Liquid Lyrics "Grand Final 2026"

LIQUID LYRICS 2026 GRAND FINAL

It all comes down to this.

A year of poems.

A year of AI (Authentic Intelligence).

A year of people stepping onto the Liquid Lyrics stage with three minutes, a microphone full of nerves and a heart full of courage.

On Saturday 28 November, the poets who’ve slammed their place throughout the year come together for one final night, with qualifying Liquid Lyrics poets joined by selected GOODFEST finalists, as some qualified poets are unable to make the night.

Together, they make up a seriously strong field of spoken-word artists from the Sunshine Coast and beyond, all competing for prize money, paid features, the trophy and the bragging rights of being crowned the 2026 Liquid Lyrics Slam Champion.

There’s no theme for the Final. Just complete creative freedom and some seriously good poetry.

Whether you’ve been in the audience all year or you’ve never experienced a poetry slam before, this is the night that will leave you breathless, gasping, laughing and deeply inspired.

POETRY • LIVE MUSIC • DJ • GREEK FOOD • BEER & WINE • CHAI • DRINKS

POETRY SLAM RULES

• Maximum 3 minutes. Timer starts on the first word.

• 1 point deducted for every 30 seconds over 3 minutes.

• 1 bonus point awarded for memorisation.

• Going over 5 minutes results in disqualification.

• Original work written within the last 12 months and never previously performed at a Liquid Lyrics Poetry Slam.

• No music or props.

• 5 judges randomly selected from the audience.

• Highest and lowest scores are dropped, with the middle three scores combined.

PRIZES

1st Place

✩ $700 cash

✩ Paid 15-minute feature poet spot at Liquid Lyrics or Spoken Mic

✩ Liquid Lyrics Champion’s Trophy to take home for one year

✩ Free entry to Liquid Lyrics for one year, excluding the Grand Final

2nd Place

✩ $350 cash

✩ Liquid Lyrics tickets for 2027

Joe Lynch Encouragement Award

✩ $150 cash

✩ Recipient chosen by the Liquid Lyrics hosts

TICKETS

Early Bird: $35

General Admission: $40

On the Door: $45

Come celebrate the poets, the stories and the community that made this year what it was.

One stage. One final. One hell of a night.

OPENING GUEST PERFORMER:

Moodra

Moodra is the gesture of sound. A sonic experience that moves energy, emotion and space: deep, intentional, timeless electronic music for body, mind and soul.

That gesture comes from more than 20 years as a touring musician, with earthy, soulful beats built to hook you and keep you moving, now channelled into electronic production and DJ sets.

HALF-TIME GUEST PERFORMER:

Sober-Low featuring Chanterelle

Sober-Low is a multi-faceted artist from Nimbin, bringing lyrical wizardry to the stage through a high-intensity, conscious hip-hop set.

A regular performing poet and finalist at Liquid Lyrics, he also reached the semi-finals of the GOODFEST Joe Lynch Memorial Cup in Maleny. His presence and power are felt on every stage he steps onto, and his ability to engage an audience is something to behold.

For this special performance, Sober-Low will be joined by the soulful and heartfelt vocals of the majestic Goddess Chanterelle.

FOOD & DRINK

Greek food with vegetarian and meat options, delectable desserts, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cold drinks, and oat milk spiced chai will all be available to purchase on the night.

Please note: the venue is licensed and we will be selling beer and wine. No BYO.