Get ready for a night of slam poetry, raw storytelling, and unstoppable energy!

Poetry Royale: Open Mic & Slam Night is your chance to spit bars, speak truth, and celebrate the power of spoken word alongside a dynamic community of artists and listeners.

Hosted by Hamilton’s 2024 National Champion From World Stage to Home Turf—Karessa McQueen.

National Champion. Mother of three. Mic-wielding force of nature. Karessa McQueen has spent the last decade uncovering truth, amplifying unheard voices, and sparking bold transformation through poetry. A fearless advocate for equity in the Black community, Karessa challenges systems and ignites change with every verse. Fresh from the World Poetry Slam Championship in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where she stood toe-to-toe with some of the fiercest poets on the planet — Karessa is back in Hamilton to bring that fire home.

This isn’t just a show — it’s a movement.
Come be stirred. Come be lifted. Come be lit up.
Tickets are $10 for General Admission at the door. Students & Underwaged attendees admission is $5.

Event Schedule:

6:00 PM: Doors Open
6:30 PM: Open Mic: 4-minute time limit | First come, first served
7:00 PM: Poetry Slam: 3-minute poems | No props | No hate speech — just straight fire
Food & Drinks: Pizza and beverages available
Open Mic with Music: DM @hamiltonyoupoets if you’d like to perform with a backing track

Want to Perform?
Spots are limited and will fill fast — arrive early to sign up!
Questions or track submissions? DM Hamilton Youth Poets on Instagram: @hamiltonyoupoets

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Hamilton Community Foundation, whose partnership helps sustain and celebrate our city’s rich creative landscape.

Don’t miss this chance to kick off summer with poetry that hits deep and a night you won’t forget.
Tag your crew, grab your tickets, and let’s make some noise!