Poetry Slam – AZpoetry.com

Ghost Poetry Show Poetry Slam

Ghost Poetry Show | May 13, 2026 | The Rebel Lounge

Step into a night of fierce competition, electric performances, and unforgettable poetry at the Ghost Poetry Show—where the stage belongs to bold voices and the crowd helps decide who rises to the top.

🗓 Date: May 13, 2026
⏰ Time: Doors at 7:00 PM | Show at 7:30 PM
📍 Where: The Rebel Lounge
🎟 Admission: $10 advance | $12 day of show (+ fees)
🔞 Age: 21+

This high-energy poetry slam features 15 poets competing for cash prizes, with winners determined by five randomly selected audience judges. Expect a dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere where performance, passion, and originality take center stage.

Slam poetry is about more than competition—it’s about growth. In this environment, poets are encouraged to sharpen their craft, build confidence, and connect with an engaged audience. If you think poetry is quiet or reserved, think again—this show redefines it entirely.

Hosted at The Rebel Lounge, a beloved Phoenix music venue with deep roots (formerly home to The Mason Jar), the space adds an intimate, high-impact backdrop to the night. The venue was reimagined in 2015 by Stephen Chilton of Psyko Steve Presents, helping shape it into a cornerstone of the city’s live performance scene.

Want to take the stage? Sign up to compete by emailing GhostPoetryShow@gmail.com.

Whether you’re coming to perform or just to witness the intensity, Ghost Poetry Show promises a night that will completely transform how you experience poetry.

PHX Poetry Slam

PHX Poetry Slam hosted by B-Jam

May 15, 2026 | 7:30pm | Meraki Kava Bar

Experience the energy, intensity, and community of live competitive poetry at the PHX Poetry Slam, a long-running tradition that brings powerful voices to the stage.

🗓 Date: May 15
⏰ Time: Show starts at 7:30 PM sharp
📍 Where: Meraki Kava Bar
🎟 Admission: Check with venue

Poetry slams have deep roots. The modern format began in 1986, created by Marc Smith at a Chicago jazz club, and quickly spread across the country—finding a vibrant home in cities like New York and, since the 1990s, right here in Phoenix.

At PHX Poetry Slam, poets take the stage to perform original work and compete for the crowd’s favor. Expect an evening of dynamic, emotional, and thought-provoking performances where every voice brings something unique.

We value freedom of expression, and as such, this event does not censor content. Please note there is a blanket trigger warning for all performances. At the same time, we are committed to fostering a space rooted in respect, equity, and empowerment—one that encourages dialogue and stands firmly against marginalization in any form.

Hosted at Meraki Kava Bar—part of the House of MK AZ—this venue offers more than just a place to gather. It’s a thoughtfully created environment centered on slowing down, connecting, and being present, making it a perfect setting for an evening of meaningful art and community.

Join us for a night where poetry, performance, and purpose come together.

Body Slam Poetry

May 4, 2026 | 6:30pm | Phoenix Quaker Meeting House

Get ready for an electrifying night of live poetry at Body Slam, a high-energy slam event where poets go head-to-head and the audience decides who comes out on top.

🗓 Date: May 4, 2026
⏰ Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM
📍 Where: Phoenix Quaker Meeting House
🎟 Admission: $10 at the door

Body Slam brings a unique head-to-head match format to the stage, pitting poets against each other in a series of rounds where you, the audience, determine the winner through applause. Come ready to cheer, react, and get loud for your favorite performances.

Hosted by Skyelyn Riggs-Davis, this event showcases poetry that is raw, performative, and deeply engaging. The intimate setting of the Quaker Meeting House creates the perfect atmosphere to experience every word, every pause, and every powerful moment up close.

Whether you’re a longtime poetry fan or new to the slam scene, Body Slam offers a dynamic and unforgettable evening of spoken word.

Join us for a night where poetry meets performance—and the crowd decides it all.

Sedona Poetry Slam

May 9, 2026 | Mary D Fisher Theater

The Sedona Poetry Slam returns to the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in West Sedona for a poetry slam on Saturday, May 9. Performance poets bring high-energy, competitive spoken word at 7:30 p.m.Tickets: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click on the BUY TICKETS link to the right or visit the theatre box office.

Audience members can expect everything from heartfelt confessions to biting political satire, as poets compete for cash prizes and a chance to represent Sedona at statewide competitions.

A poetry slam is like a series of high-energy, three-minute one-person plays, judged by the audience. Slam poetry is an art form that allows written page poets to share their work alongside theatrical performers, hip-hop artists and lyricists.

Poets come from as far away as Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott and Flagstaff, competing against local poets from Sedona and Cottonwood, college poets from Northern Arizona University and youth poets from Verde Valley high schools. All types of poetry are welcome on the stage, from street-wise hip-hop and narrative performance poems, to political rants and introspective confessionals. Any poem is a “slam” poem if performed in a competition. All poets get three minutes per round to entertain and inspire the audience with their creativity.

Anyone can sign up to compete in the slam for the $75 grand prize and $25 second-place prize. To compete in the slam, poets will need three original poems, each lasting no longer than three minutes. No props, costumes nor musical accompaniment are permitted. The poets are judged Olympics-style by five members of the audience selected at random at the beginning of the slam.

Poets interested in competing may email foxthepoet@yahoo.com to sign up by the Friday before the slam, or sign up at the door the day of the slam. Poets who want to compete should purchase a ticket in case the roster is filled before they arrive.

For more information, visit sedonafilmfestival.com or foxthepoet.blogspot.com.

Prescott Poetry Slam

Prescott Poetry Slam | Every Third Sunday of the Month at 208 N Marina Prescott, AZ.

Prescott Poetry Slam is a three round friendly competition judged by five randomly selected audience members. Poets will showcase the art of poetry in performance. Cash prizes awarded for first, second, and third place.

$10 cover

PHX Poetry Slam

PHX Poetry Slam hosted by B-Jam

April 17, 2026 | Meraki Kava Bar

Featuring Fera Florescence. A poet, a musician, a phenom!!!!

DJ Orbit Corbett will be in the house holding us down and we will have our co-host back, @instavalence

Located at @merakikavabarphx

Show starts 7:30 pm sharp

The structure of the traditional poetry slam was started by construction worker and poet Marc Smith in 1986 at a reading series in a Chicago jazz club, according to the Academy of American Poets. The competition quickly spread across the country, finding a notable home in New York City.

Slams have been going on around Phoenix since the 1990s.

As writers and literary critics, we value freedom of speech and thus do not limit, moderate or otherwise censor any content, and so there is a blanket trigger warning for all events. However, we strive to create a constructive atmosphere of equality, sensitivity, and progress, one that encourages discussion and actively opposes marginalization of any persons or group. Our goal isn’t tolerance of diversity, but its empowerment and alliance.

Meraki Kava Bar is a part of the House of MK AZ. At House of MK AZ, we create sacred spaces — not just services. Every part of our collective, from herbal blends to yoga flows, designed to help you slow down, drop in, and reconnect.

Miami Loco Arts Festival

These poets and storytellers are scheduled to appear and share words at Miami Loco Arts & Music Festival 14.

KEN BOE
CLEOPACHE
PAUL MICHAEL DLOUHY
ATHENA FENIX (mexico)
DAN HOEN HULL
PAUL JONES
LOB
STEVEN E. (David) ALEXANDER McDONALD
AMY MacPHERSON
LOGAN PHILLIPS
LIBBY ROONEY
GARRETT SMITH

These poets and storytellers are scheduled to appear and share words at Miami Loco Arts & Music Festival 14.

Miami Loco Arts & Music Festival (14th Annual)

The Miami Loco Arts & Music Festival returns for its 14th year, transforming the heart of Miami, Arizona into a vibrant celebration of creativity, music, and community. This beloved annual event brings together artists, performers, and audiences from across the region for an unforgettable three-day experience—and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.

Presented by the Miami Arts Commission, a dedicated nonprofit organization, the festival has grown into one of the town’s signature cultural gatherings. From April 17–19, downtown Miami comes alive with five stages of entertainment, featuring live music, poetry, visual art, comedy, and immersive performances. Sullivan Street will be closed to traffic, allowing art and energy to flow through the streets and into local businesses.

Festival Highlights

Friday, April 17
The festival begins Friday afternoon as vendors and artists set up throughout downtown. Live music kicks off around 5:30 p.m., setting the tone for an evening of creative exploration. Highlights include a collaborative performance art showcase, a live poetry and DJ fusion set, improv theater, and a late-night comedy show.

Saturday, April 18
Saturday is a full day of art and sound, starting at 10 a.m. with live music beginning at noon. A centerpiece of the day is the Miami Loco Poetry Slam, hosted by Dan Hoen Hull, where poets compete for a $50 prize. The evening closes with the Loco Sonic Noise Revival, an experimental music showcase featuring seven boundary-pushing acts.

Sunday, April 19
Sunday opens with a community pancake breakfast at the Miami Senior Center, followed by a full day of performances and storytelling. Enjoy spoken word, literary readings, and immersive art experiences before the festival wraps up at 6 p.m.

Art, Music & Community

With over 45 bands and DJs performing throughout the weekend, the festival features talent from across Arizona—including Bisbee, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Phoenix—as well as visiting artists from neighboring states.

Visual art is a major part of the experience, with exhibitions like “KAIROS: The Revealed Moment to Act Within the Sliding Door of Time” at Miami Art Works, along with pop-up galleries and installations throughout downtown.

From poetry slams and storytelling to artisan vendors and food trucks, Miami Loco offers something for every kind of creative spirit.

📅 April 17–19
📍 Miami, Arizona
🎟️ FREE Admission

For the full schedule and lineup, visit:
https://www.miamilocoartsfestival.com

Prescott Poetry Slam

Prescott Poetry Slam | Every Third Sunday of the Month at 208 N Marina Prescott, AZ.

$10 cover

Body Slam Poetry

April 6th | Body Slam Poetry

Phoenix Quaker Meeting House

See a poetry slam using a unique head-to-head match format! The winner of each match is determined by audience applause, so be prepared to get rowdy for your favorite poets and poetry throughout this event! The poetry at this event is meant to be raw and performative in an intimate setting. Body Slam is hosted by Skyelyn Riggs-Davis at the PHX Quaker Meeting House. Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is $10 at the door.

The PHX Quaker Meeting House is located at 1702 E Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020.

Sedona Poetry Slam

April 4, 2026 | Mary D Fisher Theater

The Sedona Poetry Slam returns to the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in West Sedona for a poetry slam on Saturday, April 4. Admission is free to all, thanks to the sponsorship of the Northern Arizona Book Festival, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that holds the annual festival the weekend of April 12, 13 and 14, in Flagstaff.

April is also National Poetry Month, so the best way to support poetry is seeing a showcase of the best poets in Northern Arizona. Many of the competing poets from the Sedona Poetry Slam will be showcasing their work, along with Flagstaff Poetry Slam, which are both festival partners.

Audience members can expect everything from heartfelt confessions to biting political satire, as poets compete for cash prizes and a chance to represent Sedona at statewide competitions.

A poetry slam is like a series of high-energy, three-minute one-person plays, judged by the audience. Slam poetry is an art form that allows written page poets to share their work alongside theatrical performers, hip-hop artists and lyricists.

Poets come from as far away as Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott and Flagstaff, competing against local poets from Sedona and Cottonwood, college poets from Northern Arizona University and youth poets from Verde Valley high schools. All types of poetry are welcome on the stage, from street-wise hip-hop and narrative performance poems, to political rants and introspective confessionals. Any poem is a “slam” poem if performed in a competition. All poets get three minutes per round to entertain and inspire the audience with their creativity.

Anyone can sign up to compete in the slam for the $75 grand prize and $25 second-place prize. To compete in the slam, poets will need three original poems, each lasting no longer than three minutes. No props, costumes nor musical accompaniment are permitted. The poets are judged Olympics-style by five members of the audience selected at random at the beginning of the slam.

Email foxthepoet@yahoo.com to sign up early to compete or by the Friday before the slam, or sign up at the door the day of the slam. Poets who want to compete should purchase a ticket in case the roster is filled before they arrive.

For more information, visit sedonafilmfestival.com or foxthepoet.blogspot.com.