Charm City Slam Poetry Slam Competition
Finals

Key Highlights:

What: Charm City Slam Finals (Baltimore’s biggest poetry slam)

Who: After a year of 108 poets competing we have selected the top 12 poets from around the country including several amazing poets from Baltimore will compete for the Grand Slam Title and $3,000 in prizes.

Featuring Rasheed Copeland and Ashlee Haze

This event is sponsored by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.

When: July 22nd at 7pm

Where: Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 South Calvert St. Baltimore, MD 21201

Why: Baltimore is considered the greatest city in the country for spoken word. This event is one of the most acclaimed slams of 2025. Poets and audiences are coming from around the country to experience this event.

Detailed Information: Charm City Slam Season 3 Finals is the most exciting, intense poetry competition of the year. The winners of each month must now go head to head in a 3 round elimination bracket style competition to be this year’s Champion. This year's finals includes multiple multi-time national poetry slam champions from all across the country including Baltimore.

Competing finalists include: Ephraim Nehemiah, Khalil Houston, Ayanna Florence, Ed Mabrey, Black Chakra, Jordan Bailey, Yex, Cyn, Steven Willis, Tru Kwene, Sheri Hall, Malpractice

Each of these poets are regional, national or international poetry slam champions.

Hosted by: Lady Brion-Poet Laureate of Maryland and executive director of Black Arts District.

Quote from a Key Person: “People from around the world are recognizing Baltimore as one of the greatest cities to enjoy poetry and it feels amazing.” Kenneth Something- Director of Programs of Black Arts District.

About Charm City Slam: Charm City Slam is a national poetry competition located in Baltimore City. Each month Poets from around the country travel to compete against the best in the world. 8-10 poets are selected monthly for head to head style two round slam with each month’s winner moving on to the finals for a chance to be the the Season’s Champion Charm City Slam's mission is to support artists. Our staff is composed of local artists of different forms, mediums and respected fields. Charm City directly gives financial support to 20 artists and creatives each month.