Important Note: The pandemic threw a wrench into a lot of ongoing events. I try to keep this page updated, but it’s probably better to think of it as a starting point sharing some organizations to explore moreso than a set-in-stone list of events. You may have to do some internet searching to make sure any event listed here is still happening, and/or happening in some other space or format. Also, be sure to check out my new spoken word resources hub.
Things are always changing, events come and go, but here’s an introduction to the spoken word and slam poetry scene in the Twin Cities. If you’re looking for a comedy open mic, or a place to play your acoustic covers of Smashing Pumpkins songs, there may be some overlap here and there, but for the most part, these are poetry-focused events. Also, this is not a comprehensive list, just a starting point.
Be sure to check out the individual websites, as some dates, times and locations are subject to change. I’ve tried to list the *currently-running* events first in this list:
Re-Verb Open Mic (all ages)
Organized and hosted by TruArtSpeaks, this weekly, all-ages open mic is intimate and supportive, with optional feedback from the audience. TruArtSpeaks also organizes the annual Be Heard MN Youth Poetry Slam Series.
BuckSlam (also find them on IG)
“Give a buck, win a buck: admission is pay what you can and the winner gets one whole dollar: don’t spend it all in one place!” This is a monthly poetry slam, which means it’s set up as a competition, but as we all know: the points are not the point; the point is the poetry.
Better Things
The ReEntry Lab is an organization working to connect writers and other artists leaving incarceration to a community that’s ready to receive them, and Better Things is a series of events sponsored by the ReEntry Lab, in partnership with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW), the Longfellow Community Council, and Moon Palace Books.
Poets and Pints
Long-running poetry reading w/ featured performers and an open mic. Also has a FB group.
Orisun Soul Sessions at Indigenous Roots
“Expect a night full of live music, poetry, good food, and shared energy. Whether you come to express, to listen, or simply to be held in community, this is your invitation to exhale, reset, and step back into yourself.” $10 suggested donation.
The First Draft MPLS
“A Minneapolis storytelling open mic for writers, poets, memoirists, and deep reflectors.” Monthly, at the Troubadour Wine Bar.
Next Level Joy Open Mic Night
“Join us every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM at the vibrant and eclectic Lutunji’s Palate! It’s the perfect destination to ignite your passions, showcase your talents, and soak in a kaleidoscope of creativity.”
New Words Open Mic
A monthly Minneapolis literary, comedy, and variety open mic.
Camp Bar Open Mic
“Open Mic night at the Camp Bar in downtown Saint Paul Minnesota! Come join us most Monday nights around 9:30pm and listen, laugh and learn!” FB page.
Loft Literary Center Events, Writing Groups, and Classes
They don’t have a regular open mic, but do have lots to explore, especially for people looking to build community: classes, readings, mixers, and more. Good to have on your radar.
Well-Placed Commas (workshop)
A free weekly writing workshop that serves primarily queer and trans writers.
Button Poetry LIVE
For a few years, Button Poetry ran a monthly poetry slam; that’s not happening at the moment, but Button still organizes the occasional book release show, reading, and other poetry events. Button also offers some great virtual classes.
The Midwest Poetry Mashup
An annual team slam poetry tournament. “With the (likely permanent) closure of CUPSI and the longer-than-expected hiatus of many regional competitions, we wanted to create a space where college students and regional poets could compete and have a good ole’ tournament in this art form that we love.”
The Be Heard MN Youth Poetry Slam Series
In the past, this has been a series of slams and workshops working toward an end goal of selecting a team to represent Minnesota at the annual Brave New Voices international youth poetry slam festival, thought it’s been evolving in the past few years. Be Heard generally takes place every January through March, and also features the Flip the Script! youth writing and performance conference. Be sure to check out the TruArtSpeaks site for more information.
College Slams and Open Mics
Macalester still has a monthly slam, as of this writing. Hamline, the U of MN, MCTC and Carleton all have had regular slams or open mics in the past, though many are dormant at the moment. Other colleges and universities in town probably do as well. I linked to the ones I could find, but a quick google or Facebook search should turn something up for your school.
A Bunch of Other Events, Organizations, and Projects
This list focuses MOSTLY on open mics and slams, but there is so much more going on, too much to list here. But if I were new to the Twin Cities scene and just wanted to explore opportunities, beyond everything already mentioned, a few more links: the Midstream Reading Series, Strike Theater events, the Sci-Fi Reading Hour, Story Club Minneapolis, BALLS Cabaret, Eclectica, Kulture Klub Collaborative, the League of MN Poets, the Asian American Literary Collective, Poetry Asylum, the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, Palabristas, Cracked Walnut, and so much more.