SLAM 2026

2026 Hanover Poetry Slam Championships: Four days filled with the art of words and stage energy.

The 30th German-Language Poetry Slam Championships will kick off with a grand opening gala on September 20. From September 23 to 26, 2026, experience Hanover as the stage for rousing live performances, moving stories, humorous texts, and extraordinary performances, as the best slam poets from the German-speaking world compete for the championship titles in the state capital.

Hanover is becoming the hub of the German-speaking poetry slam scene

For four days, Hanover will be all about live literature. Around 200 poets and event organizers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg will come together to crown the new champions in the individual and team competitions. Across a total of nine preliminary rounds, five semifinals, and two finals, you’ll experience the full spectrum of poetry slam—from humorous and witty to socially critical and moving.

The championships are considered the highlight of the German-speaking poetry slam scene and bring some of Europe's best stage writers to Hanover.

What makes poetry slam so special?

Poetry slam combines literature with live performance. All texts are written by the performing artists themselves and are presented without props or costumes. Whether it’s poetry, storytelling, comedy, or social issues—every performance is unique and thrives on direct interaction with the audience.

It is precisely this blend of creativity, emotion, and spontaneity that makes poetry slam one of the most exciting literary formats of our time.

The Main Venues

During the championships, Hanover itself becomes a stage. Several of the city’s well-known cultural venues are part of the festival and invite visitors to discover different facets of the cultural scene.

Faust Cultural Center

The Faust Cultural Center serves as the festival hub. This is where the preliminary rounds, the team semifinals, and much of the supporting program take place. The Goods Receiving Area, the ’60s Hall, and the Tango Milieu will serve as competition venues. After the events, the Mephisto invites guests to its after-show lounge, while the café serves as a meeting place and check-in point for guests from throughout the German-speaking world.

Further venues

These venues will also be part of the championships:

• Herrenhausen Gallery
• Cultural Center Pavilion
• Theater am Aegi as the venue for the major individual and team finals

This way, you'll not only discover exceptional stage literature, but also some of Hanover's most exciting cultural venues.

Experience poetry slam even before the championships

The excitement begins long before the opening night of the championships. As early as spring and summer, Live Literatur Hannover e. V. brings poetry slam to numerous stages throughout the city.

Look forward to poetry slams at the Maschseefest and the Fährmannsfest, as well as events as part of the official pre-festival program. These include, among other things, a Running Mic, a literary parade through downtown, Tiny Glashaus readings in various neighborhoods, a Queer Slam, and an open-air slam in Ihme Park. In this way, poetry slams will be entertaining visitors for several months leading up to the German-language championships, which will reach their climax in September. The events in the pre-festival program include, among others, a running mic, a literary parade, Tiny Glashaus readings, a Queer Slam, and an open-air slam.

More Than Just a Competition

The German-Language Poetry Slam Championships are much more than just a competition. For many writers, the festival is the most important event of the year. It’s a place where new connections are made, creative inspiration is sparked, and collaborative projects take shape. At the same time, visitors experience the diversity of contemporary stage literature in a unique festival atmosphere.

Whether you’d like to attend individual events or enjoy several days of the festival program—the championships offer plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in German-language poetry slam culture.

Discover Hanover

Combine your festival visit with a stay in Hannover. Between events, the Old Town, the Herrenhausen Gardens, Lake Maschsee, the Sprengel Museum, and numerous cafés and restaurants invite you to explore the city. Thanks to the short distances, you can easily reach many venues on foot or by public transportation.

Frequently asked questions

When will the 2026 Hanover Poetry Slam Championships take place?

The championships will take place from September 23 to 26, 2026. Prior to that, an opening gala will be held at the Pavillon Cultural Center on September 20, starting at 7:00 p.m

Where do the events take place?

Among the most important venues are the Faust Cultural Center, the Herrenhausen Gallery, the Pavilion, and the Theater am Aegi.

Who is taking part?

About 200 poets*inside and organizers*Participants from several German-speaking countries travel to Hanover to compete against each other in individual and team events.

Why is it worth a visit?

The championships bring together high-quality stage literature, a festival atmosphere, and some of Europe’s best poetry slam artists. At the same time, you’ll experience Hannover as a vibrant cultural city with extraordinary venues.