Whether you’re looking for somewhere to perform or you’re seeking out talent, this is our guide to Liverpool and the city region’s venues that offer open mic nights for music, poetry spoken word and stand-up comedy performers. These gatherings offer a platform for expression, connection, and artistic exploration for the performers and a night of entertainment for the audience. From the historic venues echoing with the melodies of local talent to the intimate spaces resonating with the power of spoken word, you can discover the heartbeat of Liverpool’s artistic community at these open mic nights.
Music Open Mic Nights In Liverpool
The Jacaranda
Coined ‘the venue that gave birth to the Beatles’, the Jacaranda is a hot spot for Live Local Music. The Jacaranda’s Open Mic Night takes place weekly (every Sunday). Located on Slater Street, The Jacaranda is retro in feel and legendary in history. If you are looking for an exciting night out listening to new music or if you are searching for a place to perform, this is certainly one of the best places to do it. Check their Instagram @jacarandaliverpool for updates.
Future Yard
Birkenhead’s community venue Future Yard host their open mic night every Tuesday night from 8pm. Their open mic night allows musicians, singers and songwriters to test new material in their side bar called ‘The Yellow Room’. They have an on-the-door policy, allowing any and all kinds of acts utilise the chilled-out, encouraging environment.
Liverpool Arts Bar
With venues on Hope Street and the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool Arts Bar is a hub for local live music. Both their venues lie in the heart of the city’s creative spaces; their Hope Street site is just opposite the historic Everyman Theatre, and down the road from the Liverpool Philharmonic, while their Baltic Triangle space is located on the ground floor of Elevator Studios.
The Liverpool Arts Bar open mic night happens every Sunday from 7pm, alternating each week between their Hope Street venue and Baltic venue. Follow both their @artsbarhopestreet and @artsbarbaltic Instagram accounts to be in the know.
The Pilgrim Pub
The Pilgrim pub hosts a music open mic night every Thursday from 7pm. Keep an eye on their Instagram @pilgrimliverpool for updates or date changes.
The Beeswing
The Beeswing on Smithdown Road host an open mic night every Wednesday, which is open to everyone whether you want to perform music, poetry or anything creative.
Metrocola
Head down to Metrocola on Leece Street every Tuesday for their music open mic night, from 8pm. All genres are welcome.
The Cavern Pub
Ian Prowse, singer and songwriter, runs an open mic every Monday, called The Monday Club, in the historic Cavern Pub on Mathew Street. It’s a chance to showcase new material, and witness the talent of local bands, artists and poets. Opportunities to play on a stage as famous as in the Cavern is limited, so why not shoot your shot.
The Dispensary Pub Open Mic Hosted By Dave O’Grady
Dave O’Grady hosts the open mic night every Tuesday at The Dispensary Pub. Everyone is welcome. Arrive from 7pm to get your name down to perform.
Wood Street Bar
Wood Street bar has an open mic night every Thursday from 7.30pm, hosted by Alice Jacobson. Just head down to the bar to get involved.
Poetry / Spoken Word Open Mic Nights In Liverpool
A Lovely Word at The Everyman Theatre
A Lovely Word takes place on the first Thursday of each month downstairs at the Everyman. It, again, is not your typical open mic. Instead, you share spoken word, or poetry, and listen to the exciting new writing of others. A perfect place to engage with those of similar interests in a beautifully inclusive venue.
Find out more about A Lovely Word.
Dead Good Poets Society
The Dead Good Poets Society promotes poetry through performance and encourages the development of new poets and audiences. They meet in the Garden Café of Blackburne House on Hope Street, Liverpool, which is a fully accessible venue.
- 1st Wednesday of every month – Poetry Open Mic
- 3rd Wednesday of every month – Guest Night + Open Mic
Liver Bards
Give Poetry A Chance
Give Poetry A Chance is a Liverpool based poetry initiative providing a platform for local poets. Their next event to due to be announced so follow them on Instagram for updates. You can email givepoetryachance@gmail.com if you want more information.
Scratch / Itch Spoken Word Nights at The Shakespeare North Playhouse
Scratch is the Shakespeare North Playhouse’s quarterly spoken word night for seasoned performers, that are looking for opportunities to showcase polished work with a wider audience. It is an inclusive, welcoming community space for both performers and audience alike.
Contact the Project Producer, Morven Currie, to apply for a performance slot and more information: Morven.Currie@shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk.
Itch is their monthly spoken word night for performers who are looking for a performance opportunity. You might be new to performing, or a seasoned performer looking for space to share your work. You might have been a performer a while ago and are looking to return to the mic! Everyone is welcome and supported here at Itch.
Contact the Project Producer, Emily Parr, for performance slots and more information: emily.parr@shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
Wordsmithery
Wordsmithery is a celebration of local poets and songwriters, delivered in a unique format which includes guest slots and floor spots, at Start Yard, Birkenhead.
An invited poet and an invited songwriter take it in turns to do two twenty minute shots. After this, there is room for 5 poets and 5 songwriters, each for one item in an exciting cocktail of talent; first come first served on the night.
Doors 7/runs 7.30-10. £5 on door. Hosted by Alison Schultz, one of the team who bring you Wirral Poetry Festival.
The Speakeasy
The Speakeasy is an open mic night focused on poetry, humour and music, taking place on the 1st Monday evening every month at the Denbigh Castle.
Blast
The New Mersey Poets present spokenword, comedy and music live at The Excelsior. Check The Excelsior’s Twitter for news on future events.
Comedy Open Mic Nights In Liverpool
Hot Water Comedy Club
This is the perfect opportunity for budding comedians to perform at one of Liverpool’s biggest and best comedy clubs. This open mic / walk up night takes place every Monday from 7pm at Blackstock Market, Liverpool. There is also the option to view the Livestream of this event, if you are unable to make it on the day.