Tucson Poetry Slam — Arizona State Qualifier
Saturday, May 31 • The Coalition • Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Poetry Slam returns this month with one of the official 2026 Arizona State Poetry Slam Qualifiers — an unforgettable night of competition, community, and powerful spoken word.
Hosted at The Coalition on 4th Avenue, this special event brings together poets from across Arizona for a chance to advance toward the 2026 Arizona State Poetry Slam Finals.
The top two poets from this qualifier will move on to compete against finalists from seven other statewide qualifiers at the Arizona State Finals on June 10, 2026, hosted by Ghost Poetry Show.
The eventual state champion will go on to represent Arizona at the 2026 BlackBerry Peach National Poetry Slam in Kansas City, Missouri, taking place July 23–26, 2026.
Competition Details
This qualifier roster will be capped at 12 competing poets, with spots awarded on a first come, first served basis.
- 12 official competition slots available
- 13th signup becomes the sacrificial poet for the evening
- Slam poets are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot
Expect a night filled with high-energy performances, emotional honesty, fierce artistry, and community celebration.
Featured Poet: TonTon
This month’s feature is the incredible TonTon, an inspiring poet and performer traveling down from the Phoenix area to share their work and presence with the Tucson community.
Known for powerful writing and captivating performances, TonTon brings a voice that is deeply human, emotionally resonant, and unforgettable on stage.
Event Details
Event: Tucson Poetry Slam — 2026 Arizona State Qualifier
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2026
Location: The Coalition — Tucson, Arizona
Competition Cap: 12 poets
Feature: TonTon
Come support Arizona poetry, witness some of the state’s strongest spoken word artists, and experience a night where every voice matters.