Sign-up: 5 pm |  Start: 6 pm
(local time)

Contact details, registration and more information here.

Poets Run This!

Have you ever wanted to change the world with your words?

You are invited to rip those scrawled leaves of passion from your notebook. Are you the next Australian Poetry Slam-bassador? Share your words for two minutes on the mic. Throw your thoughts into the slam-storm. Join heats in over 60 locations around the nation. 

Australian Poetry Slam 2026 (APS) is the cupped hand around your mouth amplifying your shout.

Use your poems to spark new dreams, clear out cobweb memes or offer listeners a sturdy eucalypt branch with a better view.

With millions of metaphors to choose from, what is a poem to you?

Get up. Gather at your local slam. Share with your community.
Jump on the mic or listen, cheer and hold-up scorecards as part of the audience in this national celebration of spoken-wordsmiths.

Whether you’re performing or supporting local wordsmiths from the crowd, the stage is set. The audience is gathered. Electrify us. Prove to the world what we’ve always known is true – Poets Run This.

Want to get inspired with a slam wordshop led by a professional spoken word artist? Check out the Central Queensland 2026 APS Workshop.

HOST: Miki Ponting-Boyd

Content Warning: Most Poetry Slams are all ages and some content may not be suitable for children. Performances may include strong language and / or adult themes.

Event times local time.

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This Australian Poetry Slam event is presented by Word Travels and Mackay Poetry Slam.

Mackay Surf Life Saving Supporters Club Inc – LOT 67 East Point Drive, Mackay Harbour QLD 4740