Two people standing in the spotlight on stage facing an audience.

Bankstown Poetry Slam Grand Slam

  • Talks and Ideas
  • Poetry
  • Concert Hall
  • Seating map

Voice, rhythm and resistance

Showcasing raw stories, bold perspectives and the transformative power of the spoken word, Bankstown Poetry Slam (BPS) returns to the Concert Hall in 2027 for its annual Grand Slam – featuring special guest Hanif Abdurraqib. 

Born as an open mic night in Western Sydney, BPS has become Australia’s largest ongoing slam. Uniting emerging and established voices of all ages from across the country, its monthly slams culminate in the Grand Slam. Winners from throughout the year will form randomised teams and compete on an unforgettable night of poetry, performance and community. 

Meanwhile, Hanif Abdurraqib – poet, cultural critic and essayist for The New Yorker – lends his award-winning voice and vividly lyrical perspective to the night as guest speaker.

Expect an electrifying showcase of unique energy, powerful storytelling and urgent calls for action that will have you clicking for more – not to mention a chance to hear one of the most compelling literary voices of our generation in Abdurraqib.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Event details

The Bankstown poetry slam means many things to many people, but its most striking quality has to be the comfort it fosters within the community.

The Guardian

You may also like

An Evening with Min Jin Lee

25 Feb 2027

  • Talks and Ideas
Headshot of Min Jin Lee smiling.

José González

27 Feb 2027

  • Contemporary Music
  • Folk
  • Indie

Geese

2 & 3 Mar 2027

  • Contemporary Music
  • Rock
Candid black and white photo of the band members of Geese.

Attending this event

Practical information about this event, ticketing and visiting. If you have questions or need help, see our general terms and conditions for tickets and events or contact us.

Ticket information

If you have further questions or need help, please refer to our general terms and conditions for tickets and events or contact a member of our team on 1300 764 849.

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Concert Hall

The Concert Hall is located beneath the largest of Sydney Opera House’s roof sails, filling the upper levels of the west side of the building. Best accessed through the covered concourse. 

All Sydney Opera House foyers are accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators).

  • Checking availability