There’s a open mic poetry evening happening on the surf coast next week

Delicious words and delicious gin combine at this spoken word event.

Poetry on the Surf Coast is shedding its clichés and embracing spontaneity with the return of No Berets Needed, an open mic night where verse takes centre stage without the pretence. Hosted by Annie Mullen-Walsh of the lowercase poetry trio, this April gathering promises an evening of original poetry, odes encouraged, at Great Ocean Road Gin in Torquay.

No Berets Needed April

When: Thursday 23 April 2026

Where: Great Ocean Road Gin, Torquay

Tickets: Purchase here.

Keep up to date with all things arts, exhibitions and stage here.

 

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Next Thursday 23 April, the historic distillery at 1/8 Sawmills Way will open its doors from 6.30pm, welcoming locals and visitors over 18 for a relaxed, convivial night. Chubby Bao’s food truck will be serving up a feast of bao buns to fuel both creativity and appetite, while the gin bar offers an array of craft drinks to toast your favourite lines.

From 7pm to 9pm, the spotlight shifts to the words. Participants are invited to share their own poetry or simply lean back and listen, with no berets, no prior experience, and no pressure required—just a love for language and storytelling. Annie encourages performers to try an ode, though the format is entirely open, promising playful, heartfelt, and unexpected performances.

No Berets Needed thrives on its inclusive, informal atmosphere: a space where emerging voices can find confidence, and seasoned poets can experiment freely. Whether you’re crafting your first verse or reveling in spoken word, the event celebrates creativity in its most approachable form. Following the success of their last run at the welcoming distillery, the No Berets Needed events have become a popular pop-up for the creative community.

Entry is $5, a small price for an evening of inspiration, laughter, and perhaps a few moving surprises. Poetry without pretence, good food, and a welcoming crowd—No Berets Needed is back, and the Surf Coast is listening.

Tickets can be purchased here or payment can be made on the night in cash!