2025 Word Up! Poetry Festival

The Flourish Alabama and the Birmingham Public Library - Central Location are proud to partner once again for the 6th Annual Word Up! Poetry Festival, a citywide celebration of youth voice, creativity, and self-expression.

Each year, high school students from across the city compete for over $5,000 in cash prizes by performing original works that are honest, fearless, and full of heart. From powerful solo performances to dynamic group pieces, Word Up! showcases Birmingham’s next generation of writers, thinkers, and changemakers.

This year’s festival will feature:

• Student slam teams + individual poets from across the city
• Semifinals at 5:00 PM and Finals at 7:00 PM
• Judges, music, and community energy that can only come from a night of poetry in The Magic City

More than a competition, Word Up! is a platform to amplify youth voices across Birmingham, giving students a space to express themselves, speak their truth, and connect through art. Come experience an evening of creativity, community, and culture, and see firsthand why Word Up! is one of Birmingham’s most anticipated youth events of the year.

🎟️ Free & open to the public!

Are you a student interested in competing? Submit your intent to participate via the Word Up! Interest Form: https://forms.gle/24WtKRGsvoo6qtcd6

The Flourish Alabama is dedicated to helping young people grow through arts-based learning. Through poetry, film, creative writing programs, and more, The Flourish nurtures confidence, self-expression, and purpose in youth across Birmingham.

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The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is one of the largest public library systems in the Southeast. The mission of BPL is to provide the highest quality to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment.

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