Read. Write. Listen. Share. Belong.

Join the Grand River Poetry Collective for three days of poetry, workshops, open mics, conversation, music, and community at 106 Gallery in Grand Rapids.

October 15–17, 2026 · 106 Gallery

106 Division South, Grand Rapids, MI

All events are free and open to the public. All are welcome!

POETRY SAVES LIVES FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

October 15–17, 2026

106 Gallery, 106 Division South, Grand Rapids, MI

All events are free and open to the public.

Thursday, Oct. 15 — Crock Pot-Luck Poetry

5–6:30 p.m. Potluck. Bring a dish to pass. Plates, silverware, and water provided.

6:30–9 p.m. Open mic hosted by Carolyn Ferrari

Friday, Oct. 16 — Art, Poetry, and Process

3–5 p.m. Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop and Open Mic with Hannah Notess

6–8 p.m. Open mic plus discussion: How Has Poetry Saved Your Life? with host Neil Kaufman

Saturday, Oct. 17 — Poetry Community Celebration

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Youth/all-ages poetry workshop and open mic with Meg Johnson and Shayna “Akanke” Marie

1:30–3:30 p.m. Panel: Let’s Talk About Poetry and Mental Health

4–5:30 p.m. Dance workshop with Dr. Kimmy Copeland of Tanztheater Michigan. Learn easy dance moves to accompany uplifting poems from local poets. All ages and abilities are welcome.

6–8 p.m. Grand Finale Celebration with host Christine Stephens-Krieger, Grand Rapids Poet Laureate, including community dance and open mic with jazz ensemble Art Sauce.

Thank you to our supporters

Dwelling Place · Avenue for the Arts · Hendrik Meijer · John Hunting

And all of our wonderful volunteers!

Presented by the Grand River Poetry Collective.

info@grandriverpoetrycollective.com