There’s no higher joy than making something with a bunch of like-minded people. Whether it’s a poetry reading, a fashion show, a protest or a sewing circle, there is so much possibility in coming together and making something that didn’t exist before. That’s total magic, really! For the literary types out there, here are some events to check out this fall if you want to push your boundaries and find your words.

Toronto Poetry Slam (Oct. 7, 8 PM, Drake Hotel 1150 Queen St. W)

This is a twice monthly event at the Drake where poets perform their poetry. It’s all about pure honesty and really unique entertainment coming from the stage. If words are your thing, being here will fire you up for sure. Also, anyone can get on stage, so check it out if you want to test-drive your written work aloud.

Hot Docs Podcast Festival (Oct. 12 – 15, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street W)

This festival brings podcasts to the stage! See hosts perform their podcasts live and also see panels where hosts discuss the craft of podcasting. Among the beloved podcasts you can see this month: Buzzfeed’s Another Round, Modern Love: The Podcast and Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids.

International Festival of Authors (Oct. 19 – 29, Lakeside Terrace, Harbourfront Centre 235 Queens Quay W. $18 admission)

This eleven-day fest has much writing inspo packed in. Hear readings, author interviews, panel discussions…and this year, check out the fest’s first poetry slam in conjunction with the Toronto Poetry Project at the Drake (Oct. 20). Maybe it’s time to get up on stage, bb? You’ll be in company if you do.

Canzine, Festival of Zines and Underground Culture (Oct 21, 12-7 PM, Art Gallery of Ontario)

This is one of my all-time favourite artistic celebrations in Toronto. It’s held by Broken Pencil Magazine and called a “Festival of Zines and Underground Culture,” so it’s not just for zinesters but for creative people of all kinds – lovers of words, paper goods, collage or embroidery. This is the place to go to find your creative tribe, IMO.

Wonderful Women Writers Series (Oct 23, 5 – 7 PM, OISE / U of T, 252 Bloor St. W) This is a reading series featuring local women writers, from graphic novelists to newspaper columnists, and their feminist / women-centred fiction. Come, listen and learn, and be inspired.