie hanna, Manahil Bandukwala, Conyer Clayton, and Nathanael Larochette
Time and Place: December 28 at 7:00 pm. Knox Presbyterian Church, Geneva Hall, 120 Lisgar
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1938914299646144
Book Launch: lisan al'asfour. Hosted by Ellen Chang-Richardson with musical score composed and performed by Jennifer Pederson and Liam Burke. accessible. masks required.
poets for Palestine
Time and Place: July 4 at 7:00 pm. Popular University for Gaza (Tabaret Lawn)
Web: www.instagram.com/p/C8-U62ySfd8
Ottawa poets, such as Conyer Clayton
rob mclennan, launch of On Beauty
Time and Place: September 25 at 7:00 pm. Royal Oak, 1 Beechwood Ave, upstairs
stairs to 2nd floor
the above/ground press thirty-second anniversary party
Time and Place: August 7 at 7:00 pm. Red Bird Live, 1165 Bank Street
Monty Reid (Ottawa), Jason Christie (Ottawa), Ellen Chang-Richardson (Ottawa), Beatriz Hausner (Toronto), Lina Ramona Vitkauskas (Toronto) and Mandy Sandhu (Toronto) (and possibly one or two others, not sure yet)!
the peter f yacht club : regatta/reading/christmas party 2025
Time and Place: December 27 at 7:00 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
with readings from yacht club regulars and irregulars alike, including: Jennifer Baker, Frances Boyle, Conyer Clayton, David Currie, Michelle Desbarats, AJ Dolman, Amanda Earl, Claire Farley, Cara Goodwin, Chris Johnson, Margo LaPierre, rob mclennan, Christine McNair, James Moran, Lee Parpart, Colin Quin, Mahaila Smith, Grant Wilkins and Chuqiao Yang (and possibly others,
uOttawa Showcase
Time and Place: January 23 at 7:00 pm. University of Ottawa, Perez Hall, 50 University Private
Web: www.facebook.com/events/262324150031957/
Vera Hadzic, Jillian Clasky, Rica Qiu and Ciku Gitonga, as well as Jennifer Baker
OPL Storytelling Open Mic
Time and Place: June 19 at 7:15 pm. Sunnyside Branch, 1049 Bank
Web: www.facebook.com/events/255178887520195/255178907520193
Indian" in the Cabinet with Jody Wilson Raybould
Time and Place: September 23 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/indian-in-the-cabinet
2024-2025 Munro Beattie Lecture with Ann-Marie MacDonald
Time and Place: February 4 at 7:30 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Room 14.
Web: carleton.ca/english/cu-events/2024-2025-munro-beattie-lecture-with-ann-marie-macdonald/
Email: english@carleton.ca
“Imps and Imposters: Where Do Stories Come From”
A. Garnett Weiss and Blaine Marchand
Time and Place: September 23 at 7:30 pm.
Email: allan@aeolushouse.com
launch of Bricolage: A Gathering of Centos and Becoming History: A Life Told Through Poetry readings and q & a. RSVP publisher to attend
ANN YU KYUNG CHOI , SANG KIM, KYO LEE, SOSUN SUH
Time and Place: October 18 at 7:30 pm. SAW Centre, 67 Nicholas
Web: www.facebook.com/events/s/riverbed-x-saw-gallery-x-korea/746889424118986
Riverbed Reading Series, Korean Cultural Centre, Club Saw collaboration, $15
A Reading with Anne Marie Todkill, Anita Lahey, and Bardia Sinaee
Time and Place: September 20 at 7:30 pm. Perfect Books, 258A Elgin
Web: www.facebook.com/events/786867305829112
ATACAMA BY CARMEN RODRIGUEZ
Time and Place: May 10 at 7:30 pm. Social Innovation Atelier, 95 Clegg St. and online
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/book-launch-atacama-by-carmen-rodriguez
in person and online at the Octopus Books FB page www.facebook.com/octopusbookstore
All's Well with Mona Awad
Time and Place: September 27 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/alls-well
An Embarrassment of Critch’s with Mark Critch
Time and Place: October 7 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/an-embarrassment-of-critchs
An Evening with Amal El-Mohtar: Seasons of Glass and Iron
Time and Place: April 20 at 7:30 pm. AllSaints, 330 Laurier East
Web: theotherhill-lautrecolline.ca/event/an-evening-with-amal-el-mohtar/
tickets $10-15
An Evening with Cory Doctorow, presented by The Perfect Books Lecture Series and The Other Hill
Time and Place: January 28 at 7:30 pm. allsaints event space, 317 Chapel St
Web: perfectbooks.ca/events
Doors 7:00pm, Event 7:30-8:30pm General Tickets: $15 Tickets here: theotherhill-lautrecolline.ca/event/an-evening-with-cory-doctorow-presented-by-perfect-books-and-the-other-hill/
An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert in Ottawa
Time and Place: April 18 at 7:30 pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre 355 Cooper Street
Web: tinyurl.com/mr29bmrj
BIG MAGIC: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Anina's Cafe Open Mic
Time and Place: October 29 at 7:30 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
Doors open at 7:00PM | sign-up 7:30PM 🧛 Costumes welcomed. Tricks optional. Treats guaranteed. music and poetry by local ghouls
August into Winter with Guy Vanderhaeghe
Time and Place: September 14 at 7:30 pm.
Web: https://writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/august-into-winter
rsvp for Zoom link
BOOK LAUNCH: Hunting by Stars with Cherie Dimaline
Time and Place: October 19 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/book-launch-hunting-by-stars
BOOK LAUNCH: Off the Record with Peter Mansbridge
Time and Place: October 5 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/book-launch-off-the-record
rsvp for this free event
Ben Ladouceur: Book Launch, I Remember Lights
Time and Place: April 22 at 7:30 pm. Library and Archives of Canada,395 Wellington Street.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-20251/book-launch-i-remember-lights
Between Certain Death and a Possible Future With Alexander McClelland, Eddie Walker, Kate Doyle Griffiths and Ryan Conrad
Time and Place: November 1 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/between-certain-death-and-a-possible-future
Between Certain Death and a Possible Future With Alexander McClelland, Eddie Walker, Kate Doyle Griffiths and Ryan Conrad
Time and Place: November 1 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/between-certain-death-and-a-possible-future
Book Launch: Best Canadian Poetry 2021 With Anita Lahey, Souvankham Thammavongsa and many more
Time and Place: November 4 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/book-launch-best-canadian-poetry-2021
Book Launch: My Stories, My Times, Volume 2 with The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien
Time and Place: October 26 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/book-launch-my-stories-my-times-volume-2
Book Launch | Temporary Palaces by Jeff Miller
Time and Place: May 19 at 7:30 pm. Spark Beer, 702 Somerset W.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/4858520260519
Bywords 2021 John Newlove Poetry Award
Time and Place: October 25 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: https://writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/bywords-john-newlove-awards
music by John Ian, with readings by this year's award winner and honourable mentions and Megan Misztal. Register for Zoom link: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/bywords-2021-john-newlove-poetry-award or attend on FB Live www.facebook.com/BiblioOttawaLibrary/posts/2173724556098887
Canadian Geographic presents Marie Wilson: North of Nowhere
Time and Place: September 30 at 7:30 pm. 50 Sussex Drive
Web: donate.rcgs.org/event/can-geo-talks-presents-marie-wilson/home
register on site for free ticket
Canadian Individual Poetry Slam Qualifer
Time and Place: January 9 at 7:30 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street W.
Web: www.facebook.com/events/2308754496269581/
There will be three rounds to the slam: a 2-minute round, followed by a 4-minute round, and ending with a 3-minute round. There will be 12 poets in round 1, then 8 poets will move on to round 2, and 4 poets will move on to the final round 😷 FACE MASKS REQUIRED ⏰ Doors 7:00 | Show 7:30 💵 Tickets at the door, PWYD (suggested donation: $10)
Capstone Reading
Time and Place: April 2 at 7:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
emerging writers from the University of Ottawa creative writing program
City of Ottawa 2024 Poet Laureates' Announcement and Reading
Time and Place: October 1 at 7:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Conyer Clayton, Doris Fiszer, Debroah-Anne Tunney, Jacqueline Bourque, Susan J. Atkinson
Time and Place: November 17 at 7:30 pm. Red Bird Live, 1165 Bank Street
stairs
Daniel Mark Patterson's Supercalifragilistic Launch Party & Open Mic
Time and Place: January 21 at 7:30 pm. The Origin Arts and Community Centre, 57 Lyndale
Web: www.facebook.com/events/1204650276791882/
snacks, a poetry open mic and a private screening of Supercalifragilistic, a cinepoem. free event
Domina Eliahou and Stuart Ross
Time and Place: October 14 at 7:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/bywords-john-newlove-poetry-awards
music and poetry
Dr. Jillian Horton in Conversation with Suzette Mayr
Time and Place: March 15 at 7:30 pm. National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street / virtual
Free in-person attendance: nac-cna.ca/en/event/33808 livestream: nac-cna.ca/en/event/33814
Débranché - unplugged music and poetry open-mic night
Time and Place: September 24 at 7:30 pm. NAC Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin
Web: nac-cna.ca/en/event/37269
City Fidelia Talia Aoude Apollo The Child The Lionyls 8:45PM - Open mic lineup; $25
Elaina Martin, Rhiannon Ng Cheng Hin, John Ian
Time and Place: December 7 at 7:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas + online
Web: www.riverbedreads.ca/special-event1.html
Riverbed Reading Series + Qu'Art.
Elaine Marilyse, The All-New Filaments Chapbook Launch
Time and Place: May 4 at 7:30 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: www.facebook.com/events/s/chapbook-launch-show-the-all-n/3734948160118880/
Email: e.tamblynwatts@gmail.com
Masked event.wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible washroom.
Em with Kim Thuy
Time and Place: October 14 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/em
Exile: Celebrating 50 Years in Publishing
Time and Place: November 15 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: /writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/exile-editions-celebrating-50-years-in-publishing
Barry Callaghan, Michael Callaghan, Darlene Madott, Katie Zdybel and George Elliott Clarke
Kim Kilpatrick - Flying in the Dark
Time and Place: April 28 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: www.radicalconnections.ca/hip/p/kim-kilpatrick-flying-in-the-dark-april-28th-730-pm
$20
Kinks and Coffee: Smutty Storytelling
Time and Place: 7:30 pm. Thr33's Company Snack Bar, 589 Bank
Web: tinyurl.com/smuttystoriesfeb
Join us for an arousing evening of sex-positive expression in an intimate and sensual environment $30
Launch of ARC 96 Featuring: Jillian Christmas, Simone Dalton and Shery Alexander Heinis
Time and Place: November 10 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/launch-of-arc-96
Laurie Koensgen, Frances Boyle and LM Rochefort
Time and Place: November 23 at 7:30 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, Lobby, 1233 Wellington Street W.
launch of Laurie Koensgen’s new chapbook ‘Small Psalms for Moving On.’
MARGARET MACPHERSON PRESENTS TRACKING THE CARIBOU QUEEN
Time and Place: December 14 at 7:30 pm. Happy Goat, 35 Laurel
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/margaret-macpherson-presents-tracking-the-caribou-queen
readings from Margaret MacPherson, Anne Marie Todkill nd Michael Blouin
Me Tomorrow: Indigenous Views on the Future with Drew Hayden Taylor, Norma Dunning and Darrel J. McLeod
Time and Place: November 9 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/me-tomorrow-indigenous-views-on-the-future
My Best Mistake with Terry O’Reilly
Time and Place: October 27 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/my-best-mistake
My Own Blood with Ashley Bristowe
Time and Place: September 13 at 7:30 pm.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/my-own-blood
rsvp for Zoom link
New Vision for Transit Launch Party & OPEN MIC in collaboration with Free Transit Ottawa
Time and Place: January 19 at 7:30 pm. Irene's Pub , 885 Bank St
Web: www.instagram.com/capcitycyphers/
Email: capcitycyphers@gmail.com
sign up at the venue. email expression of interest and stage needs in advance. More on the campaign here: freetransitottawa.ca/campaign/
Not a Happy Family with Shari Lapena
Time and Place: October 12 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/not-a-happy-family
ONLINE BOOK LAUNCH: GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE! THE JOEY MOSS STORY
Time and Place: March 21 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/online-book-launch-good-morning-sunshine-the-joey-moss-story
Register for Zoom link
Operation Angus with Terry Fallis
Time and Place: August 31 at 7:30 pm.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/operation-angus
live online event
Ottawa Storytellers Open Mic Online
Time and Place: 7:30 pm.
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/open-mic#open-mic-in-person
Zoom info on site. hosted by Lynda Joyce
Out of the Sun: On Art, Race, and the Future with Esi Edugyan
Time and Place: October 4 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/out-of-the-sun-on-art-race-and-the-future
Return with Kamal Al-Solaylee
Time and Place: September 29 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/return
Riverbed Reading Series Season 6
Time and Place: 7:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas and Zoom
Web: www.riverbedreads.ca/
PWYC with donation of $20 suggested. sign up via site. open mic.
Seeking Social Democracy A Conversation with Ed Broadbent with Frances Abele, Jonathan Sas and Luke Savage
Time and Place: October 10 at 7:30 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/seeking-social-democracy
$25
Smutty Storytelling
Time and Place: 7:30 pm. Charlotte, 340 B Elgin
Web: www.eventbrite.ca/e/smutty-storytelling-tickets-930324845657
Performances of literary smut shamelessly exploring sexual empowerment, healing and transformation.
Spectacle Projet Terre de l’écrit à la parole
Time and Place: February 27 at 7:30 pm. Diffusé sur LePointdevente.com
Web: tinyurl.com/mr2m2429
*Votre lien de visionnement unique vous sera transmis peu avant l'événement, pour une écoute le dimanche 27 février 19 h 30.
Stories Beyond Status: Ottawa Storytelling Event and Livestream
Time and Place: November 17 at 7:30 pm. Arts Court and Live Stream
Web: www.ottawastorytellers.ca/stories-beyond-status
40 years of HIV in Canada. In-person tickets are $25, and live stream tickets are pay-what-you-can: $10, $16, or $25.
Stuart Ross, Jessi MacEachern, William Vallières
Time and Place: June 1 at 7:30 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-at-the-avant-garde-maceachern-ross-vallieres-tickets-632391559177
Thandizo Joy: A Little Death
Time and Place: 7:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: tinyurl.com/alittledeathTJ
Workshop performance of a new show combining rap, poetry, spoken word, and musical theatre $33.59
The 2025 CBC Massey Lectures Universal: Renewing Human Rights in a Fractured World with Alex Neve
Time and Place: October 30 at 7:30 pm. National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Babs Asper Theatre
Web: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/38975
ticket prices on site
The Class with Chris Hedges
Time and Place: October 17 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/the-class
The Class with Chris Hedges
Time and Place: October 18 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/the-class
The Factory Reading Series: a Covid-era memorial,
Time and Place: January 13 at 7:30 pm. Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong, upstairs
Web: abovegroundpress.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-factory-reading-series-covid-era.html
Cameron Anstee, Rhonda Douglas, James Moran, natalie hanna, rob mclennan, AJ Dolman, Chris Johnson, Chris Turnbull, Stephen Brockwell, Bardia Sinaee, Anita Lahey, Monty Reid
The Factory Reading Series Presents Jamaal Amir Akbari/JAAWORD, Shery Alexander Heinis, Pearl Pirie
Time and Place: August 21 at 7:30 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: abovegroundpress.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-factory-reading-series-august-21.html
doors 7pm
The Factory Reading Series Presents nathanael o'reilly, ben ladouceur + michael lithgow
Time and Place: September 28 at 7:30 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: abovegroundpress.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-factory-reading-series-september-28.html
free. books available for sale. doors 7pm
The Mystery of Right and Wrong with Wayne Johnston
Time and Place: September 22 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/the-mystery-of-right-and-wrong
The Peter F. Yacht Club annual regatta/christmas party/reading
Time and Place: December 27 at 7:30 pm. Anina's Cafe, 280 Joffre-Bélanger Way
Web: abovegroundpress.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-peter-f-yacht-club-annual.html
ichelle Desbarats, AJ Dolman, nina jane drystek, Laura Farina, Cara Goodwin, Chris Johnson, Margo LaPierre, IAN MARTIN, rob mclennan, James Moran, Lee Parpart, Wanda Praamsma, Colin Quin, Joan Rivard + Grant Wilkins (and possibly others,
The Road Years With Rick Mercer
Time and Place: December 7 at 7:30 pm. Chateau Laurier • 1 Rideau St
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2023-in-person-events/the-road-years
$30
The Strangers with Katherena Vermette
Time and Place: September 28 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/the-strangers
Unreconciled with Jesse Wente
Time and Place: September 21 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/unreconciled
Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance
Valene Campbell and Ekiuwa Aire Virtual Story Time
Time and Place: September 16 at 7:30 pm.
Web: www.instagram.com/octopusbooks/
WOW5: Solstice Celebration – An All-Ages Interactive Arts Night on Gladstone
Time and Place: June 24 at 7:30 pm. Green space on the East side of 950 Gladstone Avenue
Web: wellingtonwest.ca/wow5-a-celebration-of-summer-solstice/
a storytelling workshop by Jacqui du Toit, music and performances
What Strange Paradise with Omar El Akkad
Time and Place: November 29 at 7:30 pm. virtual
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2021-live-online-events/what-strange-paradise
Yellowface with R.F. Kuang
Time and Place: May 13 at 7:30 pm. St John the Evangelist • 154 Somerset Street West
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2023-in-person-events/yellowface
$25
Your Right to Read: A Panel Discussion on the Impact of Book Banning
Time and Place: October 3 at 7:30 pm. First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave AND livestreamed on YouTube
Web: www.firstunitarianottawa.ca/lifespan-learning.html#Justice
above/ground press 31st anniversary reading/launch/party
Time and Place: August 10 at 7:30 pm. Red Bird Live, 1165 Bank Street
Web: /www.showpass.com/the-aboveground-press-31st-anniversary-readinglaunchparty
Readings + chapbook launches by Mahaila Smith, Shane Rhodes, Gil McElroy + Chris Banks. $14.29 includes entry and 2 chapbooks
Arc Poetry Magazine 2025 Archibald Lampman Award
Time and Place: October 14 at 8:00 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/bywords-john-newlove-poetry-awards
Arc Poetry Magazine Spring Launch: Tribute to Diana Brebner
Time and Place: April 29 at 8:00 pm. streamed online
Web: writersfestival.org/events/spring-2022-in-person/arc-poetry-magazine-spring-launch-tribute-to-diana-brebner
John Barton, Dessa Bayrock, Anita Lahey, Sneha Madhavan-Reese and music by Ensemble Allure. Free on site or via YouTube: youtu.be/G4xIRlrmLD4
Book Launch: Shelley Lavigne - Enamoured: A Triptych
Time and Place: February 12 at 8:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: www.instagram.com/p/DUV9ng7Dhdx/
with Madison McSweeney and Christopher Shorewick
Book Launch | Complex Kids, Simple Solutions
Time and Place: November 20 at 8:00 pm. Red Bird Live, 1165 Bank Street
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3854320251120
COLONIALISM PAST AND PRESENT WITH VELDON COBURN AND JOSEPH GRAHAM
Time and Place: June 16 at 8:00 pm. The Social Innovation Atelier, 95 Clegg St
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/colonialism-past-and-present-with-veldon-coburn-and-joseph-graham
The Atelier is wheelchair-accessible and an amplifier system will be used to assist the hard of hearing. Masks are required
Capital Chamber Choir Presents Helios
Time and Place: June 3 at 8:00 pm. St. Joseph’s Parish, 174 Wilbrod St
Web: www.capitalchamberchoir.ca/tickets/helios
libretto is a combination of published and commissioned poems from contemporary writers as well as translations of ancient texts.
David Suzuki and Tara Cullis – What You Won't Do for Love
Time and Place: March 25 at 8:00 pm. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum, Harold Shenkman Hall
Web: shenkmanarts.ca/en/david-suzuki-tara-cullis
Ticket price: $20 to $62
EXPLORING OUR DARK CORNERS: READINGS BY FELICE PICANO AND JEFFREY ROUND
Time and Place: June 10 at 8:00 pm. Mauril Belanger Atelier d'innovation sociale, 95 Cleg
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/exploring-our-dark-corners-readings-by-felice-picano-and-jeffrey-round
limited space; registration required
For Our Kids Ottawa-Gatineau: Climate Action Book Club: Hot Mess
Time and Place: January 8 at 8:00 pm. via Zoom
Web: www.forourkids.ca/for_our_kids_book_club
Hot Mess: Mothering Through a Code Red Climate Emergency, by Sarah Marie Wiebe. Sara Parkes and Susan Bakshi. RSVP to receive Zoom link
Glenys Marshall’s Spelling Bee
Time and Place: August 27 at 8:00 pm. Irene's Pub , 885 Bank St
Web: irenespub.ca/events/glenys-marshalls-spelling-bee
$10. tickets on site. proceeds to Palestine relief funds
JESSE WENTE IN CONVERSATION WITH MATT GALLOWAY
Time and Place: October 14 at 8:00 pm. virtual
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/jesse-wente-in-conversation-with-matt-galloway
Your purchase of Unreconciled gives you exclusive access
KATHERENA VERMETTE IN CONVERSATION WITH CANDY PALMATER
Time and Place: October 7 at 8:00 pm. virtual
Web: octopusbooks.ca/event/katherena-vermette-in-conversation-with-candy-palmater
Your purchase of The Strangers gives you exclusive access
Live on Elgin Open Mic
Time and Place: Every Tuesday at 8:00 pm. 220 Elgin, #2
Web: www.liveonelgin.com/calendar/event/?ID=KHE6Y2L
Get there early, say hi your host, grab a drink and sign up to do some music, comedy, poetry, or whatever else! Sign up closes at 7:45pm
Myriam Legault-Beauregard
Time and Place: June 13 at 8:00 pm. le Parcours poétique du centre-ville à l’extérieur. Rue Kent, secteur de Hull, Gatineau, Quebec
Web: slo.qc.ca/myriam-legault-beauregard-realise-la-residence-dehors-est-un-poeme
une performance en collaboration avec quelques poètes du Parcours poétique du centre-ville et/ou artistes du Sentier culturel.
Naked Boys Reading
Time and Place: 8:00 pm. Live on Elgin, 220 Elgin Street, 2nd Floor
Web: linktr.ee/nbrottawa
Email: ottawa@nakedboysreading.ca
advance ticket purchase recommended: $27
Nostalgica Pub & Beer Garden Open Mic
Time and Place: Every Thursday at 8:00 pm. 601 Cumberland
all genres welcome. sign ups: 8pm
Nostalgica Pub Open Mic
Time and Place: Every Thursday at 8:00 pm. 601 Cumberland
Web: shorturl.at/8wYzo
every week on Thursdays for music, poetry etc. sign up at 8pm
Nuit blanche dans le Vieux-Hull
Time and Place: October 3 at 8:00 pm. rue Eddy
Web: slo.qc.ca/nuitblanche/
Parcours artistique nocturne sur la rue Eddy de 20h jusqu’à 3h du matin le lendemain Véronique Sylvain, nina-jane drystek, Ellen Chang-Richardson, David Galvaude
Nuit blanche dans le Vieux-Hull
Time and Place: October 3 at 8:00 pm. rue Eddy
Web: slo.qc.ca/nuitblanche/
une suite de spectacles, événements littéraires et performances. gratuit
OG500 2021 Virtual Poetry Slam feat. Britta B.
Time and Place: August 19 at 8:00 pm.
Web: www.facebook.com/events/778241412855083
10 poets compete in a three round poetry slam where the winner receives $500 cash. PWYC Tickets: houseofpaint.ca/store/
Open Mic Night at Britannia Coffeehouse
Time and Place: 8:00 pm. 273 Britannia Road
Web: www.instagram.com/kennyhayesmusic/
sign up at 7pm.no rain dates. music mostly with some poetry etc.
Poetry in Voice – 2024 National Poetry Recitation Finals
Time and Place: April 24 at 8:00 pm. National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Azrieli Studio
Web: nac-cna.ca/en/event/35379
tickets starting at $10
Proof with Beverley McLachlin
Time and Place: September 18 at 8:00 pm. Fairmont Chateau Laurier • 1 Rideau St.
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/proof
Free, limited seating. Registration required.
Queer Black Excellence Showcase
Time and Place: February 18 at 8:00 pm. Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park and virtual
Web: capitalpride.ca/signature/queer-black-excellence-showcase/?fbclid=IwAR2MlMu2e4U0gfVd7T_K8l5oS5Cn6zCRZjBrl918edIAHoCHLMuuKTn_KsM
free; poetry, music and drag performances
Rupi Kaur
Time and Place: May 2 at 8:00 pm. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street
Web: nac-cna.ca/en/event/29877
tickets from $50 on site
Sandy Hudson and Nora Loreto, Challenging Power: Corporate Control, Policing, and the Price of Inequality
Time and Place: September 17 at 8:00 pm. Spark Beer, 702 Somerset W.
Web: octopusbooks.ca/events/3612820250917
free to attend
Soul Rhythms
Time and Place: April 30 at 8:00 pm. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington
Web: www.facebook.com/events/305697745072932
Nth Degree, Jessie Simmons, Sheril Shaw
Tower of Song: Songs from the Leonard Cohen Songbook
Time and Place: August 24 at 8:00 pm. All Saints Event Space Terrace, 330 Laurier E.
Socially distanced outdoor seating limited to 50 people. $5
Amanda Earl and Christine McNair
Time and Place: October 1 at 8:30 pm. Club Saw, 67 Nicholas
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/poetry-cabaret
free; accessible venue.
Book launch of Ajar by Margo LaPierre
Time and Place: October 14 at 8:30 pm. SAW Centre, 67 Nicholas
Web: writersfestival.org/events/fall-2025/bywords-john-newlove-poetry-awards
Improvised Introductions Jaap Blonk (voice) and Jesse Stewart (percussion)
Time and Place: October 16 at 8:30 pm. Arts Court (Concourse Level), 2 Daly Avenue
Presented by Artengine and the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation. Admission by donation
The UESA and the Department of English Presents the Poetry Covers Night
Time and Place: March 23 at 8:30 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
Web: www.instagram.com/uesauottawa/
recite your favourite poem or literary text; 2 minutes per person per piece
a Zoom Tribute Event for Mick Burrs, aka Steven Michael Berzensky (1940-2021)
Time and Place: October 21 at 8:30 pm. virtual
Email: ssinger@sympatico.ca
Seymour Mayne, Ellen Jaffe, Luciano Iacobelli, Kate Marshall Flaherty, Steve Wolfson, Holly Briesmaster, Sharon Singer, and Kent Bowman. E-mail for Zoom link
Ellen Chang-Richardson, Rhiannon Ng Cheng Hin, Chris Johnson
Time and Place: November 10 at 9:00 pm. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/3 Besserer
launch of Assimilation Tactics
KEYBOARDS with Justin Million
Time and Place: March 24 at 9:00 pm. COOPER'S BAR, EMBASSY HOTEL & SUITES, 25 Cartier Street
Rebecca Yarros' Iron Flame Launch
Time and Place: November 6 at 9:30 pm. Braumeister Bierhalle, 175 CARRUTHERS AVENUE
Web: ironflame.thespanielstale.ca/
join the waitlist
Drag Storytime with Jax the pirate
Time and Place: November 18 at 10:00 pm. Mauril Belanger Social Innovation Workshop, 95 Clegg
Web: www.facebook.com/events/627548212650219
Poets of Beechwood Cemetery Tour
Time and Place: October 16 at 10:00 pm. Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue
Email: NCRadmin@canadianauthors.org
e-mail to register
Capital Comic Book Convention
Time and Place: May 24 at 11:00 pm. RA Centre Gymnasium, 2451 Riverside Drive
Web: capitalcomiccon.com/
$8
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