Brave New Voices Festival Day 3

Brave New Voices Festival Day 3

It's time to SLAM!

Kick off day three of the Brave New Voices Festival by cheering on the best youth poetry teams from around the country in our annual slam poetry competition.

The semi-finals happen in two rounds, consisting of 4 bouts each.

Round 1 consists of bouts 1-4, which take place between 10:30am-12:30pm.

Round 2 consists of bouts 5-8 which take place between 2pm-4pm.

The top 4 Teams will advance to the Brave New Voices Finals, where they will compete for the title of 2026 Brave New Voices Slam Champion.

For 30 years, Youth Speaks has led a youth spoken-word poetry movement that has since bloomed into some of the most significant young artists of our time. Many of your favorite rappers, directors, Tony Award-winning actors, screenwriters, activists, organizers, and, of course, poets got their start right here at the Brave New Voices Youth Poetry Slam.

All semifinals feature open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is free, but spots are LIMITED, and a ticket is REQUIRED to secure your spot. Audience members are encouraged to move into additional semi-bouts if spaces are at capacity.

Location: This event will be hosted across multiple locations in Downtown Oakland. The exact location of the events will be emailed to attendees after registration.

MEDIA POLICY

*Please note, by registering to attend this event, you are consenting to being photographed and recorded inside the space. If you do not wish to be recorded, please contact [email protected] or check in with the production manager on site, who can provide a Media Opt-Out wristband.

COVID POLICY

As we continue to explore new opportunities to gather and build community within an ever-changing world, we will continue to gather and remain accountable to your safety.

MASKING

Masks are encouraged for any indoor activities. As a reminder, Masks must snugly and securely cover the nose, mouth, and chin. N95 or KN95 masks and double-masking are recommended.

View the full COVID policy at youthspeaks.org/covid/

If you would like to support Youth Speaks and the Brave New Voices Festival, please send contributions to Network for Good.

Interested in volunteering at the 2026 Brave New Voices festival. Sign up here!

If you are attending as an individual or part of a school or community group, please be prepared to bring a bag lunch with you.

Info: Semi Schedule: 10:30am - 12:30pm & 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: Marison E Greene Black Box Theatre, Oakland School for the Arts
Address: 530 19th St, Oakland
City: Oakland
Zip: 94612

Info: Semi Schedule: 10:30am - 12:30pm & 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: Marison E Greene Black Box Theatre, Oakland School for the Arts
Address: 530 19th St, Oakland
City: Oakland
Zip: 94612

Info: Semi Schedule: 10:30am - 12:30pm & 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: Kinfolk - Cafe
Address: 1951 Telegraph Ave Suite 4
City: Oakland
Zip: 94612

Info: Semi Schedule: 10:30am - 12:30pm & 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: LyonShare
Address: 1901 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
City: Oakland
Zip: 94612

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Crybaby, 1928 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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