Readings, Stand-Up & Discussions in Cologne

Book readings, literature, poetry slam, lectures, stand-up comedy, talks and reports in Cologne

Cologne has a literary scene that is quite something, and that is meant literally, because texts are not only read here, but are literally thrown onto the stage, defended, cheered and sometimes booed. If you thought readings were for people with reading glasses and chamomile tea, then Cologne has good news for you. Experience the diverse world of the spoken word in a city that gives its literary and spoken word scene more space than you might expect. The Literaturhaus Köln in the city center offers the most elegant introduction, regularly hosting author readings, author talks and discussions with writers from all over the world. Here you can expect captivating and inspiring evenings with respected authors as well as up-and-coming talents that you won't forget after the evening. In particular, the recurring format "The Other Literature Café" regularly invites writers and culture makers to relaxed conversations about literature, without podium rigidity, but with real exchange. Those who prefer a little more energy and a competitive feeling in their word diet will find just the right thing at the ReimGold Poetry Slam at Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld: every last Tuesday of the month, slam poets compete against each other with poetry, prose, political texts and a good pinch of humor, and the audience has the last word. This is spoken word in its most direct form, loud, lively and with an energy that can be felt throughout the hall. No less exciting is the format "The Word is not enough" at the Blue Shell, which brings the best slam poets to an intimate stage every third Sunday of the month and proves that spoken word art and a club atmosphere go together perfectly. Cologne's calendar of events also has plenty on offer for fans of stand-up comedy, cabaret and talks: at the BOING! Comedy Club at the Horizont-Theater regularly offers first-class stage comedy with several comedians per evening, while the Senftöpfchen Theater in the Old Town has been known for decades for fine cabaret that combines political wit with entertainment. Those looking for even more spoken word flair should also keep an eye on the regular "Best of Poetry Slam" format at the Comedia Theater, which brings a hand-picked selection of the best slam poets in the German-speaking world to the big stage. In short: discover literary and entertaining Cologne, where the spoken word has many stages, many voices and always a free seat for you in the audience.