Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) 2026 Finals

Presented By Guild Literary Complex Guest Judge - Itiola Jones Date: Thursday, October 1st, 2026 Doors: 5:00PM to Venue | 6:30PM to Chase House Showtime: 7:00PM Tickets: 21+ Advanced - $15 21+ Day of Show - $20 17+ Advanced - $20 (Includes 1 Complimentary Soft Drink) 17+ Day of Show - $25 (Includes 1 Complimentary Soft Drink) About: The Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA), founded by Gwendolyn Brooks and presented annually by Guild Literary Complex, celebrates outstanding original poetry by Illinois writers. Finalists selected by guest judge I.S. Jones will perform their work live for a chance to win a $500 audience prize, publication in RHINO Poetry, and an invitation to read at the Evanston Writers Workshop’s 2026 conference. Golden Hour at Epiphany: Stop by Epiphany for our live music series concerts, and be sure to hit Golden Hour before-hand for drinks and lite-bites! Doors open at 5pm Thursday - Saturday for Golden Hour with 1/2 priced bottles of wine, BOGO cocktails, and other specials! Come early to EXPLORE and DISCOVER your own EPIPHANY… our art galleries are open and there is free entertainment before the show! Please note that outside food or beverages are not permitted in the venue.