The year is winding down and party season is almost underway. December’s a great time to get out and see what this city has to offer, literarily [ed. note: possibly not a real word]. Here then are a few upcoming events to save the date (or a couple of hours) for:

Dec. 7:  7 pm, The Almanac, 10351 Whyte

Writers’ Guild of Alberta Holiday Party

Featuring Marty Chan, the YEG-version of the WGA’s annual holiday party will feature readings, music by fiddler Daniel Gervais, and something they call “holiday cheer.” Hmm. Tickets are $5 for WGA members and twice that for non-members, and reservations (by email, through the link above) are recommended.

Dec. 9:  11 am – 4 pm, Audreys Books, 10702 Jasper

Authors for Indies Christmas Edition

That’s right kids, there’s also a Christmas version of this popular nationwide event, which happens one Saturday every April. Cider and cookies will be served and various local writers will be on hand to sign book gifts. Alice Major, SG Wong, and Janice MacDonald are a few of the expected authors.

Dec. 13:  6 – 7 pm, Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square

Pop-up Poetry with Breath In Poetry

As part of a new pop-up performance series called ActivateAGA, Ahmed Knowmadic, Edmonton’s Poet Laureate, and the spoken word collective he helped found, Breath In Poetry, will be performing in response to three current AGA exhibits. Free to attend. And stick around after, because on Wednesday nights the AGA is open till 8.

Dec. 14:  5 – 7 pm, MacEwan University

Bolo Tie Collective end-of-semester Workshop

Details to follow. Our final workshop of the semester/year, and with any luck everyone will be done finals by then. As always, free to attend.

Dec. 20:  7 pm, Mercury Room, 10575 114 St.

Edmonton Story Slam Holiday Edition

The monthly storytelling competition will be home for the holidays. This month’s theme is, “How to survive the holidays with family.” Participants have five minutes to tell their stories, for which they shall be judged, and the winner takes home the pot. Technically a free event, though writers are asked for a $5 donation, and attendees are free to contribute as well.

Dec. 27:  8 – 10:30 pm, The Sewing Machine Factory, 9562 Whyte

Alchemy II: A Night of Poetry, Music, and Dance

Curated by local poet and spoken word artist Brandon Wint, Alchemy is a performance series bringing together artists from various disciplines. The first edition took place back in August; this one promises to create some warmth in the middle of winter. Cover is $15 or pay-what-you-can.