See top poets take the stage to share their thoughts, ideas, and insights for a chance to make the 2026 Bull City Slam Team. Enjoy a poetry event that you don’t want to miss. All poetry shared must be original. The Jambalaya Soul Slam is the Triangle’s longest running poetry event!
The Jambalaya Soul Slam is a live, competitive poetry event where local writers perform original spoken word pieces to earn a spot on the official Bull City Slam Team. If you plan to go, keep in mind that poetry slams often feature mature themes and uncensored language, making this best suited for adults or teenagers rather than young children. The event takes place at the Hayti Heritage Center, which offers free on-site parking, though the lot can fill up quickly for popular evening shows. Ticket prices are typically modest, but you will want to purchase them in advance to secure your seats. This is a fantastic weekend option if you want to support the local arts scene, experience Durham's rich cultural history, and enjoy a high-energy evening of storytelling.
Because poetry slams feature raw, uncensored original works, the content is generally geared toward adults and mature teenagers rather than young kids.
Where is the event located and is parking free?
The slam takes place at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, which has its own parking lot free of charge for visitors.