Poetry & Literary Opportunities in Chicago's North Shore & North Suburbs

Stretching along Lake Michigan and through the vibrant inland communities of Cook and Lake Counties, Chicago’s North Suburbs hold one of the Midwest’s most celebrated cultural corridors. From historic downtown squares and lakefront libraries to world-class university campuses and intimate indie bookshops, this region offers an unmatched network for poets, spoken word artists, and creative writers.

Whether you're a poet who lives in Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Forest, or Lake Bluff along the shore, or inland across Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, and Vernon Hills—as well as neighboring hubs like Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, and Morton Grove, you'll find opportunities to hone your poetry, perform your poems and find literary magazines, journals and publishers eager to read your poetry.

Curated by The Poetry Movement, this directory details recurring literary opportunities. If you find inaccurate information and can provide correction, or if you are aware of other opportunities and can provide details regarding the day/time/dates, cost, frequency, location, and contact person(s), along with links to any relevant websites, social media profiles, media coverage and ticketing websites, please email complete information to info@thepoetrymovement.org

1. Poetry Open Mics & Featured Readings

Highland Park Poetry Monthly Reading & Open Mic Series

• Opportunity Name: Highland Park Poetry Monthly Reading & Open Mic

• Organizer / Host: Highland Park Poetry (Hosted by Jennifer Dotson and guest curators)

• Location & Address: Secret World Books, 1770 First St, Highland Park, IL 60035 (also hosted periodically at Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 Second St, Highland Park, IL 60035)

• Schedule & Frequency: Second Saturday of every month; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free admission; open mic sign-up at the door starting at 4:45 PM

• Eligibility: Open to poets, writers, and listeners of all ages and experience levels

• Contact Information: Email: info@highlandparkpoetry.org | Phone: (773) 294-8947

• Significant Details: Established in 2007, this long-running series has produced nearly 200 consecutive monthly showcases. Each gathering features two invited featured poets followed by an open mic where local writers read 3-minute selections.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: In local arts coverage, press outlets noted: "Highland Park Poetry has provided a crucial sanctuary for North Shore writers for nearly two decades, proving that spoken word thrives far beyond city limits."

• Links: Official Website | Highland Park Poetry Facebook Page | Eventbrite Event Listing | ArtsLink North Profile & Press Coverage

Open Mic Night at Bookends & Beginnings (Evanston / 3-Mile Radius)

• Opportunity Name: Community Poetry & Prose Open Mic

• Organizer / Host: Bookends & Beginnings (Owner: Nina Barrett)

• Location & Address: 1620 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201 (Serving Wilmette, Skokie, and the lower North Shore)

• Schedule & Frequency: Third Wednesday of the month; 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free ($5 suggested donation to support venue space)

• Eligibility: Open to high school students, university writers, and adult community members

• Contact Information: Email: events@bookendsandbeginnings.com | Phone: (224) 999-7722

• Significant Details: Tucked into Downtown Evanston just minutes from Wilmette, this independent bookstore provides a warm, literary atmosphere for poets to share original work, chapbooks, and spoken word.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: The Daily Northwestern reported: "Bookends & Beginnings continues to serve as an indispensable cultural anchor, bridging the university and surrounding North Shore communities through intimate literary events."

• Links: Official Website | Bookends & Beginnings Facebook | Meetup Group Portal | Daily Northwestern Coverage

2. Annual Literary Festivals, Conferences & Fairs

Printers Row North / Evanston Literary Festival (Serving Wilmette, Skokie & Glenview)

• Opportunity Name: Evanston Literary Festival & Author Fair

• Organizer / Host: Evanston Public Library, Bookends & Beginnings, and Northwestern University Creative Writing Department

• Location & Address: Multiple venues including Evanston Public Library (1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201) and Northwestern Campus

• Schedule & Frequency: Annually in mid-May; multi-day weekend schedule (Friday–Sunday)

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free and open to the public; author fair table fees $30–$60

• Eligibility: Authors, small presses, zine publishers, and poetry lovers across Cook and Lake Counties

• Contact Information: Email: events@epl.org | Phone: (847) 448-8600

• Significant Details: Features poetry panels, live press demonstrations, book fairs, and masterclasses featuring Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalists connected to the North Shore.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: Chicago Tribune arts desk highlighted the festival: "The gathering highlights the immense literary density of Chicago’s northern suburbs, giving local poets a national stage."

• Links: Official Festival Webpage | Evanston Public Library Facebook | Eventbrite Registration Page | Chicago Tribune Feature Article

3. Poetry Organizations, Guilds & Writers Groups

Off-Campus Writers' Workshop (OCWW - Winnetka & Glencoe)

• Opportunity Name: Off-Campus Writers' Workshop Weekly Seminars

• Organizer / Host: OCWW Board of Directors (President: Patricia Ann McNair)

• Location & Address: Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093 (also offering hybrid Zoom options)

• Schedule & Frequency: Every Thursday morning during the academic year (September–May); 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Cover Charge / Fee: $15 drop-in fee per session; $120 annual membership

• Eligibility: Open to all creative writers, poets, essayists, and novelists across Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Glenview

• Contact Information: Email: info@ocww.info | Phone: (847) 446-0537

• Significant Details: Founded in 1946, OCWW is one of the oldest continuous writing organizations in the United States. Weekly sessions feature presentations and manuscript critique by published authors, literary agents, and university professors.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: The Record North Shore reported on OCWW's milestone: "For over 75 years, OCWW has transformed suburban living rooms and community halls into rigorous incubators for published literary talent."

• Links: Official OCWW Website | OCWW Facebook Page | Meetup Group Page | The Record North Shore Press Feature

Northbrook Writers' Group (Northbrook & Glenview)

• Opportunity Name: Northbrook Public Library Writers' Critique Circle

• Organizer / Host: Northbrook Public Library Reference & Adult Services

• Location & Address: Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Ln, Northbrook, IL 60062

• Schedule & Frequency: First and Third Tuesday of each month; 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free

• Eligibility: Writers ages 18+ residing in Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, and surrounding townships

• Contact Information: Email: reference@northbrook.info | Phone: (847) 272-6224

• Significant Details: Provides a collaborative forum for poets and prose writers to give and receive constructive peer feedback on works-in-progress.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: Northbrook Star / Pioneer Press noted: "The library's critique circles have built an enduring neighborhood space where aspiring suburban authors refine their voices."

• Links: Official Library Event Calendar | Northbrook Library Facebook | Nextdoor Event Listing | Pioneer Press Coverage

4. Independent New & Used Bookstores

Secret World Books (Highland Park)

• Opportunity Name: Secret World Books & Literary Salon

• Organizer / Host: Owned and operated by Helen & Mark Dziubinski

• Location & Address: 1770 First St, Highland Park, IL 60035

• Schedule & Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free entry

• Eligibility: Open to all community members

• Contact Information: Email: info@secretworldbooks.com | Phone: (847) 748-8311

• Significant Details: An independent bookstore located in Downtown Highland Park specializing in poetry collections, small press titles, local art prints, and author signings. Serves as the official home for Highland Park Poetry readings.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: Sheridan Road Magazine celebrated the shop: "Secret World Books has quickly become Downtown Highland Park's literary heart, curating rare poetry and fostering deep community conversation."

• Links: Official Store Website | Secret World Books Instagram | Eventbrite Author Events | Sheridan Road Magazine Feature

Lake Forest Book Store (Lake Forest & Lake Bluff)

• Opportunity Name: Lake Forest Book Store

• Organizer / Host: Owned by Eleanor Thorn

• Location & Address: 662 N Bank Ln, Lake Forest, IL 60045

• Schedule & Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free entry

• Eligibility: Open to all readers and authors

• Contact Information: Email: lakeforestbookstore@gmail.com | Phone: (847) 234-4420

• Significant Details: Serving Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Highland Park since 1949, this historic bookstore regularly hosts poetry book launches, author luncheons, and community reading groups.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: The Chicago Tribune profiled the store: "For over 75 years, Lake Forest Book Store has remained a beloved sanctuary for North Shore book lovers and visiting literary icons."

• Links: Official Website | Lake Forest Book Store Facebook | Eventbrite Ticket Portal | Chicago Tribune Article

5. Public Libraries with Regular Poetry Events & Activities

Wilmette Public Library (Wilmette & Kenilworth)

• Opportunity Name: Poetry Appreciation & Creative Writing Workshops

• Organizer / Host: Wilmette Public Library Adult Services

• Location & Address: 1242 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091

• Schedule & Frequency: Monthly on Fourth Wednesday; 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM; special National Poetry Month events every April

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free (Online registration recommended)

• Eligibility: Residents of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, and surrounding suburbs

• Contact Information: Email: refdesk@wilmettelibrary.info | Phone: (847) 256-5025

• Significant Details: Offers interactive poetry masterclasses, craft discussions, and youth poetry slams.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: Wilmette Life / Pioneer Press covered the library's cultural programming, stating: "Wilmette Public Library continues to innovate, offering accessible humanities programs that connect residents with top Midwestern poets."

• Links: Official Website | Wilmette Library Facebook | Nextdoor Event Page | Pioneer Press News Article

Glenview Public Library (Glenview & Golf)

• Opportunity Name: Writer's Group & Poetry Month Masterclasses

• Organizer / Host: Glenview Public Library Adult Programming Division

• Location & Address: 1930 Glenview Rd, Glenview, IL 60025

• Schedule & Frequency: First Monday of every month; 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free

• Eligibility: Open to all North Shore and Northern Cook County residents

• Contact Information: Email: reference@glenviewpl.org | Phone: (847) 729-7500

• Significant Details: Hosts poetry writing circles, publishing seminars, and guest readings by local Illinois Poet Laureate nominees.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: Journal & Topics News wrote: "Glenview Public Library's writing series provides crucial infrastructure for local creative minds looking to polish manuscripts and share original poetry."

• Links: Official Library Website | Glenview Library Facebook | Eventbrite Library Page | Journal & Topics Press Feature

6. Poetry Publishers, Literary Magazines & Small Presses

Tusitala Literary Magazine (Lake Forest College)

• Opportunity Name: Tusitala Bi-Annual Literary Journal

• Organizer / Host: Lake Forest College Department of English & Creative Writing

• Location & Address: 555 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

• Schedule & Submissions: Open submission windows every Fall and Spring semester; annual launch reading in April

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free submission

• Eligibility: Open to Lake Forest College students, alumni, faculty, and regional North Shore guest poets

• Contact Information: Email: tusitala@lakeforest.edu | Phone: (847) 735-5000

• Significant Details: Continuously published since 1935, Tusitala is one of the oldest undergraduate literary journals in Illinois, featuring groundbreaking poetry, short fiction, and visual art.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: Lake Forest College News highlighted: "Tusitala stands as a historic bridge connecting generations of writers across Lake Forest and the broader Midwest."

• Links: Official Journal Portal | Lake Forest College Instagram | Submittable Submission Page | Lake Forest News Release

TriQuarterly Literary Journal (Northwestern University / 3-Mile Radius)

• Opportunity Name: TriQuarterly Online Journal

• Organizer / Host: Northwestern University Press & MA/MFA in Creative Writing Program

• Location & Address: 1815 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201 (Serving Wilmette, Skokie, and Glenview)

• Schedule & Submissions: Submissions open annually from July 15 to October 1; issues published semi-annually in Winter and Summer

• Cover Charge / Fee: Free

• Eligibility: Open to poets and authors worldwide, with active editorial involvement from North Shore writers

• Contact Information: Email: triquarterly@northwestern.edu | Phone: (847) 491-3741

• Significant Details: Founded in 1964, TriQuarterly is an internationally renowned magazine publishing poetry, translation, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: The New York Times previously praised TriQuarterly as "perhaps the preeminent journal for new American writing published anywhere in the country."

• Links: Official TriQuarterly Site | TriQuarterly Facebook | Submittable Portal | New York Times Coverage

7. Poetry Contests, Awards & Poet Laureate Programs

Prairie State Poetry Prize & Highland Park Poetry Annual Contests

• Opportunity Name: Prairie State Poetry Book Contest & Seasonal Challenges

• Organizer / Host: Highland Park Poetry Press

• Location & Address: 1690 Midland Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035

• Schedule & Deadline: Prairie State Prize deadline: February 15 annually; Winner announced in April

• Cover Charge / Fee: $15 entry fee per manuscript

• Eligibility: Open to poets residing in Illinois publishing their 1st or 2nd full-length poetry book

• Contact Information: Email: entry@highlandparkpoetry.org | Phone: (773) 294-8947

• Significant Details: The winning poet receives publication, 25 copies, a $500 cash award, and a feature reading tour across North Shore libraries.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: The Chicago Tribune covered the prize: "Highland Park Poetry’s competitions continue to spotlight incredible untapped literary talent across Illinois."

• Links: Official Contest Rules | Highland Park Poetry Twitter/X | Eventbrite Award Announcement | Chicago Tribune Article

8. College Writing Programs, Workshops & Community Classes

Lake Forest College Creative Writing Program & Plonsker Residency

• Opportunity Name: B.A. in Creative Writing & Madeleine P. Plonsker Emerging Writer's Residency

• Organizer / Host: Lake Forest College Department of English (Chair: Joshua Corey)

• Location & Address: 555 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

• Schedule & Frequency: Undergraduate semester courses; annual spring residency readings

• Cover Charge / Fee: Standard college tuition; public readings and residency lectures are free

• Eligibility: Degree-seeking students; public events open to all Lake County and Cook County residents

• Contact Information: Email: english@lakeforest.edu | Phone: (847) 735-5260

• Significant Details: The Plonsker Residency offers a young poet under 40 a month-long residency and publication of their first manuscript by Lake Forest College Press.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: Poets & Writers Magazine featured the program: "Lake Forest College's Plonsker Prize offers one of the most generous and prestigious debut book publication packages for emerging poets in the nation."

• Links: Official Academic Page | Lake Forest College Facebook | Eventbrite Guest Lectures | Poets & Writers Feature

Oakton College Creative Writing Program (Des Plaines & Skokie / 4-Mile Radius)

• Opportunity Name: Creative Writing Certificate & Non-Credit Community Classes

• Organizer / Host: Oakton College Division of Liberal Arts & Continuing Education

• Location & Address: Skokie Campus (7701 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077) and Des Plaines Campus (1600 E Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016)

• Schedule & Frequency: Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters

• Cover Charge / Fee: Standard community college tuition; $45–$120 for non-credit community workshops

• Eligibility: Open to degree-seeking students and adult community learners across Glenview, Niles, Park Ridge, and Wilmette

• Contact Information: Email: conted@oakton.edu | Phone: (847) 635-1414

• Significant Details: Features introductory and advanced poetry workshops (EGL 201), non-credit memoir writing, and the annual Critical & Creative Writing Festival.

• Press Quote & Earned Media: Pioneer Press reported: "Oakton College provides accessible, top-tier creative writing instruction that empowers adult learners and college students alike."

• Links: Official Course Catalog | Oakton College Facebook | Eventbrite Community Page | Pioneer Press Coverage