On September 26, 2026, 15 countries around the globe will be celebrating the first ever World Slam Day. It's only fitting that the main United States Slam celebration is in Chicago - birthplace of the Poetry Slam - and at the Newberry - repository of the Marc Kelly Smith Poetry Slam Collection. In partnership with Media Burn, we will be showing vintage interviews with Marc Smith and footage of Slams past, Brigid Murphy (poet and host of Milly's Orchid Show) will be discussing early slam days with Marc. There will also be live performances from poets as well as video shoutouts and footage from around the world. Admission is free: a $10 donation is suggested.
Event—Public Programming
World Poetry Slam Day
