Break out your best beats for Poetry Month in Mississauga

Celebrate creativity and community with Poetry Month in Mississauga! This annual campaign recognizes the many ways that poetry enriches our lives and culture. From legendary works like Homer’s “The Odyssey” to modern-day classics like Rupi Kaur’s “Milk and Honey”, there is a lot to explore.

The City of Mississauga is committed to celebrating cultural diversity and experiences, including fostering its creative sectors. Initiatives like Poetry Month is one of many key actions the City is taking to help promote literacy and lifelong learning, while helping to elevate the status of arts and culture within the community. This builds upon the Future Directions Culture and Library Plans, and Prosper and Belong Strategic Pillars for Change.

The Poet and Youth Poet Laureates – the City’s literary ambassadors – use their creativity through literary arts to bring value to residents and those around them, and have provided input in this year’s Poetry Month programming.

From Mississauga’s annual Poetry Slam to open mic nights and workshops, there is a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Open Mic Night

Thursday, April 2, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Hazel McCallion Central Library – Makerspace Stage

Share some verses with the City’s current Poet Laureate, Andrea Josic, and Youth Poet Laureate, Tahira Rajwani. They will begin the evening with a Poetry and Performance workshop before inviting poets to the stage.

Collage Poetry Workshop

Thursday, April 9, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Living Arts Centre – Gallery Studio

Join the City’s Youth Poet Laureate, Tahira Rajwani, in exploring the world of collage poetry. Compose your own poem through assembling and arranging existing text from magazines and newspapers to create a visual poetry piece. Participants are encouraged to bring a piece of text or photo that they would like to incorporate into their work. Reserve your spot for Collage Poetry.

Poetry and Paint Workshop

Thursday, April 16, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Living Arts Centre – Gallery Studio

Join the City’s Poet Laureate, Andrea Josic, for an evening of guided poetry and painting. Participants will be led through a series of brief, beginner-friendly writing exercises, followed by a painting session to create images inspired by their words. This is also the time to share and connect with others. All materials will be provided. Reserve your spot for Poetry and Paint.

Seventh Annual Poetry Slam

Thursday, April 23, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Hazel McCallion Central Library – Noel Ryan Auditorium

Mississauga’s Poetry Slam returns for its seventh year! Watch young literary talents in the community perform original poetry and spoken word submissions in a family-friendly contest. Reserve your seat for the Poetry Slam.

Looking to participate? If you’re a Mississauga-based artist between the ages of 14 and 24, you can complete a submission package to be considered to perform. Submissions close on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Odes Poetry Workshop

Thursday, April 30, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Living Arts Centre – Screening Room

Join the City’s Youth Poet Laureate, Tahira Rajwani, for a Poetry Workshop focused on odes inspired by the people, places or things we hold dear. This workshop will consist of poetry writing and an optional sharing portion. Register today for Odes.

More to enjoy

The City will recognize its incoming sixth Poet Laureate at the General Committee meeting on April 8. This honourary position recognizes an outstanding local poet who has written on themes that are relevant to the residents of Mississauga. They will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, acting as a literary ambassador to help elevate the status of poetry, literary arts and young writers in our community.

Find your muse at the Mississauga Library with a wide range of Poetry Month-themed programs and Storytimes.

Looking for a place to start your poetic journey? The library is here to help with a curated list of recommended reads from fun rhymes and witty haikus to thought-provoking verses, and more.

Tags

• Arts and Culture
• Events and Exhibitions
• Libraries