The Southern Fried Poetry Slam is an annual performing arts tournament celebrating poetry, spoken word, and community outreach. The name alone evokes a sense of family, homecooked meals, and genuine fellowship. Southern Fried Poetry Slam shares the absolute best southern offerings -- hospitality, comfort, tradition, and competition! RheaSunshine Poetry and the 5th Woman is excited to serve as the hosts for the 2023 Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Knoxville, TN! During the first week of June, performers from across the southeastern region of the United States gather for this annual tournament which showcases some of the world’s most extraordinary poets and artists whose talents will be on display as they compete for over $8000 in cash and prizes. Since its inception in 1993, the Southern Fried Poetry Slam has become the largest poetry event in the world. The Southern Fried Poetry Slam draws an audience of 250 - 400 people from all walks of life and we expect an even higher attendance in 2023, as the festival is returning to Knoxville for the 4th time since its humble beginnings. Attendees will travel from the following cities and many more: Greenville SC Tampa, FL; Miami, FL; Hampton, VA; Dallas, TX; St. Louis, MO; Newark, NJ; Huntsville, AL; Memphis, TN; Charlotte, NC; New Orleans, LA; Los Angeles, CA and many more…

The 5th Woman is offering 3 students ages 16-24 the opportunity to learn from professional poets and create their own poetry. Applications become available May 25, 2023 at 8am.