The event will be at 7 p.m May 22 in the Upper Jay Art Center, Upper Jay. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack Center for Writing and North Country Public Radio have announced the first six dates and locations for the Howl Story Slam in 2025. The theme for these events is “Kitchen Confidential.”

The series kicked off Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Olive Ridley’s in Plattsburgh. Additional slams will be:

— April 2: The Iron Horse Grill, Morrisville.

— May 6: Smoke Signals, Lake Placid.

— May 22: Upper Jay Art Center, Upper Jay.

— June 20: Fulton Chain Craft Brewery, Old Forge.

— July 23: Otto’s Abode, Wanakena.

“I’m really excited for the theme of these first six Howls,” said Nathalie Thill, executive director of ACW. “There are so many possibilities when it comes to kitchen tales ‚ culinary catastrophes, the questionable things you’ve seen in a restaurant kitchen, the joy of a perfectly cooked meal, a secret family recipe — I could see these stories going in so many directions.”

The slams are open to anyone who wants to share a true story, told without notes, in under five minutes. Volunteer audience members serve as judges, and a winner is selected at the end of each night. Winners will be invited to The Howl Grand Slam, which will be in early January 2026.

There is no admission charge, but a $10 suggested donation will be split between ACW and NCPR, two North Country nonprofits dedicated to inspiring a love of storytelling.

More info for each event can all be found on ACW’s events page at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/events.