DTL Poetry: People's Choice Competition

Welcome to the Official DTL Poetry: People's Choice Competition held every 3rd Saturday of the Month in Philadelphia.

This is NOT a SLAM competition, this is a contest for poets everywhere to compete for a cash winning prize of $1,000.00.

That's right, you read that clearly!

How do you join in on this competition? Here are the Official Rules:

1. Obtain your slot by purchasing an Open Mic Sign Up Ticket.

2. Include your Stage Name in the ticket purchase required notes.

3. All Contestants must be present before the show begins at 7pm. (Doors open @ 6pm EST). If you are not present on time, you will lose your competing slot.

4. POETS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COMPETE MORE THAN ONCE IF THEY ARE SELECTED AS A WINNER.

5. ONLY 11 Poets will be selected for the Final round, that will be judged and held December 2025.

Each month, 1 poet will be selected as the winner, from the audience's votes. In the event that majority of the audience are only POETS, the DTL Team will step in to vote unanimously.

If you are a DTL Gold Open Mic Season Pass holder, and win one of the events, all remaining tickets within your season pass will be transferred over as a general admission so that you can still attend and participate in the future voting process.

Not competing? That's perfectly okay, we still invite spectators because your votes is the only way a Poet wins!

Time: Doors Open @ 6pm - Show begins @7pm

Location: The Sweet Lounge

433 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19123

Street Parking is available.

Dress Code: Casual and however you prefer to dress.

Please note the following apply to all events:

• Check In at the door.
• No Weapons permitted at location.
• Photos and Videos are allowed.
• Beverages available for purchase.
• Ticket purchases are Final. No refunds.
• Door Entry is accessible after online ticket sales close.

This platform is specifically for Poetry only. Designed for poets by poets. Respect the MIC, Respect your peers and Respect the Platform providing the space.

Timeslot: Each poet receives 5mins (1 poem) Please be respectful of others and utilize your time wisely.

Only 20 Open Mic Slots Available. Signup requires proof of ticket purchase.

We do offer vendor opportunities to entrepreneurs. Please contact us via email [email protected]prior to purchasing a vendor ticket.

Thank you in advance.

Best of Luck to all contestants, and we hope to see you there!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Sweet Lounge, 433 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, United States