Random Acts of Poetry 2

Join us in April 2025 in Ballston Spa for our second annual Random Acts of Poetry, celebrating National Poetry Month. This year's focus is local poets and community participation, so we need your help!

We're bringing back our 3 poetry community events from last year–see below for dates!
- Poetry Open Mic Night – April 9, 2025
- Poetry Writing Workshop – April 12, 2025
- Performance Poetry Reading – April 26, 202

We're adding a NEW Haiku in the Park project–see below to submit your haiku!

Haiku in the park 2025

Calling All Local Poets!

The Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts is seeking haiku submissions for our "Haiku in the Park" project! All haiku submissions will be reviewed for creativity, quality and appropriateness of content. Multiple submissions are allowed and encouraged! Poets will be informed if the haiku is selected and credited on the printed poem (unless anonymity is requested).

The 30 best haiku will be printed on yard signs to be posted in the Village of Ballston Spa in April 2025–one haiku will be added each day in April to the park until all 30 are displayed. At the end of April, we anticipate the park filled with a celebration of the best of Ballston Spa and its poets!

Please note, the act of submitting a haiku grants permission to the Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts; Random Acts of Poetry project team to print and use it for public display.

See A Quick How-to Haiku for tips on writing haiku!

Submission Requirements

* Must be about a Ballston Spa (or regional) experience, place, person, or thing and family friendly
* Must be in standard haiku format (3 lines: 1st line - 5 syllables; 2nd line - 7 syllables; 3rd line - 5 syllables)

HAIKU SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 15, 2025

To submit your haiku, please visit: https://forms.gle/ssn6R3jV5gxq97qq8

04.09.2025 Poetry Open Mic Night

Join us for a captivating evening of poetry at The Real McCoy Beer Company's Open Mic Night! Hosted by Ballston Spa native, writer, poet, and teacher, MC Steven Guilfoyle, this event promises to be a celebration of creativity and community.

Whether you're a seasoned poet or trying out your first poem, all are welcome to share their words in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. Come to listen, come to share, and come to connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts!

🕒 Time: 5:30 PM - Doors & Registration Open

6:00 PM - Open Mic (max 3 min)

📍 Location: The Real McCoy Beer Co Ballston Spa

28 Washington St., Ballston Spa, NY 12020

04.12.2025 Poetry Writing Workshop

Join us for an inspiring poetry writing workshop led by Mariyln McCabe, who holds an MFA in poetry from New England College. This workshop is perfect for beginners and seasoned poets alike, offering a supportive environment to explore and develop your poetic voice.

🕒 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

📍 Location: Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum

21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

💲 Cost: Free (pre-registration required - please visit https://brooksidemuseum.org/ to register)

04.26.2025 Performance Poetry Reading

Experience the power of spoken word at a captivating performance poetry reading featuring three renowned poets: Elaine Handley, Marilyn McCabe, and Joseph Bruchac, PhD. Join us for an evening of lyrical beauty and storytelling that will leave you inspired. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness these exceptional poets live!

🕒 Time: 7:00 PM