Important Update for the Haven Readings @ Upper Crust

The 2026-2027 Haven Reading Series begins on September 21! This year, in response to feedback from members, there will be a new arrangement of the room at Upper Crust, in collaboration with the venue. The two major changes will include:

  1. Meals ordered from the menu will no longer be served in the Reading Room.

Please continue to enjoy the delicious fare at the Upper Crust – they have been incredible supporters of the Stroll for many years! However, going forward, you will be asked to enjoy your meal in the main area of the restaurant instead. This will make it easier for the Upper Crust servers to serve you, and will allow us to set up the room without disrupting your meal. If you do arrive early to eat and would like to save a seat in the room prior to the reading, you are welcome to do so with a coat (or a poem!) placed on a chair (once the room is set up).

  1. There will be a new room arrangement.

We will be moving the microphone and reader area to the back (south) wall of the room, in front of the sideboard. Most tables will be pushed to the side and/or removed to prioritize row seating. Refreshments will be served in the booth at the entrance and the admissions table will move to the north wall.

We welcome any volunteers who can arrive early to assist with set-up beginning at 6:30 p.m.

We believe these changes will increase accessibility, audience comfort, and reduce disruptions to the reading. After our trial period, we will be collecting feedback on the changes in December/January and making adjustments as needed.

– The Stroll of Poets Board

Haven Reading Series Season Finale: Monday, May 25, 2026

Join us for the season finale of the Haven Poetry Series open mic and reading. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time reader, we encourage you enjoy the creative expression and community spirit.

Date: May 25, 2026
Location: 
Upper Crust Restaurant
10909 – 86 Avenue
Time: 7:00 – 8:30
Doors: 6:30
Entry Fee: $5.00

Featured Readers:
Lisa Mulrooney
Markus Eymann
Hank Binnema
Lauren Kalinowski

Mic Host:
Hank Binnema

Door Hosts:
Anne Gerard Marshall
Janis Dow Durnin

How to Participate:
• Bring an original poem or a favorite piece to share (2-minute limit per reader).
• All styles and experience levels are welcome.
• Sign up at the door

What to Expect:
• A welcoming, supportive atmosphere
• Refreshments and light snacks included in $5.00 entry fee
• Opportunities to connect with fellow poetry lovers

Haven Reading Series: Sunday, May 10 at Audreys Books

Join us for another Haven Poetry Series open mic and reading. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time reader, we encourage you enjoy the creative expression and community spirit.

Poets’ Haven, Sunday 10 May 2026
Audreys Books 10702 – Jasper Avenue
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Featured Readers
Julie Oko
Paula Kirman
Abdullah Al Muktadir
T. Neufeld

Door Host
Brenda Gunn

How to Participate:
• Bring an original poem or a favorite piece to share (2-minute limit per reader).
• All styles and experience levels are welcome.
• Sign up at the door

What to Expect:
• A welcoming, supportive atmosphere
• Refreshments and light snacks included in $5.00 entry fee
• Opportunities to connect with fellow poetry lovers

Haven Reading Series: May 4, 2026

Join us for another Haven Poetry Series open mic and reading. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time reader, we encourage you to join us for an evening of creative expression and community spirit.

Location: Upper Crust Restaurant
10909 – 86 Avenue
Time: 7:00 – 8:30
Doors: 6:30
Entry Fee: $5.00

Featured Readers:
Elaine Elrod
Gary Frank
David Bruns

Mic Host:
Janis Dow Durning

Door Hosts:
Anne Gerard Marshall
Anne Hughes

How to Participate:
• Bring an original poem or a favorite piece to share (2-minute limit per reader).
• All styles and experience levels are welcome.
• Sign up at the door

What to Expect:
• A welcoming, supportive atmosphere
• Refreshments and light snacks included in $5.00 entry fee
• Opportunities to connect with fellow poetry lovers

Haven Reading Series: April 27, 2026

Location: Upper Crust Restaurant
10909 – 86 Avenue
Time: 7:00 – 8:30
Doors: 6:30

Featured Readers
Douglas Elves
Loren Marsden
Deborah Lawson
Louise Fairley

Mic Host
Naomi McIlwraith

Door Hosts
Anne Gerard Marshall
Katharine Weinmann

How to Participate:
•   Bring an original poem or a favorite piece to share (2-minute limit per reader).
•   All styles and experience levels are welcome.
•   Sign up at the door

What to Expect:
•   A welcoming, supportive atmosphere
•   Refreshments and light snacks included in $5.00 entry fee
•   Opportunities to connect with fellow poetry lovers

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time reader, we encourage you to join us for an evening of creative expression and community spirit.