The Spoken Word to Go-Go Championship Returns for Its 5th Year

Washington, DC’s most electrifying fusion of poetry and Go-Go music is back. The Spoken Word to Go-Go Championship returns this year to celebrate its fifth anniversary, marking a major milestone for an event that has steadily grown into one of the city’s most unique cultural competitions.

Over the past four years, the championship has brought together some of the region’s most talented poets to perform alongside the unmistakable rhythm and energy of DC’s homegrown sound—Go-Go. The result is a dynamic blend of spoken word and live musical tradition that highlights both storytelling and the powerful cultural heartbeat of the city.

A Championship-Level Competition
This year’s competition promises to be bigger than ever. Poets will compete for a collection of prizes that have become legendary within the event:

  • $2,500 Grand Prize

  • A recording session with The Experience Band & Show

  • The coveted Crystal Mic

  • And the title of 2026 Spoken Word to Go-Go Champion

The competition format gives poets multiple opportunities to step onto the stage and show what they’ve got, blending lyrical storytelling with the rhythm of Go-Go beats.

How the Competition Unfolds
The road to the championship will include open mic rounds hosted at Busboys and Poets, where poets will have the chance to qualify and showcase their talent. From there, competitors will move through four official rounds of competition, each building toward the ultimate finale.

New Go-Go tracks produced by TK will soon be released for poets to write and perform to, giving competitors fresh beats to inspire their work.

The Final Showdown
The championship will culminate in a high-energy finale at one of the city’s most anticipated summer events. The final round will take place on June 27 at the National Capital Barbecue Battle, on the Pepsi Lay’s Art to Go-Go Stage, where the finalists will perform live in front of a large festival crowd.

A Celebration of DC Culture
More than just a competition, the Spoken Word to Go-Go Championship is a celebration of Washington, DC’s creative community and cultural legacy. By bringing together poets, musicians, and audiences, the event continues to elevate Go-Go music while providing a platform for powerful voices and storytelling.

Calling All Poets
For poets ready to step into the spotlight, now is the time to start writing. With fresh Go-Go tracks on the way and open mic dates about to be announced, the countdown to this year’s championship is officially underway.

Additional details, including open mic dates and competition rounds, will be announced soon.

Learn more at arttogogo.org. 🎤🎶

ARTS & CULTUREAnacostia BIDSPOKEN WORD TO GOGO