Name: Poetry Saves Lives -- A free poetry festival
Start: 2026-10-15
End: 2026-10-15

We are an economic generator through sports tourism for Greater Grand Rapids and Kent County in the West Michigan area.

We own and operate an award winning baseball/softball complex; the Meijer Sports Complex [www.MeijerSportsComplex.com](https://www.MeijerSportsComplex.com) featuring eight fields, including a championship field that seats 1,000.

Our signature event, the Meijer State Games of Michigan (Olympic-style sporting event), draws 10,000 athletes through 60+ sports in its Winter and Summer Games.  We work with many of our local sports clubs and organizations to host various regional and national tournaments.

Why Grand Rapids? We have:
•	12,000 + hotel rooms (2,500 downtown)
•	234,000 square foot downtown convention center (fits 40 volleyball courts)
•	12,000 seat Van Andel Arena
•	5 facilities that feature 4+ courts and multiple grass or turf fields
•	Grant program for new events
•	and more!

West Michigan Sports Commission

POETRY SAVES LIVES FESTIVAL SCHEDULE   
October 15–17, 2026 at 106 Gallery  
Thursday, Oct. 15 — Crock Pot-Luck Poetry  
5–6:30 p.m. Potluck. Bring a dish to pass. Plates, silverware, and water provided.  
6:30–9 p.m. Open mic hosted by Carolyn Ferrari  
Friday, Oct. 16 — Art, Poetry, and Process  
3–5 p.m. Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop and Open Mic with Hannah Notess  
6–8 p.m. Open mic plus discussion: How Has Poetry Saved Your Life? with host Neil Kaufman  
Saturday, Oct. 17 — Poetry Community Celebration  
11 a.m.–1 p.m. Youth/all-ages poetry workshop and open mic with Meg Johnson and Shayna “Akanke” Marie  
1:30–3:30 p.m. Panel: Let’s Talk About Poetry and Mental Health  
4–5:30 p.m. Dance workshop with Dr. Kimmy Copeland of Tanztheater Michigan. Learn easy dance moves to accompany uplifting poems from local poets. All ages and abilities are welcome.  
6–8 p.m. Grand Finale Celebration with host Christine Stephens-Krieger, Grand Rapids Poet Laureate, including community dance and open mic with jazz ensemble Art Sauce.

Poetry Saves Lives -- A free poetry festival

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