Tell ’em Festival 2026: International Poetry Slam

Rotterdam's international spoken word festival Tell 'em returns from 11 to 13 November 2026 for three evenings of poetry, live music and powerful storytelling at Nieuwe Luxor Theater. Featuring twenty poets from around the world, an international poetry slam and collaborations with Rotterdam musicians, the festival celebrates the power of words across languages and cultures.

Organised by Stichting Spraakuhloos, Tell 'em brings together established performers, emerging voices and audiences who share an appreciation for spoken word. Whether you're already familiar with poetry slams or discovering the art form for the first time, the festival offers an accessible introduction to contemporary performance poetry.

Twenty poets from around the world

At the heart of the festival is an international poetry slam featuring twenty selected poets from countries including Kenya, Norway and Ukraine. Participants compete across two semifinal rounds before the finalists meet on Friday evening.

The poets perform in their own languages, with live English subtitles helping audiences follow the stories and emotions behind their words. The performances explore different perspectives, identities and experiences through the rhythm and expression of spoken poetry.

The 2026 line-up includes King Yaw, winner of the 2025 World Poetry Slam Championship, Yastricia, the 2026 Abya Yala continental champion, and Rotterdam's Youth City Poet Oumaima Yahiaoui. Hip-hop theatre pioneer Jonzi D, founder of Breakin' Convention, is also among the featured artists.

Three evenings of poetry and music

The festival takes place across three evenings, each with its own programme:

• Wednesday 11 November: International Poetry Slam, first semifinal at Café Dox.
• Thursday 12 November: Second semifinal at Café Dox, featuring a collaboration with Breakin' Convention.
• Friday 13 November: International Poetry Slam grand final in the Rijnfoyer, featuring live music in collaboration with Music Matters.

Alongside the competition, visitors can enjoy performances by musicians and spoken word artists from Rotterdam and abroad. The programme also includes an open jam session, offering an opportunity for audience members to share their own words or music on stage.

Tickets and practical information

Tell 'em Festival takes place from Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 November 2026 at Nieuwe Luxor Theater, Antoine Platekade 9, Rotterdam.

• Wednesday 11 November: 19:00–21:30, Café Dox
• Thursday 12 November: 19:00–22:00, Café Dox
• Friday 13 November: 19:00–22:00, Rijnfoyer

Tickets cost €10 per evening, with a three-day festival pass available for €17.50.

The festival is organised by Stichting Spraakuhloos, a Rotterdam organisation dedicated to spoken word, poetry and artistic expression.

For tickets and further information, visit the official Luxor Theater event page.