Sign-up: 5.15 pm |  Start: 5.45 pm
(local time)

NT Poetry Slam On the Road 2026 –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.

There are two rounds in this event: the first is the Darwin Heat and the second is the Top End Final – leading to a spot at the National Final.

Want to get inspired with a slam wordshop led by a professional spoken word artist? Check out the Darwin 2026 APS All-Ages Workshop and the Palmerston School-aged / Youth Workshop.

Feeling inspired by all moments poetic and spoken word? See the full program of NT Poetry Slam On the Road 2026!

HOSTS: Huda the Goddess and Laurie May

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 Red Dirt Poetry.

Brown’s Mart Courtyard – 2 Smith St, Darwin City NT 0800