Mic Check Poetry Fest 2025
November 13-15
Two powerful poets perform live at The Hancher on Friday night, then lead workshops on Saturday afternoon. Saturday night, top Iowa poets perform live with The Blake Shaw Quartet.
Support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts
Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Registration
Adults 19+ can purchase individual tickets to select events below or get a Fest Pass for easy access to the entire festival at one low price.
Teens 13-18 are invited to attend all events and youth workshops for FREE with registration!
Live Shows
Multiple events sold out last year. Book tickets for individual events or get a Fest Pass now to reserve your place!
Friday, November 14
Mic Check Poetry Fest Showcase
Mic Check Poetry Fest is proud to partner with The Hancher to present our festival showcase featuring Sarah Kay, Phil Kaye, and teen poets from IC Speaks.
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Hancher Auditorium / Strauss Hall / Cabaret Seating @ 141 Park Rd, Iowa City
SATURday, November 15
4:30 pm and after
Poetry in Motion
Iowa City Poetry presents Poetry in Motion, a live show featuring top spoken word performers sharing their work with the accompaniment of the The Blake Shaw Quartet. This show broadens the definition of spoken word by adding music to the powerful words brought to the stage. It speaks to anyone who appreciates poetry, music, and performance. Not to be missed!
Tickets: $15 for adults 19+, $10 for college students, free to youth
Ticketing / Registration Now Live
Mic Check Festival - Poetry Slam
After a day of writing workshops and panels, the evening poetry slam offers an opportunity for attendees to take the stage and share their own work. This event is essential to Mic Check Poetry Fest as it speaks to the heart of spoken word: listening and sharing, call and response, acceptance and vulnerability. This evening slam and open mic is a time not only to experience spoken word, but to embody it.
$150 IN PRIZES
Registration not required: $5 entrance to adults 19+. Free to youth 13-18 with ID. Pre-paid entrance to Fest Pass Holders.
