Birmingham Public Library will host its 2026 Bards & Brews Poetry Grand Slam on September 4, featuring 10 local poets.
Birmingham Poets Compete for Cash Prizes
The poetry competition will take place Friday, September 4, at Birmingham Public Library. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Ten poets from the Birmingham metro area will compete for a combined $1,000 in prize money. The first-place winner will receive $500. Second place will earn $300, while third place will receive $200.
Thed Weller will host the event. Singer and guitarist Ashley Sankey will also provide live musical entertainment throughout the evening.
Poetry Grand Slam Welcomes Local Performers
Poets who want to compete can register at the library starting at 6 p.m. However, organizers will only accept the first 10 poets who sign up. Participants must also pay a $5 entry fee.
Meanwhile, admission remains free for spectators. Attendees must be at least 18 years old to enter the event.
The competition will feature several timed rounds. Poets will perform their original spoken-word pieces during each round.
Five volunteer judges from the audience will score the performances.
The highest-scoring poets will advance through three rounds. The final round will determine the 2026 Grand Slam champion. If two poets finish with the same score, organizers will hold a final “slam-off” to determine the winner.
Bards & Brews Brings Creative Energy to Birmingham
Audience members will have an active role during the competition. They can cheer for their favorite performers and react to the judges’ scores throughout the night.
Bards & Brews is supported by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. The program welcomes both experienced spoken-word performers and those who are new to the stage.
The event will be held at Birmingham Public Library, located at 2100 Park Place in Birmingham. With free admission for the public, the Poetry Grand Slam offers a chance to experience local talent and live creative performances.
Sign up for the Homely Birmingham newsletter to stay up to date on Birmingham.
