NRW Poetry Slam 2026 | Preliminary Round Mettmann

The grand preliminary round of the biggest poetry slam state championship of all time!
Poets qualified over a year – 72 made it to the finals. neanderlandTwelve teams have now reached the spectacular preliminary round in Mettmann. They've secured the NRW championship; now it's all or nothing. They need to show their skills, thrill the audience, and secure their place in the semifinals!

The venue is the Weltspiegel Cinema in Mettmann. A cinema as a cultural venue – few locations have grasped this concept as well as the Weltspiegel Cinema. Since 2019, the Poetry Slam here has been one of the most popular event series in the district, consistently selling out and always generating an incredibly fantastic atmosphere! Between popcorn and cola, our performers repeatedly whip the audience into a frenzy that some football stadiums can only dream of.

The North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Poetry Slam Championships are taking place this year in our district of Mettmann. This hottest stage format features only the best slam poets from the wonderful state of North Rhine-Westphalia! In the broad spectrum between poetry, comedy, cabaret, and prose, a scene has developed where established stars create internet sensations, are TV personalities, and at the same time, hungry newcomers constantly surprise and delight – all on one shared stage. Once a hidden gem, this format has long since earned a reputation: Poetry Slam is a party, Poetry Slam is emotion, Poetry Slam is always absolutely unique. Here, the sheer power of words and performance ecstasy will knock you off your feet; lyrical volleys will blast into your memory like a comet, and sore laughing muscles are guaranteed. And that's not all: since 2016, these modern poetry competitions have been officially recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Featured Artist: Lisa Brück
Moderator: Yannick Steinkellner