The Lavender Mic at Petals & Pages

The winner gets a $100 cash prize! This quarter, we'll be donating 10% of ticket sales to Trans Center of the Rockies.

Slam details:

Check-in & Draw Time: 7:30 PM at Petals and Pages

Poets who do not attend the draw will be taking the #1 spot! So get there on time poets!

Slam Format & Rules:

The competition will be conducted in 3 rounds.

Rounds 1 and 2 are cumulative—scores from both rounds will be added together to determine which poets advance.

Round 3 is a clean slate—finalists will start fresh with no previous scores carrying over.

The round cuts will be

Round 1: All 10 poets

Round 2: Top 5 poets

Round 3: Top 3 poets

Poets will randomly draw their performance order at check-in.

Time Limit: Each poem must be 3 minutes or less, with a 10-second grace period. After 3:10, time penalties will apply:

3:10-3:20 = 0.5-point deduction

3:20-3:30 = 1-point deduction

3:30+ = Disqualification for the round

Your time starts as soon as you speak into the mic or engage with the audience.

No props, costumes, or musical accompaniment—the power is in your words and performance.

Each poem must be original and written by the performing poet.

Random Judges will be selected in the audience. Judges will score poets on content, performance, and overall impact on a scale of 0.0 to 10.0 (highest and lowest scores dropped, middle three averaged).

If there is a tie for the final round, a 1 minute sudden-death round may be implemented.

FAQ:

Q: How many poets will be allowed to compete?

A: There will be a total of 10 poets. First come, first serve basis.

Q: How many poems should poets have prepared?

A: Poets should have 3 poems under 3 minutes prepared as well as one 1 minute poem.

Q: Is a slam the same thing as an open mic?

A: No, a slam is a competition with judges.

Q: How can I sign up to compete?

A: Select “Competing Poet” on the eventbrite page & If there are any slots left, poets who would like to compete can sign up at the door.

Q: Will we always donate to the same charity?

A: Charities will change quarterly! We are always open to suggestions as well.

Q: Will the bookstore be open during the event?

A: Yes! You will be able to purchase items from the store, before, during intermissions, and after the show.

Host or Publisher Petals & Pages