Pride Niagara’s 13th Annual
Unity Awards
-
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at 6PM
-
Club Roma, 125 Vansickle Rd, Saint Catharines ON
-
Pride Niagara: The 13th Annual 2026 Niagara UNITY Awards – Presented by TD!
⭐ Niagara Region’s only awards ceremony recognizing the significant achievements and successes of individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a positive impact for our 2SLGBTQ+ community in Niagara.
This formal gala features a three-course dinner courtesy of Club Roma, spectacular entertainment with the most glamorous girl in captivity, @carlottacarlisle, and, of course, the Niagara UNITY Awards ceremony itself!
Poetry Slam
-
Wednesday, June 24th
Doors Open + Signup: 7PM
Open Mic: 7:30PM
Competition: 7:45/8PM
FEATURE: 8:30/9PM, 20 minutes
END: 10/10:30PM
-
Mahtay Cafe & Lounge
241 St. Paul St, Saint Catharines, ON
-
Spoken Word Poetry Slam and Open Mic event.
$10 or PWYC, Masks provided at the door for accessibility.
Feature Poet: Malavika Krishna-Kumar
Monthly Theme: Pride
Workshop Example: What to Expect
-
Please always bring a preferred writing/note taking medium, and a laptop or electronic device for shared digital resources including slides, videos, documents, readings, etc.
Free notebooks, pens, and stickers are provided!
Please note that Victoria holds a high standard of inclusivity and kindness at her events. Any case of hostility, discrimination, or non-inclusive behaviour may result in being asked to leave.
Workshops are typically modelled for a 2 hour duration. Please make note if the event specifies otherwise.
-
Brief introduction of myself as a workshop facilitator and attendees, including icebreakers and personal goals for the workshop,
Followed by an overview of what topics & material will be covered.
-
A guided deep dive into the workshop’s subject matter, often including demonstrative slides, examples, or readings.
-
A guided discussion related to theory, method, effect, and personal reflections on the chosen topic.
Questions and curiosities are welcome!
-
Guided writing activities and silent work period to practice applying new learned techniques & skills.
-
A chance to share your works, ideas, feedback, and thoughts on the presented activity with the group!
-
Final thoughts, feedback, support, and resources to ensure you leave feeling satisfied and inspired by what you’ve gained from the workshop!
Past Events
Forms of Poetry: Workshop
-
Saturday, May 30th from 2:30-4:30pm
-
Open Gallery Room,
405 St. Paul St, Saint Catharines ON
-
An introduction to classic forms of poetry, writing through history and in modern day, highlighting famous poets and their works. This workshop will cover avant-garde, free verse and prose poetry along with more rigid forms like the sestina, sonnets, spoken word, etc. Highlighting the differences and potential impacts of each form.
Poetry Reading & Pop Up Sale
-
Saturday, May 16th from 1PM-4PM
-
Mahtay Cafe & Lounge,
241 St. Paul St, Saint Catharines ON
-
Join us for a Poetry Reading & Pop-Up Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, May 16th from 1:00–4:00 PM at Mahtay Café. This cozy, community-centered event invites you to share your best—and most “cringey”—childhood poems in a fun and welcoming open mic setting. Alongside the readings, there will be a curated pop-up sale featuring used books, local artwork, self-published poetry and colouring books, lightly worn stylish clothing (sizes L–XL), puppy essentials, and unique household treasures. Entry is $5 or pay-what-you-can, and all paid entries include a raffle ticket for a chance to win a giant unicorn Squishmallow. Proceeds from the event will support local poet Victoria Ashleigh Rose in traveling to deliver accessible workshops and share her work on stages across Ontario. This event is held in collaboration with the St. Catharines Poetry Slam.
Poetry Slam
-
Wednesday, April 29th at 7pm
-
Mahtay Cafe & Lounge
241 St. Paul St, Saint Catharines, ON
-
Spoken Word Poetry Slam and Open Mic event.
$10 or PWYC, Masks provided at the door for accessibility.
Feature Poet: Saint Catharines first Poet Laureate, Shannon Kitchings
Monthly Theme: Storytelling