The Olive Reading Series

Founded in 2000, The Olive Reading Series events are held on Treaty 6 territory which is a traditional meeting ground, travelling route and home for many Indigenous Peoples, including the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakoda Sioux.

The Olive is the longest running, off-campus, out-of-bookstore, poetry series in Edmonton. From its start at Martini’s Bar and Grill, to Hulbert’s Cafe, Leva Cappuccino Bar, The Empress Ale House, The Almanac, and now The Rooster, The Olive Reading Series is recognized as a unique and stimulating venue by both emerging and established poets.

Readings happen on the second Wednesday of every month from January to April and September to December. These well-attended evening readings feature a well-established local, Albertan, or Canadian writers reading from recent work. One month out of our year we feature readings from students of Creative Writing classes at Edmonton’s post-secondary institutions, offering a venue to showcase up-and-coming Edmonton talent.

A short open mic session follows the two main readings (which may be a poet, fiction writer, or non-fiction writer). The session is open to all attendees and provides a valuable, safe and non-judgmental reading environment for new writers.

A key feature of the Olive is the publication of an eight-page chapbook highlights the featured reader/writer’s new work. This chapbook serves not only as a record and a keepsake of each reading, it is also a vital part of the experience. We believe that a truly complete poetry, and prose, experience happens when you take the words in through both the ears and through the eyes.