Contact: Kate Oman, Gallery Director
(906) 212-5236
kate@bonifasarts.org
https://bonifasarts.org/
Yooper Poetry Slam Invites U.P. Poets to Compete for Cash Prizes
Free November 5 event celebrates original poetry, with $175 in prizes sponsored by UPPAA
ESCANABA, Mich. — October 21, 2026 — Poets from across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are invited to take the microphone at the Yooper Poetry Slam, a free evening of original poetry and friendly competition on Thursday, November 5, at the Bonifas Arts Center in Escanaba.
Presented by the Bonifas Arts Center, the event aims to bring together poets, writers, authors, and storytelling enthusiasts in a welcoming environment that celebrates the region’s literary talent. The goal is to attract participants from throughout the Upper Peninsula, ideally representing all 15 U.P. counties. The slam competition is open to adults ages 18 and older, from emerging writers to established published authors.
Three Minutes to Make an Impression
Each registered poet will have three minutes to perform an original piece before a panel of three judges with backgrounds in poetry, writing, and/or storytelling. The judges will select three winners for First, Second, and Third place prizes ranging from $25 to $100 each. The cash prizes and refreshments are made possible through a grant awarded to the Bonifas Arts Center by the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association (UPPAA). This support helps make the event free for the community while recognizing outstanding performances.
Local poet and published author Mike Peach is partnering with the Bonifas to organize the event and will serve as a judge. Judges will also include published poets Marty Achatz and Lisa Fosmo.
Beyond the awards, the Yooper Poetry Slam provides a platform for Upper Peninsula voices and creates opportunities for people to share their stories, perspectives, and creativity through spoken-word performance. Organizers plan to encourage participation from Bay College students, local libraries, writers’ groups, and other U.P. arts centers.
Event Details
- When: Thursday, November 5, 2026; doors open at 5:30pm, competition at 6:00pm
- Where: Bonifas Arts Center, 700 First Avenue South, Escanaba, MI 49829
- Admission: Free
- Eligibility: Adults 18 and older can compete for prizes
Interested poets seeking registration information should contact Kate Oman at kate@bonifasarts.org. Those wishing to just listen to and enjoy the Slam poets are welcome to drop in – no registration for them.
Media Invitation
Print, television, radio and new media reporters are invited to cover this celebration of U.P. literary talent. The event offers opportunities to interview organizers and poets and capture live spoken-word performances. For more information, contact Kate Oman at kate@bonifasarts.org or visit bonifasarts.org.
About the Bonifas Arts Center
Located in Escanaba, Michigan, the Bonifas Arts Center supports creativity and cultural engagement through arts education, exhibitions, and community programming.