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

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 stay involved in … ... Read more ...

You Wrote a Poem. What Next? – Firstival 2026

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

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 ...

Try your First Poetry Slam Workshop – Firstival 2026

Be Brave on Stage: A performer’s first steps toward the Sydney Opera House.
Prepare for the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam competition!

Being prepared is the best way to combat your nerves. Find the confidence to perform in the upcoming 2026 with experienced poet, Carissa Fischer. This workshop is perfect for poets who are building up the courage to participate in the slam or for slam poets who wish to hone their skills. Carissa will be your insider guide on the ins and outs of the spoken … ... Read more ...

Spoken Word SA Youth Week 2026 Showcase – Guest line-up revealed

Friday 17th April 2026
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Adelaide City Library
Level 3, 77-91 Rundle Place, Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000

FREE
Click here to reserve your seat.

Adelaide has a vibrant spoken word community, with boundless amounts of talent. Get ready to be awed by some of this city’s young rising stars in Spoken Word SA Youth Week Showcase, held in partnership with Adelaide City Libraries. Four poets, all under the age of 25, will be sharing their original words and performances. Their voices represent a bright future, and their work will leave you inspired.

Levi Young … ... Read more ...

Spoken Word SA Youth Week 2026 Showcase


Friday 17th April 2026
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Adelaide City Library
Level 3, 77-91 Rundle Place, Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000

FREE

Adelaide has a vibrant spoken word community, with boundless amounts of talent. Get ready to be awed by some of this city’s young rising stars. Four poets, all under the age of 25, will be sharing their original words and performances. Their voices represent a bright future, and their work will leave you inspired.

Presented in Partnership with Spoken Word SA and Adelaide City Libraries.

Show your support for these rising stars! Click here reserve your seat.

Summer Slam 2026 Final – hotter than ever!!

After two fabulous heats, the final of the 2026 Summer Slam showcased the talents of the 10 finalists in front of a packed and enthusiastic audience at the State Library of South Australia. The poetry was diverse in style and content, the scores were very close, but in the end, first place went to Sidarth Nambiar with runner-up Ben Adams ... Read more ...

Summer Slam 2026 Final!

Saturday 7 February 2026
Doors open at 6:30pm

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

$15 at the door or via trybooking
Click here for tickets

Book tickets

The SWSA Summer Slam came back in style for 2026 and here is the final! 

The five top-scoring poets from each of the two heats will battle it out in the Summer Slam Final on the stage at the State Library of South Australia. 

As always, there is a maximum of 2 minutes for each contestant, who will need to have … ... Read more ...