Doors: 4.30 pm |  Start: 5 pm
(local time)

Tickets and more information here.

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

A window framing a flaming forest. A lens pulling your iris into focus. Your friend’s sandalwood embrace.

Victorian poets from country towns and urban centres spark new dreams, clear out cobweb memes and offer audiences a sturdy branch with a clearer view of the cultural storm.

Word Travels, the organisation bringing you the Australian Poetry Slam (APS) since 2010, asks you to ignore that wrinkled cushion begging your bum to curl into couch.

Be spellbound by writers slamming live on The Wheeler Centre stage for a place in the 2026 APS National Final at Sydney Opera House on October 25th!

There will be tears and cheers as they electrify your imagination in this nation-wide search for the people’s poet. 

APS stages creative democratic forums. We annually elect a National Poetry Slambassador: A cathartic champion. A geiger counter clicking out the country’s true anthems. 

The ultimate prize is about $20k worth of publishing and gigs at Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Singapore Writers Festival and more.

HOST: John Englezos
FEATURING: Hani Abdile, Miles Merrill and the Australian Poetry Slam 2026 Victoria Finalists

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.

The Performance Space at The Wheeler Centre – 176 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne, 
VIC, 3000