(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) and Trenton Curator announce the return of the outdoor summer series of Story & Verse at Pettoranello Gardens. This poetic and storytelling open mic is free and open to all.

Story & Verse was established in February 2020 and has since continued monthly. Story & Verse welcomes local and regional talent to perform original works inspired by a monthly theme, providing attendees with free, community-created entertainment.

Taking place year-round in the ACP’s Solley Theater, this community-centric open mic travels outside when the warmer months arrive, moving the event to the Pettoranello Gardens amphitheater at Community Park North.

Performers are invited to prepare a story, poem, or spoken word piece up to 5 minutes in length and related to the theme. No previous experience or pre-registration necessary.

The Thursday, June 15 open mic will have the theme of “Perfect Storms”. The July 20 event will have no designated theme, welcoming performers to present whatever they wish, and the August 17 will feature original works along the theme of “Blessings in Disguise”.  The monthly events are to begin at 6:30pm. Interested performers should arrive by 6:15pm.

Pettoranello Gardens is located at 20 Mountain Avenue in Princeton. Free and open to the public.

The Arts Council of Princeton, a non-profit organization founded in 1967, fulfills its mission of building community through the arts by presenting a wide range of programs including public art projects, exhibitions, performances, free community cultural events, and studio-based classes and workshops. Arts Council of Princeton programs are designed to be high-quality, engaging, affordable and accessible for the diverse population in the greater Princeton region.