For over 25 years, the Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam has propelled spoken word around the globe. Youth from all over the Bay compete to become a finalist and represent the Bay Area at Brave New Voices — the only 4-day international youth poetry festival in the world — celebrating arts education, performance, and civic engagement.
Poetry Slams are an Olympic-style competition where poets have 3 minutes and 30 seconds to share their original work! No props, costumes, or musical accompaniment allowed, only you and the power of youth voice.
The Teen Poetry Slam and Brave New Voices Festival is an annual tradition celebrating some of the most astounding young writers and performers from around the globe.
Slam Season
This event is free to attend and open to youth of all ages, adults, and poetry lovers.
Registration for competing poets is now open at the link below. On the day of the slams, sign-ups will be on a first-come, first-served basis so early arrival is strongly encouraged.
For Homies, Family, and audience members If you can’t witness the magic in person, all of our events this January-April will be live-streamed on the Youth Speaks Youtube Channel so be sure to follow us on all social platforms @youthspeaks to never miss out on that good word.
Prelims #1
Friday, January 30, 2026
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
La Peña Cultural Center - Theater Space
3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA
Prelims #2
Friday, February 27, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
KQED: Commons Studio
2601 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA
w/ MindShift
Semi Finals
Friday, March 27, 2026
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
San Francisco Public Library: Koret Auditorium
100 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA
Feature Name TBA
Last Chance Slam
Friday, April 10, 2026
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
OakStop Broadway Event Hall
2323 Broadway, Oakland, CA
Teen Poetry Slam Finals
Friday, April 24, 2026
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Brava Theater
2781 24th St, San Francisco, CA
Feature(s) - TBA
2025 Finals Winners
Congratulations to the 2025 Teen Poetry Slam Champion, Maya, representing Oakland. Dozens of youth from all across the Bay Area competed, but only one poet was named champion. Shout out to every poet who touched the stage this year!
Also clap it up for the top six scoring poets who will represent the Bay Area at the 2025 Brave New Voices Festival in Madison WI, this July.
Pictured (from left to right):
Julia • Berkeley
Abayomi • Oakland
Anika • Fremont
Zoe • Oakland
Maya • Oakland
Bell • Berkeley
COVID Protocol
As we continue to explore new opportunities to gather & build community within an ever-changing world, here is an update on the ways we will continue to practice harm reduction & remain accountable for your safety.
In the interest of maintaining a safe and accountable environment for all participants, masking is encouraged but not required. All performing poets will receive a COVID-19 test before hitting the stage.
