Welcome to the first ever Iowa Poetry Association (IPA) poetry slam! IPA is hosting a series of poetry slams across the state in the search for our Iowa champion. There are 3 qualifying slams around the state, and the top 4 poets from each qualifier will be invited to compete on the final stage at Poetry Palooza this April.

The winning poet from our final stage will go on to represent Iowa and compete for a $2,000 prize at the NFSPS Blackberry Peach National Poetry Slam, which is being held in Des Moines this June 2023!

This qualifying slam, hosted in partnership with Iowa City Poetry, will be on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Public Space One Close House in Iowa City.

Want to join in the fun and potentially earn your spot as our Iowa rep? Register to compete by sending an email to ipa@iowapoetry.com with “Slam Entry” in the subject line by Friday, March 17.

Competing poets must be 18+ as of this coming June 2023.
Poets who competed in another qualifying slam are not eligible to compete in this qualifying slam.

See our slam structure and rules posted within this event.
If you have any questions, please contact the IPA at ipa@iowapoetry.com or the IPA Poetry Slam Co-Chairs, Kelsey Bigelow and Laura Johnson.