A poetry performance in Bristol

Poetry & Spoken Word Events in Bristol

upcoming event

Bristol's Poetry Scene

At the time of writing there are very few regular poetry events in Bristol. Milk hosts regular nights at Halo on Gloucester Road and The Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market. Hammer & Tongue occasionally bring their poetry slams to town and have used The Grain Barge for past events. Stand Up For Lyricism promotes poetry events in south Bristol at The Rope Walk and Tobacco Factory Theatre.

Buy tickets for poetry events in Bristol

What our editors say

“She has devised and choreographed for ensembles, led improvisation scores for site-specific work, created spoken word/sound poetry performance, improvised music for theatre & dance productions, and designed and performed installation-based work; showing work at places including Tate Modern, The Place, Curve Theatre and Victoria & Albert Museum. ”
From: Somatic Movement Workshop: Our Bodies Need Time and Space to Digest Ideas

“This vibrant festival is intimately connected to the goddess Brigid—also known as Brighid, Bride, or Brigit—who embodies fertility, poetry, craftsmanship, and prophecy. She is invoked in blessings for growth and inspiration, guiding us as we welcome the coming season.”
From: Imbolc Blessings & Rituals - The Making a Brigid Doll

“Featuring defrosted wives, visits from Uncle Connor (who isn't in the IRA) and at least one unforgettable tribute to the late Lady Diana. If you enjoy spoken-word poetry, this is the show for you. If you dislike spoken-word poetry, this is probably the show for you too. Expect the unexpected...and hold on tight””
From: Satellite of Love presents: Edward Tripp and Sophie Shepherd

“For this Rooted meet we'll be having Guided Meditation and Culture & Heritage Show and Tell. This is an invitation for those joining the group to bring and share something that is important to them and keeps them connected to their roots. Things can include food, drinks, dance, song, art, poetry, family heirlooms, any item with a personal story etc.”
From: Rooted

“Jaidah is a soulful poet from South London, now based in Weston-super-Mare, where her poetry journey first began. Her work is rooted in human connection, exploring themes of empathy, welfare, and the shared questions that bind us together.”
From: Raise the Bar: Open Mic

Trending Poetry Events

KERTECZ#32 at L'Étoile Studio
— L'Étoile Studio
spoken word poetry
Omega Institute + spoken word artists Muneera Pilgrim + Stuart Taylor at The Mount Without
— The Mount Without
jazz experimental spoken word
To decolonise our hearts? at Victoria Park
— Victoria Park
experimental lgbtq+ spoken word theatre exhibition-opening
The Catweazle Club at Cafe Kino
— Cafe Kino
folk open mic singer-songwriter spoken word poetry
Queer Stories at Sidney & Eden
— Sidney & Eden
open mic lgbtq+ spoken word
Bristol Society of Magic - MAGIC WORKSHOPS at Red Lodge Museum
— Red Lodge Museum
comedy spoken word theatre cabaret family

Bristol Trending Venues

Wardrobe Theatre Redgrave Theatre The Hen & Chicken The Cube Cinema
Raise the Bar: Open Mic at Orchard Coffee & Co.
— Orchard Coffee & Co.
open mic poetry
This is Your Life Sentence - Emma McClure at The Wardrobe Theatre
— The Wardrobe Theatre
workshops & classes spoken word theatre talks lgbtq+
A Dance with the Minotaur’s Sister at The Cube
— The Cube
spoken word theatre
Satellite of Love presents: Edward Tripp and Sophie Shepherd at Loco Klub
Rooted at The Beehive Centre
— The Beehive Centre
lgbtq+ workshops & classes spoken word poetry food & drink
Leonard Cohen at The Cube
— The Cube
jam session folk soft rock poetry
Catching Sight of My Reflection: Kamina Walton and Hannah Sullivan at Arnolfini
Wessex Hag + Blabbermouth: Dark West Country Storytelling at Cafe Kino
— Cafe Kino
folk ambient drone spoken word poetry
George Saunders: Vigil at 1532 Performing Arts Centre
— 1532 Performing Arts Centre
workshops & classes spoken word poetry talks
The Tempest - Retold, by Debs Newbold at The Cube
— The Cube
spoken word theatre
Sit Down, Shut Up, Get on Your Knees: Jesus Christ Not Again at The Cube
— The Cube
comedy spoken word poetry cabaret food & drink
LYR at Bristol Beacon
— Bristol Beacon
indie rock post-punk art rock poetry
Bristol Society of Magic - 2026 Stage Magic Championship at The Cube
— The Cube
comedy spoken word theatre cabaret family