In a dingy bar in 2013, an open mic event was born. Poets from all over the world quickly rushed the tiny Ruckus stage, and QLD premier at the time Campbell Newman officially declared it a permanent event and gave us the keys to the city [citation needed].

Now in its 13th year, Ruckus Poetry Slam lives in the new heart of West End: Mirrorball Ministries on Boundary Street!

The stage remains completely open to poets of all ilks to sign up on the night and grace the stage for 2 minutes, with the potential of walking away with the keys to the city! (We're pawning it now cos we're broke.)

Here're the deets:

Wed 28th Jan 2026
Doors and open mic signup from 6:30pm
7:00pm start
Mirrorball Ministries, 3/126 Boundary Street, West End
(If you haven't been to Mirrorball Ministries, follow your nose down a hidden laneway in the middle of Boundary Street to a beautiful, independently-owned, AIR CONDITIONED live music venue.)

And for poets:
16 poets max, first in best dressed for signup
Randomly drawn
Max 2min30sec

Tickets available now for $20, or $25 on the door!

18+ only!

Contact the host of RUCKUS SLAM RETURNS FOR 2026!