Tuesday, March 21, 2023- Baltimore, MD – The international Womxn of the World Poetry Slam Fest (WOWPS Fest) will bring 72 slam poets from around the world to Baltimore, Maryland to compete to win $10,000 in prizes, Tuesday, March 28 – Saturday, April 1.
WOWPS Fest is the largest slam poetry event for womxn in the world, giving poets the opportunity to compete for the Womxn of the World title, while also providing professional poets and anyone interested with training, resources and a deep dive into slam poetry culture. Purposely straddling women’s history month in March and National Poetry month in April, this year’s event will have poets from 5 different countries competing.
The festival is open to the public, with the largest draw being the Final Stage.
During the 5 day festival, 72 poets compete in 12 preliminary bouts. The final 12 will then compete in the Final Stage performance at Baltimore Center Stage on Saturday, April 1 at 5pm.Final Stage is open to the public. Get tickets at WOWPS23FinalStage.eventbrite.com.
There are many ways to engage with or attend the 2023 WOWPS Fest. The full schedule is available at wowpsfest.com/scheduletickets. Event Schedule events include:
Special Events
- Tues, Mar 28, 8pm– WOWPS Kickoff Reception
This event is open to the public and will include networking, a meet and greet with festival staff, free desserts and ofcourse poetry, as we kickoff the start of the 2023 Womxn of the World Poetry Slam festival, with features from the phenomenal Ashlee C and Porsha O!
- Wed, Mar 29, 12:30pm – Reclaiming the Sacred: 6 Steps to Honoring Yourself OffStage This workshop will offer a brave space for exploring nourishing rituals to reconnecting to yourself after bearing your heart in the public sphere.
- Wed, Mar 29, 3pm– HERstory: WOWPS X BFSFF Film Screening & Talkback
Come and experience the cinematic work of Baltimore based artist Malaika Aminata. We will be watching two works from the artist, the music video “Consciousness” and the documentary “Not about a Riot”. Both works speak to Malaika’s relationship with Baltimore and its history.
- Thurs, Mar 30, 11:55pm– Femme Fatale: Late Night Open Mic
Grab a drink and come to our late night open mic celebrating Women’s History Month and the feminine voice! Featuring K Love the Poet & Jhane at Baltimore Unity Hall from 12 – 2am. This is the only late night open mic in town!
- Sat, April 1, 11am– Vinyasa and Voice Yoga Class
This calming yoga workshop will celebrate womanhood and help participants connect to ease in their mind, body, and spirit. Participants will create space for a deeper vocal and artistic expression through grounding yoga poses, meditation, self-care rituals, and conscious conversations.
- Sat, April 1, 9pm- WOWPS Afterparty
Workshops
There will be 4 Poetry workshops from world renowned poets:
- Thurs, Mar 30, 2:30pm– Laughing out Loud, by Radi, 2022 WOWPS Fest winner
RADI will be teaching you how to incorporate humor in your writing and how to execute that humor properly on stage.
- Thurs, Mar 30, 2:30pm– Virality, Value and Views, by Ayanna Albertson-Gay
Virality, Value, & Views focuses on the strategic implementation of spoken word poetry on social media and how to use it as a means of personal release, communal impact, and revenue.
- Fri, Mar 31, 2:30pm– Poetry Braiding and Relating by Ebony Stewart
This workshop focuses on our own unique heritage through the fundamentals of poetic literary terms and devices such as, figure of speech, puns, and voice.
- Sat, Apr 1, 1pm- Masterclass by Jasmine Mans
Poetry Slams
- Thurs, Mar 30 & Fri, Mar 31, 7pm & 9pm– Preliminary Slams
Come see some of the best womxn poets battle it out for a slot on the final stage and a chance to win $10,000 in prizes.
- Sat, Apr 1 , 5pm– Final Stage
The Top 12 poets from the Womxn of the World Poetry Slam will be competing for $10,000 in cash prizes at Baltimore Center Stage. Hosted by Ebony Stewart and featuring RADI.
The Womxn of the World Poetry Slam is curated by the Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District and sponsored by The Poetry Foundation, The Baltimore Community Foundation, Two Gems Consulting Services, Baltimore Unity Hall, Motorhouse, Bus Boys and Poets, Baltimore Center Stage, and Mogul Printing.