Get ready for your slam – interview with 2025 Australian Poetry Slam winner, Arantza Garcia

Arantza Garcia performs at the SA Final of the 2025 Australian Poetry Slam

With the South Australian heats of the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam starting up soon, you might be wondering what it takes to do well in a poetry slam. If so, have a listen to Arantza Garcia, winner of the 2025 Australian Poetry Slam.

Arantza Garcia is an emerging Peruvian writer and member of the Latin American Community on Kaurna Country. She has performed at events such as Jaurna/Feast festivals, and First Fridays at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Having been a finalist in the South Australian … ... Read more ...

Mei Szetu – Guest performer for 2026 SA Slam Heat 1

We are pleased to announce that Mei Szetu is our awesome, guest performer for SA Heat 1 of the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam on Saturday 25th July at the State Library of South Australia.

Mei Szetu is a queer, neurodivergent, Malaysian Chinese Australian poet born, raised and practising on Kaurna Country. They began performing spoken word poetry at open mics in 2022, and have since become a frequent feature performer, appearing on many a line up. They also organise Rewind Poetry. In 2024, they came first place in the South Australian leg of the Australian Poetry Slam, going on to … ... Read more ...

2026 Australian Poetry Slam – SA Heat 1

Saturday 25 July 2026
Doors open for sign-in: 6:30pm

State Library of South Australia
Hetzel Lecture Theatre
cnr North Tce and Kintore Ave, Adelaide , SA, 5000

$15 to compete or listen
Click here to book.

Who will become our next Australian Poetry Slam Champion as audiences vote in events around the country? The prize? They tour Austral-Asia sharing their creative thoughts and inspiring people everywhere to speak their own poetry.

Two poets chosen by the audience at each of our five South Australian heats will head to the SA Final. At the final, our winner and runner-up will be … ... Read more ...

2026 Australian Poetry Slam – SA Dates for heats and final

The SA dates for the Australian Poetry Slam are in!
We can’t wait to hear what SA’s slammers throw down this year!

We’ll be sharing all the details as we go along, including all the event links and booking info, but for now… put these dates in your calendar and start writing!

If you’d like to work up your material before the heats, click here to check out the forthcoming workshops offered by Spoken Word SA.

Heat 1
Saturday 25th July, 6:30pm
State Library of South Australia

Heat 2
Saturday 1st August, 6:30pm
Parks Library

Heat 3
Saturday 15th August, … ... Read more ...

Find Your Voice: Poetry Slam Prep Workshop – Firstival 2026

Port Adelaide Public Library
2-4 Church St
Port Adelaide SA 5015

Saturday 11 July 2026
10.30am to 12.30pm

Join Spoken Word SA for a hands-on workshop to help you edit, refine, and perform your poetry with confidence.

Spoken Word SA hosts the South Australian heats and State Final of the Australian Poetry Slam, where poets have just two minutes to perform an original piece — no props, costumes, or music, just you and your words. Audience members serve as judges, and winners progress to the State Final, with top finalists heading to the national stage in Sydney.

This workshop … ... Read more ...

Breaking the Ice: Turn an Idea into a Poem! – Firstival 2026

St Peters Library
St Peters Banquet Hall
101 Payneham Road, St Peters

Monday 6 July 2026
1.00pm to 2.30pm

Discover the energy of spoken word in this interactive workshop designed for both beginners and emerging writers.

You’ll explore the local scene, learn how to craft poetry that connects with an audience, and work through guided prompts to create your own pieces, no matter your style or experience.

Participants will have the option to share their work in a supportive environment and receive constructive, positive feedback.

The session wraps up with insights into pathways for performance, education, publication, and opportunities to … ... Read more ...

You Wrote a Poem. What Next? – Firstival 2026

St Peters Library Banquet Hall
101 Payneham Road
St Peters, SA 5069

Thursday 16 July 2026
1.00pm to 2.30pm

Discover the energy of spoken word in this interactive workshop designed for both beginners and emerging writers.

You’ll explore the local scene, learn how to craft poetry that connects with an audience, and work through guided prompts to create your own pieces, no matter your style or experience.

Participants will have the option to share their work in a supportive environment and receive constructive, positive feedback.

The session wraps up with insights into pathways for performance, education, publication, and opportunities to … ... Read more ...

Be brave on stage: taking your poetry from page to performance for the first time – Firstival 2026

Campbelltown Library
171 Montacute Rd
Newton SA 5074

Saturday 18 July 2026
10.30am to 12.30pm

Hosted by Spoken Word SA. Guided by Tracy “Coogs” McNally, this 2 hour session invites participants to focus on poetry as spoken word. Suitable for those who are new to writing or performing their poetry, as well as regular readers at open mics and slam poets wanting to hone their craft. 

Delve into performance techniques such as rhythm, timing, tone and contrast. Find your unique style and gain insight into writing for performance. Learn how to use a microphone and gain confidence reading your poetry to others … ... Read more ...