SLAM 2026 - Semifinal 1 - German-Language Poetry Slam Championship

From September 23 to 26, 2026, Hannover hosts the German-language poetry slam championship for the second time since 2017. The 30th edition of the competition brings together around 200 poets and organizers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Belgium, and Italy. The contests run from preliminary rounds through semifinals to the final - spread across four days and four venues: Kulturzentrum Faust, Kulturzentrum Pavillon, Orangerie Herrenhausen, and Theater am Aegi. The program also includes supporting events and an opening gala on September 20.

In the first semifinal of the individual competition, nine slammers compete against each other - those who advanced from the preliminary rounds. The top three qualify for the final on Saturday, September 26.

The event is supported by the city of Hannover, the Hannover region, the NORD/LB Cultural Foundation, the VGH Foundation, and Haus & Grund and Leine Trends.