Bards & Brews is a poetry slam/beer tasting held on the first Friday of each month except December at the Birmingham Public Library (2100 Park Place). Slams are emceed by poetry slam events director Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins. Each contestant contributes $5 to the pot, and winner takes all. Southern Fried Slam rules will be observed. Craft beer will be available for sampling. You must be 18 years or older to be admitted, and 21 years or older to be served. IDs will be checked. Live music at 6:30 p.m. Call time is 7:00 p.m. Check out the Bards & Brews page on Facebook for more information. This program is made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Word up, y’all!

Every 3rd Sunday, the Carver Theatre presents a night of poetry and wine featuring Birmingham's finest spoken word artists. The spoken word is perhaps the most powerful and influential form of expression. Come and be a part of this new and revived art form. Open mic. Admission is FREE! (from website)

Poetry slams are held on selected Fridays at Eclipse Coffee & Books in Montevallo.