Slamovision Qualifying Slam
September 3 @ 6:00 pm
Slam poets from across Iowa are invited to compete on Thursday, September 3, for the chance to represent Iowa City in the 2026 international Slamovision competition, a project of the UNESCO Cities of Literature network.
The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, Iowa City Poetry and Mic Check will host the qualifying slam September 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Close House, 538 S. Gilbert St. Sign-up begins at 6 p.m. Poets have three minutes to perform, with the winner advancing to the international competition.
Iowa City is hosting this year’s Slamovision final after Iowa poet Henry Morray won the 2025 international title. Poets from 23 UNESCO Cities of Literature will compete, with the international winner determined by audiences in participating cities. The final will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the James Theater and will be livestreamed around the world.
