Heads Will Roll: Halloween Poetry Slam

Join us for our annual Heads Will Roll Halloween Poetry Slam!

Poet Requirements

• Each poet must prepare 3 original poems.

• Time limit: 3 minutes 10 seconds max.

• Penalty: -0.5 points for every 10 seconds over time.

  
  

Competition Format

• This is a head-to-head elimination slam. Only 8 poets will compete.

• The first-round bout draw will take place on Instagram Live once all 8 slots are filled. Each poet will be paired with their opening-round opponent.

• At the slam, the poet with the highest score in each bout advances—the other poet will be sent… to the grave.

Rounds

• Round 1: 8 poets → 4 advance

• Round 2: 4 poets → 2 advance

• Final Round: 2 poets → 1 champion

Judging

• Five audience judges will be chosen at random.

• Judges score on a 0–10 scale.

• High & low scores are dropped each round; the remaining 3 scores are totaled.

• In case of a tie, poets face off in a 1-minute sudden-death showdown.

Costumes & Props

• Since this is a Halloween slam, poets are encouraged to dress up!

• Costumes will not affect scores.

• No music is allowed, just you and your words.

👻 When: Thursday, October 23rd | 6:30–9:00 PM

📍 Where: THIRD Street (814 S 3rd St)

🎟️ Tickets: Graveyard Admission $25

Poet Registration $25

This year’s slam features:

⚔️ A head-to-head elimination where only 1 poet will survive the night

🧙🏾‍♀️ Giveaways + spooky goodies

👻 Costume Contest (best dressed wins a CASH prize 💰)

💀 Follow @spotlightpoetrylv for updates, chills, and behind-the-scenes chaos as we count down to the most terrifying slam of the year.