Half the fun of going to spoken-word contests of any kind is that you never know whether you're going to get verbal caviar or crap. Helmed by veteran slam master Allison Broeren, the events held one Tuesday each month at Kieran's Irish Pub consistently draw talent both new and tried-and-true, with teams that often rank among the top in the nation. 601 1st Av. N., Mpls.; 612-339-4499, slammn.org
Runner-up: Equilibrium at the Loft
