City of Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester Cultural Development Division, in partnership with Mass Poetry and The White Room, will host its third annual Worcester Teen Poetry Slam for youth ages 13-19 on Feb. 24, 2026.

The Worcester Teen Poetry Slam will be hosted by BrujaTheVillain at The White Room, 138 Green St. in Worcester, on Feb. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. Youth will have the opportunity to perform two original poems that will be scored by distinguished local jurors including Worcester Poet Laureate Nicole “Nic” Jean Turner, Jafet Muzic, Noemi Saafyr Paz, Paul Willis, and Rita Mokerjee. The top six competitors will be offered the opportunity to join a teen slam group representing Worcester in the next round of the competition.

“The Teen Poetry Slam is an incredible opportunity to perform and connect with other young poets,” said Youth Poet Laureate Samara Tang-Rainwater. “Being surrounded by peers who are passionate about poetry makes me feel inspired, confident and eager to keep growing as an artist.”

Advance registration is encouraged for the competition, though day-of sign-up will also be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. The poets and participants are welcome to invite family, friends, mentors and other teens to celebrate in the event showcase. 

The top six youth poets selected for the team will advance to Mass Poetry’s statewide Teen Spoken Word Festival, Write Here | Write Now | Speak Loud!, taking place March 28–29, 2026 at Emerson College. More than 100 teen poets from Boston, Lowell, and Worcester will come together to compete and celebrate their voices through spoken words. In addition to competitive slams, the festival features a rich lineup of non-competitive offerings, including workshops, open mics, and a multimedia art expo exploring dance, graffiti art, fashion, jewelry making, music, meditation, and other unexpected forms of creative expression.

“Participating in this Teen Poetry Slam is about more than competing,” said Worcester Poet Laureate Nicole Jean Turner. “It’s about listening, encouraging, and creating pathways for young poets to experience their voices being valued and heard, while celebrating and honoring their stories.”

The competition welcomes all perspectives, including seasoned teen slam poets, as well as youth who are trying performance poetry for the first time. This year’s theme, “The Odds Are in Our Favor,” invites young artists to be witnessed as they speak their truths and boldly bet on themselves and their community heroes.

“Each year, we see new talent emerge, new perspectives shared, and young people step into their power. Investing in youth voices strengthens our cultural landscape and ensures that the next generation of storytellers has room to grow,” said Mass Poetry Director Crystal Valentine.

Teens are invited to register for the slam: 2026 Worcester Teen Poetry Slam Registration and review Worcester Teen Poetry Slam Competition Details. 

Learn more about Mass Poetry and Write Here | Write Now | Speak Loud! Teen Spoken Word Festival | Mass Poetry.

For more information on the Worcester Poets Laureate Program visit Worcester Poet Laureate & Youth Poet Laureate Programs | City of Worcester, MA.

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