The Maricopa Arts Council (MAC) will host a poetry evening this month featuring poets of all ages who will share their original poems in an open mic section as well as participate in a “poetry slam” event.

MAC will sponsor a two-part poetry event for poets which will include a Kid’s Poetry Open Mic for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, who will share their poems with the audience, according to a press release. Poets may dress in costume and makeup and will have the opportunity to win a MAC artist’s grant based on the greatest acclaim from the audience.

The event will also feature All-Maricopa Slam, which is open to high school students and older, where participants can compete for spots in the All State Poetry Slam in January. The poetry slam will be conducted according to the guidelines for the official slams, meaning no costumes, music or scenery, the release said. The artistic competition is centered around the performance of original poetry, with poets performing their own work. Two poets will be chosen for a spot in the All State Poetry Slam and two runners-up will be invited to present at the All State Slam as noncompetitors.

The event will take place on Oct. 27 at the Maricopa Public Library, 41600 W. Smith-Enke #10. The Kid’s Poetry Open Mic will take place from 5:45-6:30 p.m., and the poetry slam will begin at 7 p.m.

For more information call 520-568-2926.