Toronto’s largest poetry showcase returns for a fifth Festival appearance, featuring some of Canada’s best spoken word artists and next generation stars. This high-energy spectacle of original content will leave you feeling inspired.

Host: Tanya Neumeyer
Feature poet: Kyle Hernandez

This event will take place live on Zoom and is only available to view in real time. A Zoom link will be emailed to event registrants within 24 hours of start time.

Want to perform?

Toronto Poetry Project has reserved 60% of the slam spots for members of the BIPOC community. To sign up:

1. Show up on Zoom between 7-7:15pm ET on October 22. If more than 12 poets show up, there may be a draw at 7:15 ET. Latecomers are not guaranteed a spot.
2. We will need: Your name, stage name (if you have one), if you identify as Black and/or Indigenous, your pronouns, the place you live, your email (if you would like to be added to Toronto Poetry Slam’s email list and to follow up on sending you the prize money), social media handles (if you are willing for Toronto Poetry Slam to post about you), and let us know if you are OK being recorded.
3. Sound check will be until 7:45 ET. For accessibility, please ensure you have good audio capabilities. We suggest you create a Google doc to share with your poem in it (also in case you have a glitch during your performance). Not a requirement, but will be helpful.

The slam is two rounds, 12 poets in Round One and the top 6 poets move on to Round Two (three minute limit per poem). The winning poet will get a cash prize of C$250 and an invitation to perform at a future Toronto International Festival of Authors event.

This event may contain strong language. Discretion is advised.