SA Heat 2 of the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam saw another high-quality set of performances from our poets in front of an enthusiastic and supportive audience at Parks Library. The scoring was extremely close, made more so by many of the poets going over time and losing valuable points… Congratulations to winner Lauren Ann and … ... Read more ...
We are incredibly excited to introduce our guest performer for SA Heat 2 of the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam: Courtney Jaye.
Courtney Jaye is a Ngarrindjeri woman with Malaysian heritage who grew up all around Australia. She is currently living and working on Kaurna country, with her writing and reviews found in Kill Your Darlings, InReview, Sinister Wisdom, Splinter and Southerly. She writes in the hope that other generations can see themselves in literature.
Courtney performed at No Wave in July where she delivered a wonderful set of joyous poetry. She will be a perfect … ... Read more ...
Heat 1 of the 2026 SA Poetry Slam went off with a blast at the State Library of South Australia: a packed … ... Read more ...
Saturday 1 August 2026
Doors open for sign-in: 6:30pm
Parks Library
46-48 Trafford Street, Angle Park, SA 5010
$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 Australasia 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 off to the Nationals at the Sydney Opera House!… ... Read more ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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!
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 ...
