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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260918T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260918T193000
DTSTAMP:20260907T181635Z
CREATED:20260907T181631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T181635Z
UID:10005710-1789752600-1789759800@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Poetry Readings at the Ottawa Trans Library
DESCRIPTION:Poetry Readings at the Ottawa Trans Library! \n\n\n\nGwen Aube\, Rebecca Lawrence Lynch\, and Mona Gendron\, all in Ottawa to read you poetry! You specifically! \n\n\n\nPay what you can! Register online at the link below!!! \n\n\n\nDoors at 5:30PM \n\n\n\nReadings from 6:00 to 7:00PM \n\n\n\nPanel/Q&A from 7:00 to 7:30PM
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/poetry-readings-at-the-ottawa-trans-library/
LOCATION:Ottawa Trans Library\, 1104 Somerset St. West\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K1Y3C8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260912T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260912T173000
DTSTAMP:20260901T134332Z
CREATED:20260901T134329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T134332Z
UID:10005688-1789225200-1789234200@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Unsafe: The Carceral Roots of the Anti-Trans Backlash
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for an exciting public talk and workshop with Sarah Lamble\, Professor of Criminology and Queer Theory (Birkbeck College\, UCL) as they launch their book\, Unsafe: The Carceral Roots of the Anti-Trans Backlash\, newly published (currently 20% off) with Haymarket Books. \n\n\n\nSaturday 12 September3-5:30pmParlour RoomCarleton Dominion Chalmers Centre290 Lisgar Street\, Ottawa \n\n\n\nRegister through the link below! \n\n\n\nABOUT THE BOOKThe twenty-first century “gender wars” have been driven by a powerful and seductive narrative: that safety can be secured through exclusion\, surveillance\, and the policing of difference. These punitive logics have gained momentum across the political spectrum\, fueling an anti-trans backlash and distorting the meaning of safety itself. \n\n\n\nUnsafe is a clear-eyed and decisive challenge to the toxic ideas at the heart of this backlash. With patient rigour\, Lamble exposes how carceral approaches to safety fail to address root causes of harm\, ultimately deepening social divisions and legitimising new forms of violence and control. \n\n\n\nABOUT THE AUTHORLamble is a community organizer and Professor of Criminology and Queer Theory at Birkbeck\, University of London. Their work explores questions of gender\, sexuality\, and justice with a focus on feminist and abolitionist alternatives to prisons\, police\, and punishment. They are based in London. \n\n\n\nABOUT THE EVENT/ACCESSIBILITYThis event will also feature responses by local activists and intellectuals. Following the presentations there will be a Q&A\, followed by a light vegetarian meal with gluten free options. The event will be held in the Parlour Room of Dominion-Chalmers\, which is accessible by an elevator. Ramp access to the entrance of the building is available off the parking lot on Lisgar. Automated real-time captioning will be provided. \n\n\n\nSPONSORSThis event is hosted by the Department of Law and Legal Studies (Carleton University) and co-sponsored by the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies (University of Ottawa)\, the Feminist Institute of Social Transformation (Carleton)\, the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Carleton)\, the Ottawa Trans Library\, the Criminalization and Punishment Education Project (CPEP)\, and Octopus Books.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/unsafe-the-carceral-roots-of-the-anti-trans-backlash/
LOCATION:Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre\, 335 Cooper St.\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K2P0G8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa
ORGANIZER;CN="Department of Law and Legal Studies%2C Carleton University":MAILTO:Stacy.Douglas@carleton.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260828T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260828T123000
DTSTAMP:20260629T213356Z
CREATED:20260629T213352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T213356Z
UID:10005302-1787909400-1787920200@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:ElderQueers (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop
DESCRIPTION:What story have you always wanted to tell? As Elders in the queer community\, our stories are important to be shared\, to be heard\, and to be remembered. – Mary Ellen MacLean \n\n\n\nThis workshop\, for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members aged 50+\, offers an opportunity to gather\, deepen your community connections\, and create stories with the support of each other and Mary Ellen’s guidance. The focus is on having fun\, learning some new skills\, and connecting with each other. \n\n\n\nThis event is open to folks who have never written or told a story out loud before\, as well as those who have. If you have attended one of Mary Ellen’s workshops before\, you are welcome to come back and develop your storytelling skills further. Mary Ellen has over 30 years of experience creating work for the stage and collaborating with people of all ages.During this workshop\, participants will meet with Mary Ellen for three hours each day to learn the basics of creating and telling their story. Stories can be serious\, comic\, or a blend of both. Participants are welcome to use movement\, puppets\, and music to tell your story your way! \n\n\n\nWin 1 of 2 Complimentary Passes. Enter our raffle for a chance to receive a complimentary pass to the workshop. The Draw will take place at 12:30 PM during Out And About Saturday on June 27.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/elderqueers-2slgbtqia-storytelling-workshop-3/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:National Arts Centre\, 1 Elgin St\, Ottawa\, ON\, K1P 5W1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Educational,Literary,Ottawa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260827T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260827T123000
DTSTAMP:20260629T213356Z
CREATED:20260629T213352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T213356Z
UID:10005301-1787823000-1787833800@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:ElderQueers (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop
DESCRIPTION:What story have you always wanted to tell? As Elders in the queer community\, our stories are important to be shared\, to be heard\, and to be remembered. – Mary Ellen MacLean \n\n\n\nThis workshop\, for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members aged 50+\, offers an opportunity to gather\, deepen your community connections\, and create stories with the support of each other and Mary Ellen’s guidance. The focus is on having fun\, learning some new skills\, and connecting with each other. \n\n\n\nThis event is open to folks who have never written or told a story out loud before\, as well as those who have. If you have attended one of Mary Ellen’s workshops before\, you are welcome to come back and develop your storytelling skills further. Mary Ellen has over 30 years of experience creating work for the stage and collaborating with people of all ages.During this workshop\, participants will meet with Mary Ellen for three hours each day to learn the basics of creating and telling their story. Stories can be serious\, comic\, or a blend of both. Participants are welcome to use movement\, puppets\, and music to tell your story your way! \n\n\n\nWin 1 of 2 Complimentary Passes. Enter our raffle for a chance to receive a complimentary pass to the workshop. The Draw will take place at 12:30 PM during Out And About Saturday on June 27.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/elderqueers-2slgbtqia-storytelling-workshop-3/2026-08-27/
LOCATION:National Arts Centre\, 1 Elgin St\, Ottawa\, ON\, K1P 5W1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Educational,Literary,Ottawa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260826T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260826T123000
DTSTAMP:20260629T213356Z
CREATED:20260629T213352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T213356Z
UID:10005300-1787736600-1787747400@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:ElderQueers (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop
DESCRIPTION:What story have you always wanted to tell? As Elders in the queer community\, our stories are important to be shared\, to be heard\, and to be remembered. – Mary Ellen MacLean \n\n\n\nThis workshop\, for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members aged 50+\, offers an opportunity to gather\, deepen your community connections\, and create stories with the support of each other and Mary Ellen’s guidance. The focus is on having fun\, learning some new skills\, and connecting with each other. \n\n\n\nThis event is open to folks who have never written or told a story out loud before\, as well as those who have. If you have attended one of Mary Ellen’s workshops before\, you are welcome to come back and develop your storytelling skills further. Mary Ellen has over 30 years of experience creating work for the stage and collaborating with people of all ages.During this workshop\, participants will meet with Mary Ellen for three hours each day to learn the basics of creating and telling their story. Stories can be serious\, comic\, or a blend of both. Participants are welcome to use movement\, puppets\, and music to tell your story your way! \n\n\n\nWin 1 of 2 Complimentary Passes. Enter our raffle for a chance to receive a complimentary pass to the workshop. The Draw will take place at 12:30 PM during Out And About Saturday on June 27.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/elderqueers-2slgbtqia-storytelling-workshop-3/2026-08-26/
LOCATION:National Arts Centre\, 1 Elgin St\, Ottawa\, ON\, K1P 5W1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Educational,Literary,Ottawa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260825T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260825T123000
DTSTAMP:20260629T213356Z
CREATED:20260629T213352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T213356Z
UID:10005299-1787650200-1787661000@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:ElderQueers (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop
DESCRIPTION:What story have you always wanted to tell? As Elders in the queer community\, our stories are important to be shared\, to be heard\, and to be remembered. – Mary Ellen MacLean \n\n\n\nThis workshop\, for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members aged 50+\, offers an opportunity to gather\, deepen your community connections\, and create stories with the support of each other and Mary Ellen’s guidance. The focus is on having fun\, learning some new skills\, and connecting with each other. \n\n\n\nThis event is open to folks who have never written or told a story out loud before\, as well as those who have. If you have attended one of Mary Ellen’s workshops before\, you are welcome to come back and develop your storytelling skills further. Mary Ellen has over 30 years of experience creating work for the stage and collaborating with people of all ages.During this workshop\, participants will meet with Mary Ellen for three hours each day to learn the basics of creating and telling their story. Stories can be serious\, comic\, or a blend of both. Participants are welcome to use movement\, puppets\, and music to tell your story your way! \n\n\n\nWin 1 of 2 Complimentary Passes. Enter our raffle for a chance to receive a complimentary pass to the workshop. The Draw will take place at 12:30 PM during Out And About Saturday on June 27.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/elderqueers-2slgbtqia-storytelling-workshop-3/2026-08-25/
LOCATION:National Arts Centre\, 1 Elgin St\, Ottawa\, ON\, K1P 5W1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Educational,Literary,Ottawa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260824T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260824T220000
DTSTAMP:20260803T195238Z
CREATED:20260803T195142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T195238Z
UID:10005442-1787599800-1787608800@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Quirky Reads: Fan Fiction Night
DESCRIPTION:We are a fan of fan fiction and we’d love to invite you over to share! Fan fics can be a great way to express ourselves and also see the stories that we want to see in the world. \n\n\n\nSo bring your favourite fan fiction\, or if you write\, bring something to share\, and we will go around sharing and talking about what we brought\, why we like it\, what makes it feel good. You can (if you want) read a section out loud! \n\n\n\nThink book club discussion but for fan fiction. \n\n\n\nThis is a masked and 18+ event\, KN95 or higher is required. \n\n\n\nSliding scale tickets \n\n\n\nMoney shouldn’t be a barrier to connection\, creativity\, or joy. Sliding scale pricing lets you choose the price that feels right based on your current financial reality. When those who have more pay more\, it helps to keep our programming open to everyone\, no matter the income. We trust you to assess your own situation with honest and care. There is no vetting process! \n\n\n\n\nFree ticket: for community members facing significant financial barriers\n\n\n\nGrowing Stability: for those with tight or fluctuating resources\n\n\n\nStable Income: for those with some stability but are still budgeting carefully\n\n\n\nPay It For Me & Forward: for those with steady\, reliable financial support\n\n\n\n\nYou might choose a lower-cost / free ticket if you: \n\n\n\n\nReceive public assistance (disability\, unemployment\, etc.)\n\n\n\nFinancial support dependents (children\, elders\, others)\n\n\n\nDon’t have significant savings or safety nets\n\n\n\nDo survival work (gig work\, informal\, precarious labour)\n\n\n\nHave high expenses (medical\, educational\, etc.)\n\n\n\n\nYou might choose a higher-cost ticket if you: \n\n\n\n\nHave access to stable income\, savings\, or investments\n\n\n\nOwn property or have inherited wealth\n\n\n\nTravel for leisure\, eat out or order in regularly\, invest in hobbies\n\n\n\nFeel financially secure enough to offer mutual support to others\n\n\n\n\nNever been to the studio before? Check out this FAQ!
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/quirky-reads-fan-fiction-night/
LOCATION:The Grove\, 18 Louisa St.\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K1R6Y6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa,Pride,Social
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260824T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260824T123000
DTSTAMP:20260629T213356Z
CREATED:20260629T213352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T213356Z
UID:10005298-1787563800-1787574600@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:ElderQueers (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop
DESCRIPTION:What story have you always wanted to tell? As Elders in the queer community\, our stories are important to be shared\, to be heard\, and to be remembered. – Mary Ellen MacLean \n\n\n\nThis workshop\, for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members aged 50+\, offers an opportunity to gather\, deepen your community connections\, and create stories with the support of each other and Mary Ellen’s guidance. The focus is on having fun\, learning some new skills\, and connecting with each other. \n\n\n\nThis event is open to folks who have never written or told a story out loud before\, as well as those who have. If you have attended one of Mary Ellen’s workshops before\, you are welcome to come back and develop your storytelling skills further. Mary Ellen has over 30 years of experience creating work for the stage and collaborating with people of all ages.During this workshop\, participants will meet with Mary Ellen for three hours each day to learn the basics of creating and telling their story. Stories can be serious\, comic\, or a blend of both. Participants are welcome to use movement\, puppets\, and music to tell your story your way! \n\n\n\nWin 1 of 2 Complimentary Passes. Enter our raffle for a chance to receive a complimentary pass to the workshop. The Draw will take place at 12:30 PM during Out And About Saturday on June 27.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/elderqueers-2slgbtqia-storytelling-workshop-3/2026-08-24/
LOCATION:National Arts Centre\, 1 Elgin St\, Ottawa\, ON\, K1P 5W1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Educational,Literary,Ottawa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260817T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260817T223000
DTSTAMP:20260803T211142Z
CREATED:20260803T211135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T211142Z
UID:10005458-1786996800-1787005800@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Naked Boys Reading: "Out Of The Closet"
DESCRIPTION:They get naked. They read. A different theme every month from Ottawa’s trailblazing literary salon — since July 2017. \n\n\n\nOut of the closet and onto the page\, our August show highlights the importance of queer representation with a selection of recent works featuring LGBT+ characters! It includes several readings by authors from the Ottawa-Gatineau area. \n\n\n\nWe regret that the venue is inaccessible to some people. It is on the second floor of the building and accessible only via stairs. Non-gendered washrooms are available.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/naked-boys-reading-out-of-the-closet/
LOCATION:LIVE! on Elgin\, 220 Elgin St #2\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K2P 1L7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Nightlife,Ottawa,Pride,Sex positive
ORGANIZER;CN="Tricky Ricky Productions & Collaborations":MAILTO:bytowneboys@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260723T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260723T203000
DTSTAMP:20260709T005611Z
CREATED:20260709T005607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T005611Z
UID:10005376-1784831400-1784838600@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Smutty Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:An arousing evening of sex-positive expression in an intimate\, sensual setting—presented by CLIMAX Conference. Enjoy bold live readings of literary smut—fictional and true—exploring sexual empowerment\, healing\, and transformation. A small selection of on-site pop-ups will also feature smutty books\, sex wellness toys & more.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/smutty-storytelling-3/
LOCATION:The Rainbow Bistro\, 76 Murray St.\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K1N5M6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa,Sex positive
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260720T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260720T220000
DTSTAMP:20260718T191244Z
CREATED:20260718T191219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T191244Z
UID:10005403-1784577600-1784584800@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:NBR: SHAKESPEARE!
DESCRIPTION:They get naked. They read. A different theme every month from Ottawa’s trailblazing literary salon — since July 2017. \n\n\n\nJoin us for an exploration through William Shakespeare’s works. From tragedy to comedy\, love sonnets to fiery declarations of revenge\, Shakespeare’s works have touched audiences for nearly 450 years. \n\n\n\nYou’ll hear familiar favourites but also some untouched gems. We’ll explore ancient sensibilities and modern perspectives — maybe even a few hot takes by an actor who’s a legend in their own right. \n\n\n\nHear Shakespeare as ’twas meant to be heard: Live\, in person …and by naked guys.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/nbr-shakespeare/
LOCATION:LIVE! on Elgin\, 220 Elgin St #2\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K2P 1L7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Nightlife,Ottawa
ORGANIZER;CN="Tricky Ricky Productions & Collaborations":MAILTO:bytowneboys@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260720T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260720T213000
DTSTAMP:20260708T215316Z
CREATED:20260708T215308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T215316Z
UID:10005369-1784574000-1784583000@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Riverbed Smut Slam
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a spicy story that your friends love to hear? Is there a seggs story you’ve always wanted to tell? Want to hear true saucy tales and vote on a winner? That is what smut slams are all about! Come out to Club SAW on July 20th for a hot and heavy summer fundraiser for Riverbed Reading Series. We have 10 spots for readers\, many seats to fill\, and an amazing silent auction featuring gifts from local businesses and smutty art from the SAW Gallery archives. \n\n\n\nThe Riverbed Reading Series Fundraiser is an annual event to raise funds for Ottawa’s only experimental literary reading and performance series. Five times a year\, we bring artists and audiences together to indulge in creativity and inspire cross-pollinations.  \n\n\n\nSign up to slam\, buy your tickets today\, then mark your calendars! Doors open at 6:30 p.m.\, and the slam starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. \n\n\n\nPlease note that all readers must follow the official Smut Slam storytelling rules\, which we have borrowed and adapted for this event. \n\n\n\nRiverbed’s Smut Slam Rules: \n\n\n\n• No notes\, costumes\, or props; this is storytelling\, not theater. \n\n\n\n• Only five minutes\, with a one-minute grace period. \n\n\n\n• The story must be real and have happened to you. \n\n\n\n• Please speak clearly into the mic. \n\n\n\n• CONSENT IS KEY. These must be stories about consensual sex. If it’s not consensual\, then it’s not sex. \n\n\n\n• This is not a “Kinkier Than Thou” competition. Tellers don’t get bonus points for more people and/or equipment in the story. We welcome people with all types and amounts of sexual experiences to our space. \n\n\n\n• Some stories are very raw and heavy. Readers are not required to give a content warning or note before their story\, but if your topic might be triggering\, we encourage you to let the audience know. \n\n\n\n• You don’t always need to be the hero. Stories often are funny and/or “epic\,” but we want to encourage people to consider sharing their sad\, disturbing\, poignant\, serious\, simple and/or “fail” experiences\, too. \n\n\n\n• This space is queer-friendly\, kink-friendly AND vanilla-friendly\, fat-friendly\, poly-friendly\, sex worker-friendly\, asexual-friendly — we are just super friendly! \n\n\n\n• We do not welcome stories involving racism\, transphobia\, homophobia\, sexism\, body-shaming\, and/or any other discrimination\, nonconsensual fetishization\, objectification. We will interrupt and ask you to leave the stage if this boundary is crossed.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/riverbed-smut-slam/
LOCATION:SAW\, 67 Nicholas St\, Ottawa\, ON\, K1N 7B9\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa,Sex positive
ORGANIZER;CN="The Riverbed Reading Series":MAILTO:riverbedreadingseries@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260622T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260622T223000
DTSTAMP:20260614T144939Z
CREATED:20260614T144855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260614T144939Z
UID:10005241-1782158400-1782167400@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Naked Boys Reading - "The Fair Folk: Faeries Throughout History"
DESCRIPTION:They get naked. They read. A different theme every month from Ottawa’s trailblazing literary salon — since July 2017. \n\n\n\n“Up the air mountain\, down the rushy glen. We daren’t go a-hunting for fear of little men.” \n\n\n\nWhat is a fairy? The word conjures so many different images\, ranging from garden pixies to fairy godmothers to child-snatching frights. This show explores the many dynamics of the fey through art and literature. \n\n\n\nWe regret that the venue is inaccessible to some people. It is on the second floor of the building and accessible only via stairs. Non-gendered washrooms are available.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/naked-boys-reading-the-fair-folk-faeries-throughout-history/
LOCATION:LIVE! on Elgin\, 220 Elgin St #2\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K2P 1L7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Nightlife,Ottawa
ORGANIZER;CN="Tricky Ricky Productions & Collaborations":MAILTO:bytowneboys@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260518T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260518T220000
DTSTAMP:20260513T163932Z
CREATED:20260513T163927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T163932Z
UID:10005053-1779134400-1779141600@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Naked Boys Reading: Literature of Fire
DESCRIPTION:They get naked. They read. A different theme every month from Ottawa’s trailblazing literary salon — since July 2017. \n\n\n\nWe’re turning up the heat this month with a smoldering selection curated by our very own fire-eater\, Rhapsody Blue. Our readers are smoking and the texts are scorching. Join us for a flaming good time! \n\n\n\nWe regret that the venue is inaccessible to some people. It is on the second floor of the building and accessible only via stairs. Non-gendered washrooms are available.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/naked-boys-reading-literature-of-fire/
LOCATION:LIVE! on Elgin\, 220 Elgin St #2\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K2P 1L7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa
ORGANIZER;CN="Tricky Ricky Productions & Collaborations":MAILTO:bytowneboys@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260513T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260513T223000
DTSTAMP:20260511T173848Z
CREATED:20260511T173819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T173848Z
UID:10005047-1778700600-1778711400@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Riverbed Reading Series S7:i1
DESCRIPTION:We are back for season seven\, and our first iteration features poetry\, fiction and throatsinging performances centred on the theme of futurisms. Envision our future. Ask yourself: how can we collectively shift these existing sociopolitical structures? What can I do? How can I disrupt? This is futurisms. \n\n\n\nCome find out how Qattuu\, Shō Yamagushiku and Whitney French approach this topic on Wednesday\, May 13. The night will start with an open mic\, so bring a poem or short piece of prose or performance to share (2 minute time cap) to Club SAW. This event is PWYC with a suggested donation of $20-$25. \n\n\n\nRiverbed Reading Series is an inclusive\, experimental gathering space. Part poetry reading\, part musical performance\, part cabaret\, we are driven by the belief that the artistic spheres are connected.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/riverbed-reading-series-s7i1/
LOCATION:SAW\, 67 Nicholas St\, Ottawa\, ON\, K1N 7B9\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa
ORGANIZER;CN="The Riverbed Reading Series":MAILTO:riverbedreadingseries@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260509T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260509T180000
DTSTAMP:20260505T182521Z
CREATED:20260505T182517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T182521Z
UID:10005023-1778324400-1778349600@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Object//Project Art Book Fair
DESCRIPTION:Possible Worlds presents Object//Project Art Book Fair\, a multiday event in Ottawa\, Canada’s capital\, which celebrates diverse and boundary-pushing artists’ publishing. \n\n\n\nThis year’s fair features tons of queer and trans talent\, including: \n\n\n\n\nB&D Press\n\n\n\nbéances éditions\n\n\n\nCity Pigeon Press\n\n\n\nDada Issues\n\n\n\nDavid Woodward\n\n\n\nDawny / Radiomountain\n\n\n\nGood Golly Zines\n\n\n\nOttawa Trans Library\n\n\n\nRaven and Ram\n\n\n\nSheer Spite Press\n\n\n\nSPICYBABY\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLaunched in 2025 by Possible Worlds\, Object//Project Art Book Fair (OPABF) is a multi-day gathering in Ottawa which celebrates diverse and boundary-pushing artists’ publishing. \n\n\n\nSet against the backdrop of Canada’s capital city\, OPABF pays particular attention to art publishing as an act of “making public”\, as well as a medium for responding to today’s challenging social\, cultural and political landscape. \n\n\n\nFree and open to the public\, OPABF aims to be a vital platform for exhibitors and programs that is rooted in knowledge sharing\, community and expression. We believe in the power of publishing to amplify and connect underrepresented and emerging voices\, as a democratic discipline that transcends physical spaces and time\, and as a catalyst to reshape longstanding narratives and worldviews. \n\n\n\nAlongside a dedicated team of volunteers\, the fair is co-organized by Melanie Yugo and Jason Skilz\, Possible Worlds Co-Directors\, both of whom have worked in the arts\, music\, publishing\, design\, education\, community engagement\, and event production for many years in Ottawa and across Canada.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/object-project-art-book-fair/2026-05-09/
LOCATION:Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre\, 335 Cooper St.\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K2P0G8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Market or festival,Ottawa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260508T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260508T210000
DTSTAMP:20260505T182521Z
CREATED:20260505T182517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T182521Z
UID:10005022-1778259600-1778274000@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Object//Project Art Book Fair
DESCRIPTION:Possible Worlds presents Object//Project Art Book Fair\, a multiday event in Ottawa\, Canada’s capital\, which celebrates diverse and boundary-pushing artists’ publishing. \n\n\n\nThis year’s fair features tons of queer and trans talent\, including: \n\n\n\n\nB&D Press\n\n\n\nbéances éditions\n\n\n\nCity Pigeon Press\n\n\n\nDada Issues\n\n\n\nDavid Woodward\n\n\n\nDawny / Radiomountain\n\n\n\nGood Golly Zines\n\n\n\nOttawa Trans Library\n\n\n\nRaven and Ram\n\n\n\nSheer Spite Press\n\n\n\nSPICYBABY\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLaunched in 2025 by Possible Worlds\, Object//Project Art Book Fair (OPABF) is a multi-day gathering in Ottawa which celebrates diverse and boundary-pushing artists’ publishing. \n\n\n\nSet against the backdrop of Canada’s capital city\, OPABF pays particular attention to art publishing as an act of “making public”\, as well as a medium for responding to today’s challenging social\, cultural and political landscape. \n\n\n\nFree and open to the public\, OPABF aims to be a vital platform for exhibitors and programs that is rooted in knowledge sharing\, community and expression. We believe in the power of publishing to amplify and connect underrepresented and emerging voices\, as a democratic discipline that transcends physical spaces and time\, and as a catalyst to reshape longstanding narratives and worldviews. \n\n\n\nAlongside a dedicated team of volunteers\, the fair is co-organized by Melanie Yugo and Jason Skilz\, Possible Worlds Co-Directors\, both of whom have worked in the arts\, music\, publishing\, design\, education\, community engagement\, and event production for many years in Ottawa and across Canada.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/object-project-art-book-fair/2026-05-08/
LOCATION:Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre\, 335 Cooper St.\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K2P0G8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Market or festival,Ottawa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260503T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260503T213000
DTSTAMP:20260429T001159Z
CREATED:20260429T001146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T001159Z
UID:10005010-1777838400-1777843800@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Writers Festival: Do the Right Thing
DESCRIPTION:The Ottawa International Writers Festival is back with a fresh spring lineup\, including Do the Right Thing\, featuring queer author\, Emily Austin.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin our host\, author Jennifer Whiteford\, for a conversation with three remarkable authors whose novels ask what it means to do the right thing\, what drives us\, and how do we know if we are making the right choice? \n\n\n\nEmily Austin returns with Is This a Cry for Help? a luminous new novel following a librarian who comes back to work after a mental breakdown only to confront book-banning crusaders in an empowering story of grief\, love\, and the power of libraries. Through the support of her community\, colleagues\, and the personal growth that results from examining her previous relationships\, Darcy comes into her own agency and the truest version of herself.  \n\n\n\nHaunting\, original\, and as poetic as it is propulsive\,  At Sea  by Y.M. Abdel-Magied\, is a taut and gripping novel about principle\, prejudice\, and the capitalist endeavours that overlook the concerns of women—and of Mother Nature herself.  A female driller takes charge of an isolated offshore oil rig with an entirely male crew in this propulsive literary debut about ambition\, greed and the deadly consequences of ignoring Mother Nature. \n\n\n\nFrom Sharon Bala \, the bestselling author of  The Boat People\,  comes a page-turning moral drama about money\, the dark side of philanthropy\, and what happens when you try to change the world for all the wrong reasons. Claire Talbot is the publicist at Children of the World\, an international aid charity. Moving between Children of the World’s headquarters in Toronto and their compound in Central America\,  Good Guys  charts the charity’s rise and fall. Scathing yet compassionate\, the novel is a thought-provoking exploration of power\, philanthropy\, and the lengths we go to for redemption. Emotionally engrossing\, tightly paced\, and sharply observed\, it ultimately asks: Is it possible to do good in an imperfect world?
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/writers-festival-do-the-right-thing/
LOCATION:Library and Archives Canada\, 395 Wellington St.\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K1A 0J1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa
ORGANIZER;CN="Ottawa International Writers Festival":MAILTO:info@writersfestival.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260423T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260423T200000
DTSTAMP:20260416T152732Z
CREATED:20260416T152721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T152732Z
UID:10004962-1776967200-1776974400@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Author Talk | Curtis Chin - Everything I Learned\, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant
DESCRIPTION:Meet Curtis Chin for a discussion of Everything I Learned\, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant\, an award-winning memoir of his time growing up as a gay Chinese American kid in 1980’s Detroit. Curtis will be joined in conversation by Ottawa artist Don Kwan. \n\n\n\nNineteen eighties Detroit was a volatile place to live\, but above the fray stood a safe haven: Chung’s Cantonese Cuisine\, where anyone—from the city’s first Black mayor to the local drag queens\, from a big-time Hollywood star to elderly Jewish couples—could sit down for a warm\, home-cooked meal. Here was where\, beneath a bright-red awning and surrounded by his multigenerational family\, filmmaker and activist Curtis Chin came of age; where he learned to embrace his identity as a gay ABC\, or American-born Chinese; where he navigated the divided city’s spiraling misfortunes; and where—between helpings of almond boneless chicken\, sweet-and-sour pork\, and some of his own\, less-savory culinary concoctions—he realized just how much he had to offer to the world\, to his beloved family\, and to himself. \n\n\n\nCurtis Chin co-founded the Asian American Writers’ Workshop in New York City\, and served as the nonprofit’s first Executive Director. He went on to write comedy for network and cable television before transitioning to social justice documentaries. Chin has screened his films at over 600 venues in twenty countries. He has written for CNN\, Bon Appétit\, the Detroit Free Press\, and the Emancipator/Boston Globe. A graduate of the University of Michigan\, Chin has received awards from ABC/Disney Television\, New York Foundation for the Arts\, National Endowment for the Arts\, and more. His essay in Bon Appétit was selected for Best Food Writing in America 2023\, and his short doc\, Dear Corky\, premiered on American Masters (PBS). He can be found at CurtisfromDetroit.com. \n\n\n\nDon Kwan is a queer third-generation Chinese Canadian artist whose work is influenced by his upbringing in a family-owned restaurant in Ottawa’s Chinatown. He uses mixed media\, found objects\, and sourced personal text and photographs to explore questions of identity\, belonging\, and place\, reflecting on his family history while weaving intriguing stories about the Chinese Canadian diaspora. \n\n\n\nSupport Chinatown seniors through the Nancy and Alan Kwan Chinatown Foundation. Optional donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/author-talk-curtis-chin-everything-i-learned-i-learned-in-a-chinese-restaurant/
LOCATION:Yet Keen Senoirs’ Day Centre\, 755 Somerset St. W\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K1R 6R1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa
ORGANIZER;CN="Don Kwan":MAILTO:donkwanart@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260420T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260420T223000
DTSTAMP:20260416T153132Z
CREATED:20260416T153128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T153132Z
UID:10004963-1776715200-1776724200@maxottawa.ca
SUMMARY:Naked Boys Reading: "Tales of Substance"
DESCRIPTION:They get naked. They read. A different theme every month from Ottawa’s trailblazing literary salon — since July 2017. \n\n\n\nIn this month’s show (which just happens to fall on 4/20)\, we’ll be exploring the theme of substance use: the good\, the bad\, and everything in between. \n\n\n\nWe regret that the venue is inaccessible to some people. It is on the second floor of the building and accessible only via stairs. Non-gendered washrooms are available. \n\n\n\nWe strongly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance as our shows often sell out. General seating. If cost is a barrier\, please send us an email as we do have promo codes available on request.
URL:https://maxottawa.ca/list/naked-boys-reading-tales-of-substance/
LOCATION:LIVE! on Elgin\, 220 Elgin St #2\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, K2P 1L7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Literary,Ottawa
ORGANIZER;CN="Tricky Ricky Productions & Collaborations":MAILTO:bytowneboys@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR