Other parts of the world can be your stage!
Other parts of the world can be your stage!
Spread your wings with these events across Scotland
Hello! Hi! How’s it going? This is going to be a different kind of newsletter…
Because I’m getting married today! And I’ll be offline until next week.
I’m way overdue on unplugging from the matrix, and I’m really excited to just breathe and spend time with my lovely spouse.
With that in mind, I wanted to make sure that whether you’re open mic curious or you feel like you’ve been through the whole Edinburgh circuit (you haven’t, I promise), you had a bunch of other places to explore or share your work over October.
This round-up has been a while in the making, and I’ve been in touch with a bunch of great open mics and organisations across Central Scotland over the last few months.
Special thanks go to Ross Wilcock and Katie Ailes for all of their suggestions and help with this list!
The open mics and events listed below are currently active. If your hometown or events aren’t included, please note that if events or organisations haven’t been active for over 6 months or where information hasn’t been readily available, I have left them out. This includes Brave New Words based in Dumfries and Coffee & Soul at The Bike Shed in Inverness. You can stay up to date with these events and organisations via the linked social media profiles.
Open mics are a vital part of the writing scene
The open mic is an underrated but vital part of the writing scene. If you’ve ever read anything about writing, one of the most recommended editing tips is reading your work out loud. Open mics are a special kind of reading out loud that gives you instant feedback and helps to build your own instincts when it comes to everyone’s least favourite part of the writing process, editing.
Editing isn’t a dirty word, and killing your darlings isn’t as terrible as it feels at the time. That one sentence that you thought was really cool, or that turn of phrase that left you revelling in your own genius, might not make sense to someone sitting in your audience. The reactions of an audience will tell you (almost) everything you need to know about what works in a piece and (sadly) what doesn’t.
A good open mic will not only give you a chance to test out new material, it will shape your writing and sharpen your editing skills. I’m not saying you need to solely rely on a few chuckles, gasps, or the infamous poetry mmm to develop your work, but this immediate feedback can be as affirming as it can be grounding.
Open mics are also great spaces to build community and connection. Scenes shift and styles change across the invisible borders of our towns and cities, it’s well worth going to other open mics to see what you’re missing and to find new ways to experiment with form and style, and they can even give you the opportunity you need to collaborate with someone else.
I wanted to share some more insight into open mics and what they give us, which is why I’m sharing that I was lucky enough to take a wee field trip over the Glasgow at the end of September to see the brilliant Ross Wilcock in action at The Poetry Experiment and I have to say between Ross’s welcoming hosting and the spectacular poets and writers who shared their work, I felt the stirrings of my own performance bug again.
That’s one of the best measures of a good open mic, imo, one that makes audience members want to get behind a mic and give it a go.
All of the performers at The Poetry Experiment made me feel something.
From the creep and crawl of fairytale nightmares and grieving the loss of everyone’s morning companion, the kettle, to the power of being your authentic self and finding all the reasons you need to keep living - no matter how big or small, there is something open mics give us that we don’t necessarily get as performers or audience members in classic theatre or gig settings.
Open mics give us a chance to commune with each other, to connect, no matter our experience, skill, or talent. An open mic is one of the best ways to say ‘I see you’, ‘Here I am in my rawest form’, and ‘Please be gentle with me and I will be gentle in return.’
Granted, no open mic night is perfect, and there’s always the potential for a performer to push our boundaries or make us uncomfortable, but that’s where your hosts will come in a guide the evening back to its true course.
Great hosts come in all forms, whether it’s solo, in a pair, or a team, but all hosts have one thing in common, they know how to take a crowd through an evening regardless of what has come before. They set the tone and hold space for those who need it. Some of my favourite hosts know when to get a crowd to take a deep breath, when to crack a joke, or when to break out their own poems.
You’ll find great hosts, open micers, and audiences all over the country in the most unsuspecting (or sometimes obvious) places from cafes, libraries, and bookshops, to bar basements and backrooms. There’s space for everyone at these intimate and lively events, no matter where you choose to go.
Anyway, enough of my rambling on. Below you’ll find a list of egg-cellent open mics and live events to perform, get inspired, or meet new friends at.
These open mics also offer a chance to meet new and established voices, and they’re a great opportunity to cut your teeth or revisit performing!
Editor note: This post was edited on October 30, 2024 to add in a few more open mics that fell under the radar or where information wasn’t readily available.
Edinburgh
I wasn’t going to include Edinburgh on this list, but I’ve seen a few new open mics and some have recently changed hands, so I wanted to give you an update on the old round-up from earlier this year!
The Alcove: Poetry in Edinburgh at The Strathmore Bar
Poetry is at the heart of what The Alcove does and they're always on the lookout for musicians, singers, and storytellers of all kinds for their events in Edinburgh and Leith. Most recently they were at The Strathmore Bar in Leith with Walk the Walk: Returning to Leith for an evening packed to the rafters with poetic talent, including poets Nicole Carter, Spike Munro, Joe Walsh, Jim Ferguson, Lesley Storm, and Linda Jackson.
Stay up to date with The Alcove on Facebook
Argonaut Books’ Spoken Word Night at Argonaut Books
Argonaut Books’ Spoken Word Nights are usually held on the third Monday of the month. They feature two headliners and have 8 open mic slots available, which you can sign up for ahead of time or on the night if there’s availability - first come, first served. Audience entrance is pay-what-you-can, tickets are free but getting one gives them a better feel for numbers aren’t required (but don’t guarantee entry).
Check out Argonaut Books’ website, Linktree, and Instagram for more updates
Chatty Patter at Sketchy Beats Arts Café
Hosted by Edinburgh-based writer, performer, spoken word artist, and rapper Stuart Morgan, Chatty Patter is a poetry, rap, and music open mic in Leith. Stuart welcomes wordsmiths of all kinds to the mic at these community-focused events. You can sign up ahead of time or on the day with slots from 5-10 minutes alongside featured acts.
Find out more about Chatty Patter on Instagram
Fill This Space at Spoon & Co.
FTS has recently changed hands with hosts and curators Q and Pip kicking off a new era in November. These intimate gigs in Edinburgh’s Marchmont bring together featured line-ups with musicians, singers, songwriters, poets and storytellers in Spoon’s cosy cafe. Tickets sell fast, but keep an eye on their Instagram in case any free up! You can message Q and Pip via the Fill This Space page to perform during the open mic section of the evening.
Stay up to date with Fill This Space on Instagram
The Graveyard Shift at Diggers
Usually held on the last Monday of the month at Diggers (Athletic Arms) near Fountainbridge, local writers and poets David Bleiman and Jay Whittaker welcome new and established performers and poets to the mic with a few featured voices and 8 open mic slots which you can book ahead of time (or sign up on the door if there’s space). The space is cosy and welcoming but fills up fast, so register your interest to perform or attend by emailing David and Jay at DiggersGraveyardShift@gmail.com
Find out more about the Graveyard Shift or donate on Ko-Fi
Guid Crack at The Waverley Bar
Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club is held upstairs at The Waverley Bar, often on the last Friday of the month. Featuring a guest storyteller exploring a different theme each time, they welcome stories, songs, and poems during the open-floor section from anyone who’d like to share on the day. Entry is by donation and the event starts at 7.30 pm.
Follow the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Instagram for future event updates
Hame-ish Cabaret at The Snug, Assembly Roxy
The night out that feels like a night in is bringing its unique magic to The Snug at Assembly Roxy with these regular monthly cabarets. They welcome performers from musicians and spoken word artists, to comedians and magicians to their stage for a live-devised show before their featured performers. Hame-ish’s cabarets are brilliant and build on the fantastic connection hosts and creators Mairi-Claire Traynor and Ed Ritchie bring to their curated shows. Audience members and performers alike leave the cabaret buzzing with the tangible presence of creativity and community.
Keep your eyes peeled for future opportunities with Hame-ish via Linktree, Instagram, or Facebook
Loud Poets Open Mic at Canons’ Gait
The Loud Poets Open Mic takes place on the second and last Monday of each month at the Canons' Gait on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The event is free and open to poets of all ages and experience levels with previous performers ranging from ages 8-80 taking to the mic! The open mic has one performer (or sometimes two) who closes each half. Sign-ups are open online with some slots available on the door.
Stay up to date with the Loud Poets via Linktree, their newsletter, Facebook, or Instagram
Musselburgh Hotpot at Stagg’s
The Musselburgh Hotpot is a monthly open floor performance thingummy in which any old waif and stray can dawdle into the back room of Stagg's behind the Brunton Theatre on North High Street Musselburgh from 7.30 pm on the first Sunday of the month. Sign-ups are open on the door and you can put your name down to sing or play a tune, share a story or poem, breakdance, or whatever you darn well please. The evening kicks off at 8.00 pm. Pet and family-friendly, anyone is welcome to join the Hotpot’s warm and cuddly, encouraging, and fragrant audience.
Find out more about Musselburgh Hotpot on Facebook
Poetry & Pints at various venues
Join Jacob O’Sullivan for Poetry & Pints open mics at various venues across the city. P&P welcomes poetry and spoken word at their events and often features music as well. Slots vary between 5-10 minutes and you can message Jacob on Instagram if you’d like to read or perform.
Learn about Poetry & Pint’s events on Instagram
Queer Poetry Evening at Kafe Kweer
A relaxed late afternoon poetry show, with local queer poets in an alcohol-free environment. Hosted by Mystika Glamoor, Kafe Kweer’s Queer Poetry Evening features some of the best local poets in an intimate setting. They also have open mic spots during the break where people from the audience can get up and read some of their own work, which is a great way to try out new material and get feedback. Kafe Kweer’s cafe is open throughout serving food and drink, including seasonal specials.
Follow Kafe Kweer on Instagram for more event updates
On the first Thursday of every month, Rock the Boat is at Summerhall’s Gallery Bar to indulge in a dreamy evening of poetry and wholesome camaraderie. Rock the Boat also features one poet who will close the night with a set of their work. If you’re not quite ready to read your poems, head down to the Gallery Bar to listen to some of the best fresh poetry Edinburgh has to offer. You can pre-register for a spot via Push the Boat Out’s Linktree or pop by on the night to try your luck!
Learn more about Rock the Boat via the Push the Boat Out website or sign up for their newsletter
Sad Song Club at Sketchy Beats Arts Café
Singer, songwriter, clown, performer, creator of Dune! The Musical and host of Sad Song Club, Dan Collins invites you to celebrate sadness twice a month at Sketchy Beats in Leith. Sign-ups are open on the door and Dan welcomes covers of sad songs (and originals too), plus poetry, spoken word, and anything other medium you can share your sadness in. This open mic is a staple of the Edinburgh scene with Dan running it since 2021. SSC recently launched a podcast as well and is welcoming submissions in all audio art forms to share their sad stories with new audiences.
Get updates about Sad Song Club events on Linktree, Facebook, and Instagram
Shore Poets at The Waverley Bar
Shore Poets are a regular feature of the open mic scene, alongside sets from two invited readers, they also have four open mic slots per month. Admission is £7.50 on the door (concessions £5) and includes a raffle ticket - while I don’t advocate for pay-to-play it is unclear if performers need to purchase a ticket, you can find a wee bit more information about performing with Shore Poets here. To book an open mic spot you can email Shore Poets at shorepoetsedinburgh@gmail.com, slots go fast so sign up quickly.
Learn more about Shore Poets on their website, Facebook, or Instagram
Typewronger Open Mic at Typewronger Books
This may be Edinburgh's most anarchic open mic night - there's no limit on what you can perform, only how much time performers get! Typewronger’s Open Mic runs for 90 minutes, and they divide that time by the number of performers who sign up to get their set times. There's a bell 30 seconds before the end of each set, and a gong at the end which performers CANNOT go past! Sign-up is on the door from 7 to 7.30 pm. Typewronger welcomes comedy, music, poetry, short stories, film scripts, and magic acts - they've had all sorts over the years, so just bring yourself!
Head to Facebook or the Typewronger Books website to see future Typewronger Open Mic dates
Glasgow
Allsorts Cabaret at Katie’s Bar
Allsorts Cabaret is a queer scratch night held on the second Tuesday of every month at Katie’s Bar in Glasgow. Entry is free and festivities kick off at 7.30 pm. Allsorts welcomes performers of all kinds including poets, spoken word artists, burlesque artists, dancers, comedians, and more. Get in touch with Allsorts on Instagram for more information or to find out how to perform.
Stay up to date with Allsorts Cabaret on Facebook and Instagram
Candlelight Open Mic at The Old Toll
Join Ross McFarlane for the Candlelight Open Mic at The Old Toll Bar in Glasgow on the first Monday of the month from 7.30 pm. Candlelight provides a cosy atmosphere in a private bar where new poets can start out and experienced poets can test new material. Sign-ups are open in advance and you can contact Ross on Instagram for a space. Some spaces will be available on the night depending on demand.
Sign up for Candlelight Open Mic via Instagram
Crisp Packet Poetry at Third Eye Bar
Crisp Packet Poetry is on the second Wednesday of the month at Third Eye Bar at CCA in Glasgow. Hosts Meredith and Ruby welcome poets and performers of all stages and levels to this open mic. Crisp Packet Poetry is a space for poetry and language-based experimental performances for poets, spoken word artists, storytellers, and anyone working with the written and spoken word. They have regular online open calls for performers on Instagram, so keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to sign up!
Reach out to Meredith and Ruby for more information on Instagram
Curler’s Cosy Corner at The Curler’s Rest
Hosted by queer Glaswegian poet Ross Wilcock, Curlers Cosy Corner is a monthly poetry open mic at The Curler’s Rest. Curler’s Cosy Corner is on the third Monday of the month. Ross creates inclusive spaces for performers from a variety of backgrounds and welcomes poets and spoken word artists at any stage of their journey. You can be sure that Curler’s Cosy Corner will have you laughing and crying along, and thinking more deeply about a variety of stories and perspectives in Glasgow’s (and Scotland’s) writing scene.
Get in touch with Ross for more information or to perform on Instagram
Flourish Open Mic Night at McChuills
This spoken word night at McChuills Bar in Glasgow kicked off in August 2024. Their evenings are action-packed and filled with flowing words, music, and good craic. Get in touch with the Flourish team on Facebook if you fancy taking the stage and sharing your words. Flourish is free to enter for performers and audience members, and their venue is wheelchair-accessible with accessible toilets too.
Keep an eye on Facebook to learn more about Flourish
Glasgow Zine Library Poetry Open Mic at Glasgow Zine Library
Part of GZL’s Community Led Programme, the GZL Poetry Open Mic is on the second Wednesday of the month at Glasgow Zine Library from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. The GZL team welcomes poets, storytellers, and spoken word performers for a night of creativity and expression in the heart of Glasgow's Southside. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying out the mic for the first time, this event is the perfect opportunity to share your voice and connect with fellow artists. You can pre-book slots through GZL’s Google form or sign up on the day.
Find out more about Glasgow Zine Library’s Open Mic on their website
Last Monday at The Bungo at The Bungo Bar & Kitchen
Hosted on the last Monday of the month by either Tom Devlin or Robin Cairns, Last Monday at The Bungo welcomes poets to share their work in a lively read-round. These events kick off at 7.30 pm and they welcome experienced and new performers alike. You can get in touch with the organisers through their Facebook Group.
Click here to join the Facebook Group to find out more
The Poetry Experiment at The Alchemy Experiment
Also hosted by Ross Wilcock, The Poetry Experiment is a monthly poetry and storytelling open mic for writers and performers of all stages of their craft. The Poetry Experiment is on the last Wednesday of the month. The event is ticketed with 10 free performer tickets available for poets, spoken word artists, and more. Audience tickets are pay-what-you-can with tiered pricing for students, low and no-income people, and unwaged people.
To perform at The Poetry Experiment get in touch with Ross on Instagram
Poet’s Corner at Hillhead Bookclub
This open mic welcomes writers and performers to explore a different theme each week. Recent themes have included: ‘I’m at the library. Are you coming?’, Late, Elderly woman behind the counter in a small town, and Cat. Held each Monday at Glasgow’s Hillhead Bookclub, Poet’s Corner starts at 7 pm and you can message them on Instagram to book a slot ahead of time.
Find out more about Poet’s Corner on Instagram
Poetry at Inn Deep is a weekly poetry, spoken word, and performance night on a Tuesday evening from 7.30 pm at Inn Deep in Glasgow. They welcome featured performers and have open mic slots available every week. You can message host and poet Sam Small on Instagram to sign up or you can grab a slot on the door depending on availability.
Find out more about Poetry at Inn Deep on Instagram or Facebook
Time For One Poem at Sweeney’s On The Park
Join host and workshop leader, Annie Muir for this free, unticketed, monthly open mic in Glasgow’s Southside. TFOP welcomes experienced and new poets to the mic, and if you’re looking to develop your work further, Annie also leads poetry workshops at Glasgow Zine Library. Sign-ups for the open mic’s 5-minute slots are open at the door.
Stay up to date with all things Time For One Poem on Instagram
Versaye! Poetry Night at If I Should Die Tonight
Join writer, theatre-maker, storyteller, all-round performer, and Versaye! host Lorna Callery-Sithole for Versaye! the (mostly) monthly spoken word cabaret at teahouse and cafe, If I Should Die Tonight in Glasgow. Lorna and co-founder Wendy, welcome poets and performers of all levels with their open mic slots, alongside established voices. Versaye! also hosts curated events, like their recent Versaye for Palestine! and Versaye Pride! specials. You can get in touch with Lorna and Wendy at versayepoetry@gmail.com to sign up or register your interest.
Stay up to date with Versaye on Facebook
Words and Music at MILK Community
Words and Music is at MILK Community in Glasgow on the first Monday of the month. Join hosts and writers, Jen Hughes and Gayle Smith from 6.30-9 pm. Words and Music is one of the longest-running open mics in Scotland and they welcome spoken word artists, musicians, comedians, and enthusiastic audiences alike. You can get in touch with Jen and Gayle online for a slot or sign up on the night.
Find more information about Words and Music here
Aberdeen
Join hosts Bernard Briggs and Judith Taylor at Books and Beans in Aberdeen on the last Thursday of the month. Poetry at Books and Beans welcomes new and established writers, poets and performers alongside featured performers from near and far. Sign-ups are open on the door and entrance is free. To learn more about Poetry at Books and Beans or to express your interest in performing you can message Bernard and Judith on Instagram or Facebook.
Keep up to date with Books and Beans on Facebook and Instagram
Speakin’ Weird at Spin
Bring your poems, prose, stories, comedy, and anything else you have to say to Speakin’ Weird at Spin in Aberdeen on the second Wednesday of the month. Hosted by Orla Shortall and Hannah Nicholson, performers are welcome to share up to 5 minutes of work each. Sign-ups are open at the door and the entrance is £3 (with £2 concessions for students, unwaged people, and pensioners).
Learn more about Speakin’ Weird on Facebook and Instagram
Balloch
Balloch Open Mic at Balloch House Hotel
Located in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire the Balloch House Hotel is home to the Balloch Open Mic. Festivities kick off at 7 pm and attendees are welcome to read their own work, you just need to turn up a little earlier to snag a 5-minute slot. The Balloch Open Mic has featured several performers this year including Donna Matthew, Jo Gilbert, and Derek Parkes.
Join the Balloch Open Mic Facebook Group to find out about future events
Dundee
Hotchpotch at Blend
Join host Eilidh on the second Wednesday of the month for Hotchpotch at Blend in Dundee. Hotchpotch is open to all writers and they encourage performers to share their work with audiences for live feedback. Sign-ups are open on the night and appointed on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry is free for unwaged people and general admission is set at £3. Donations are also welcomed and encouraged to help Hotchpotch cover their venue hire.
Stay up to date with Hotchpotch news on their website or Facebook
Falkirk
Words with Seagulls at Tollbooth Tavern
Hosts Debbie and Liza host this monthly open mic at the Tollbooth Tavern in Falirk on the third (or sometimes fourth) Sunday of the month from 2 to 4 pm. Poets and spoken word artists, prose writers, and musicians are welcome to share their work with Words with Seagulls’ lovely audiences. You can contact Debbie and Liza on Facebook to book an open mic slot.
Find Words with Seagulls on Facebook for more
Paisley
Nights At The Round Table at The Bull Inn
Hosted on the first Tuesday of the month, Nights At The Round Table welcomes poets, spoken word artists, and singers to their mic. Doors open at 6.30 pm and the events kick off at 7 pm with a 9 pm finish. All performers get a 5-minute slot and all slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find out more about Nights At The Round Table by joining their Facebook Group
Stirling
Forth Fridays at The Book Nook
Hosted by Stirling Makar Laura Fyfe, Forth Fridays is on the fourth Friday of the month at The Book Nook in Stirling. The events are ticketed and cost £3. Tickets are available via The Book Nook’s website - it is free for performers. New performers are welcomed alongside established and featured voices. Open mics performers are encouraged to book a spot by contacting Laura directly at laura@figmentcreativity.com
Stay up to date with Forth Fridays on Facebook
Am I missing something?
This is a pretty loaded list, but I’m sure there are many other events and open mics out there that will welcome new and established voices alike. Part of the motivation to create these round-ups is to increase awareness of the variety in our scene and to create stronger connections between our communities.
In the current arts and creative industries climate, it’s so easy to get distracted by competition and fighting for ever-diminishing funding pots, but there is a better way of doing things. A way that encourages us to share our knowledge and resources and to support each other through the worst of the funding and cultural crisis we’ve been seeing unfold since the lockdowns ended.
It’s really important to me to support the amazing work people are doing, not just on a professional level, but on a personal one too. I love hearing new voices and watching the joy and pride swell as someone takes to the mic for the first (fiftieth time) - there’s nothing quite like that rush.
In my short time as part of this scene, I have not only been lucky enough to have performed at some of the events and open mics I’ve written about here, but I have also hosted open mics and events with other organisations, as well as curating and coaching writers to perform at The Good Egg Project’s Inkubator Showcase back in May this year.
I love live events, and I love watching new performers and hearing people’s new words. It’s such a joy to be trusted with someone’s work and I am so proud of everyone I’ve listened to, watched, or supported to perform. It truly is a pleasure to see someone grow their confidence and master writing and performing.
I want to see our scene grow more and I’d love to hear about any other events happening in and around Scotland. Especially opportunities for prose writers (fiction and non-fiction) as these opportunities are more limited than those for poetry and spoken word.
Please submit any events in your area that The Good Egg community should know about to our Google form by hitting the button below!
Thanks for reading!
This newsletter was scheduled, so I’ve already signed off for the next seven days, but I will be back in your inboxes next week.
In the meantime, tickets for the next Chicken Coop Writing Group are now available to free subscribers and community members. You can grab your ticket for our spooky season Coop on Tuesday, October 29 on Eventbrite.
This month, we’ll be writing our own horror stories, looking at examples of micro-stories and then longer-form prose with short stories as well. Last week I shared some horror novel recommendations with our paying subscribers including the work of Cecelia Dale, Mariana Enriquez, Samanta Schweblin, Rachelle Atalla, Jessie Greengrass, John Lanchester, and Joseph Fink. I would highly recommend a trip to Argonaut Books to browse through their horror selection and gather some inspiration.
I’m going away to rejoin my body, drink some sparkling wine, dance with friends and family, and eat my way through a profiterole tower with my husband (!!!).
Take care and sending you all lots of love on this love-filled day,
Naomi x
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This is really comprehensive. I've run a few nights in my time, great to see that open mics are back in a big way. Cheers for the post 👍