Events
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Stratford For All Seasons Discovery Walking Tour III
Front Steps of City Hall 1 Wellington St., Stratford, Ontario, CanadaExperience an insider's take on Stratford, based on the new Stratford For All Seasons series launching in April. The one-hour tours are arranged in small groups to a maximum of 8 people to allow for interaction and questions. Led by Stratford native and tourism specialist, Cathy Rehberg, her enthusiasm and love of Stratford is in every story she tells. Following the tour, participants have a chance to meet the authors and receive a complimentary, autographed copy of the $20 Stratford For All Seasons: Secrets & Surprises book. This event will run rain or shine so dress accordingly.
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Stratford For All Seasons Discovery Walking Tour IV
Front Steps of City Hall 1 Wellington St., Stratford, Ontario, CanadaExperience an insider's take on Stratford, based on the new Stratford For All Seasons series launching in April. The one-hour tours are arranged in small groups to a maximum of 8 people to allow for interaction and questions. Led by Stratford native and tourism specialist, Cathy Rehberg, her enthusiasm and love of Stratford is in every story she tells. Following the tour, participants have a chance to meet the authors and receive a complimentary, autographed copy of the $20 Stratford For All Seasons: Secrets & Surprises book. This event will run rain or shine so dress accordingly.
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Remembering Timothy Findley: Sherrill Grace in conversation with Kel Pero
VirtualPlease join us for a conversation between Sherrill Grace and Kel Pero to remember Timothy Findley and his importance to Canadian literature, Grace’s fieldwork and archival research that shaped her writing, and a discussion of the issues that were important to Findley that remain relevant to this day. Presented by Wilfrid Laurier University Press and the Stratford Writers’ Festival.
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The Forest Of My Mind Musical Literary Brunch with award-winning poet Heidi Sander and renowned pianist David Eliakis
Revival House 70 Brunswick Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaAn inspirational and thought-provoking performance by award-winning poet Heidi Sander as she fuses music and poetry to launch her poetry collection, The Forest Of My Mind. Joined by renowned pianist David Eliakis who has arranged music to each of her poems, they will be performing these pieces followed by a Q&A and author signing. This storytelling event with live music is one of the highlights of our fall lineup! This event has limited seating so pick up your tickets early!
$55 -
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WORDSONG : Three Poets set to Music
Revival House 70 Brunswick Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaAs Leonard Cohen reminds us, the line between the song and the word, is a thin one and most beautiful. Join three celebrated and award-winning poets, George Elliott Clarke, Heidi Sander and David Stones in this unique celebration of their poetry, both spoken and transformed into song through a unique cast of illustrious musical performers.
$45 -
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How To Speak Poetry
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaBring your poems to life with power, presence and authenticity in this engaging hands-on workshop designed to help poets achieve the optimal performance of their work. Your poems may work beautifully on the page, but delivering your work verbally with a sense of command and emotional resonance is what truly connects with an audience. With Poet David Stones, this session will explore key techniques such as vocal variation, pacing, breath control, articulation, and volume, as well as expressive use of body language, eye contact, and physical presence.
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In Our Own Words: Poetry Stratford Panel Discusses Belonging
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaJoin local poetry groups, Poetry Stratford and the Huron Poetry Collective, for an intimate and informal gathering that blends live readings with heartfelt conversation.
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Spoken Groove
Here For Now Theatre 24 St. Andrew Street,, Stratford, Ontario, Canada"Spoken Groove" is a powerful, genre-blurring performance that weaves spoken word, dance, and rap into one unified artistic experience.
$30 -
Bibliotherapy: Poetry and Self-Reflection
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaCreative Bibliotherapy is a process of reading and reflecting, using literature as a self-care tool. Join us for a session of seasonal poetry, where we will read and respond to Autumnal selections using the bibliotherapy process. In this session you will learn techniques that you can use to incorporate bibliotherapy into your own everyday reading habits.
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Poetry for Health and Harmony
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaPoetry for Health and Harmony with Anna Yin is a poetry reading enriched with music, film, and personal stories. This event explores how poetry can nurture emotional well-being, foster inner peace, and deepen human connection.
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Language, Landscape & Ancestry: Poetic Journeys of Belonging
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaIn this intimate and thought-provoking panel, poets Melissa Powless Day and Sadiqa de Meijer come together to explore how language, land, and lineage shape their poetic voices and lived experiences.
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From Page to Stage: Spoken Word Performance Workshop
Here For Now Theatre 24 St. Andrew Street,, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for a unique workshop that offers a rare opportunity to gain insights and tips on performance techniques from seasoned professional actor Marion Adler.
$40 -
Charlie Mountford Fireside Chat with Merilyn Simonds: On Aging, Creativity, Friendship and the Poetics of Paying Attention
Here For Now Theatre 24 St. Andrew Street,, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for an intimate conversation with author Merilyn Simonds, as she reflects on her deeply moving book, Walking with Beth—a lyrical meditation on friendship, memory, and time. In a fireside chat with Heidi Sander, Simonds explores the intertwined themes of aging, friendship and creativity through the poetic lens that runs throughout the book.
$20 -
Spoken Groove
Here For Now Theatre 24 St. Andrew Street,, Stratford, Ontario, Canada"Spoken Groove" is a powerful, genre-blurring performance that weaves spoken word, dance, and rap into one unified artistic experience.
$30 -
Infused Words: A 5 Elements Poetry & Tea Pairing
Tea Leaves 433 Erie St., Stratford, Ontario, CanadaStep into a quiet, immersive space where words steep slowly and tea speaks in scent, warmth, and memory. Infused Words is a unique sensory gathering with poet Claire Chapple and tea sommelier Karen Hartwick, that blends the elemental rituals of tea with the lyrical beauty of poetry—pairing five distinctive poems with five carefully chosen teas.
$30 -
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Trophy X Dream Weavers: Storytelling that transforms us
Grand Trunk Site 290 Downie St, Stratford, ON, CanadaTrophy X Dream Weavers transforms Stratford’s historic Grand Trunk site into a glowing village of ten intimate tents, each one home to a powerful tale of transformation, hope, and the dreams that shape who we are. Inside each softly lit space, local storytellers share personal stories that reflect the heart of our region—its turning points, quiet awakenings, and bold aspirations.
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The Poetry Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation in Words
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaFor this special event, join labyrinth facilitator Melanie Kindrachuk in the library auditorium where a simple labyrinth will be created. Participants will begin their contemplative walking path by receiving a short poem at the entrance, a companion for the inward walk. This opening poem invites reflection, grounding, and gentle attention to breath and step.
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The Magical Mystery Poetry Tour
stratford Perth Musem 4275 Huron Rd., Stratford, Ontario, CanadaStratford Poet Laureate David Stones brings his beloved children’s poetry characters to life in this enchanting morning of storytelling and performance. Joined by the spellbinding magic of Maya and the beautiful violin melodies of Belle With a Bow, Makenzie Bartlett, this interactive adventure invites young imaginations to soar.
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From Page to Stage: Spoken Word Performance Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for a unique workshop that offers a rare opportunity to gain insights and tips on performance techniques from seasoned professional actor Marion Adler and multi-award-winning poet Heidi Sander.
$80 -
Writing The River: A Nature Writing Experience on the Water
The Boathouse 30 York St Lower Level,, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaJoin BC poet Zoe Dickinson and multi-award-winning Stratford poet Heidi Sander for a guided canoe or kayak writing experience along the river. With curated writing prompts, quiet lagoon stops, and optional open mic moments, this 60 to 90 minute journey invites you to reconnect with nature, creativity, and community. Travel notebook included. No writing experience required.
$49 -
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The Poetry Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation in Words
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaFor this special event, join labyrinth facilitator Leslie Wright in the library auditorium where a simple labyrinth will be created. Participants will begin their contemplative walking path by receiving a short poem at the entrance, a companion for the inward walk. This opening poem invites reflection, grounding, and gentle attention to breath and step.
FREE -
The Poetry Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation in Words
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaFor this special event, join labyrinth facilitator Leslie Wright in the library auditorium where a simple labyrinth will be created. Participants will begin their contemplative walking path by receiving a short poem at the entrance, a companion for the inward walk. This opening poem invites reflection, grounding, and gentle attention to breath and step.
FREE -
How To Speak Poetry
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaBring your poems to life with power, presence and authenticity in this engaging hands-on workshop designed to help poets achieve the optimal performance of their work. Your poems may work beautifully on the page, but delivering your work verbally with a sense of command and emotional resonance is what truly connects with an audience. With Poet David Stones, this session will explore key techniques such as vocal variation, pacing, breath control, articulation, and volume, as well as expressive use of body language, eye contact, and physical presence.
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Poetry Stratford Panel Discusses: The Search for Self
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaDuring this event, a panel of local poets will share with you their poems about self-discovery. After each reading you are invited to share your thoughts. We also invite each of you to bring a poem on the same theme to share as time allows. This event will be live-streamed.
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Pathways To Poetry Open Mic Event
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaThis is a welcoming, inclusive space for poets, spoken word artists, and storytellers of all experience levels to share their voices. Whether you are performing a freshly written piece or sharing an old favorite, our mic is open to you and this is a chance to share your poetry with a wider audience in an open mic poetry event.
FREE
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