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.
Note: those first few are the ones I usually send people to, since I’ve personally been to them, and know they occur regularly. But they’re definitely not the only ones. More:
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.
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 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.
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.”
Word Sprout (and Strike Theater) Events
From the old Slam MN poetry slams, to the Well-Placed Commas workshop, to the OUTspoken Queer Open Mic, to the New Sh!t Show, to Story Slams and beyond, Word Sprout has organized or co-sponsored lots of cool stuff over the years. Like everything on this list, it isn’t all currently running, but definitely good to have on your radar. Links: Word Sprout website and FB. Strike Theater website and FB.
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.
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. And usually, you don’t have to be a student to watch the show or even sign up to perform.
Urban Lights
Urban Lights is a record store, but occasionally has open mics too. Link.
The Free Black Table
The Free Black Table is a free of charge, all ages open mic, dedicated to the writings of black artists and people of color. It isn’t on a specific schedule. Check out Black Table Arts for more, including a writing group called Black Lines Matter.
Story Club Minneapolis
“The premiere open mic for true personal stories in Minneapolis… The Story Club stage showcases true personal stories like The Moth does, but without judges, scores or competition.” Find dates/times/locations here.
BALLS Cabaret
BALLS is an experimental cabaret open to artists of any and all disciplines at any and all levels of experience; every Saturday night at midnight at the Southern Theater. Link.
Eclectica (and other Avant Garde events)
Last I updated this list, this was a new open mic presented by The Avant Garde at Reverie Cafe & Bar. That organization, though, does a bunch of open mic-style events. Check out their site for more.
AND BEYOND
This list is definitely just a first step into a larger world, and is almost certainly missing stuff. Aside from what’s already listed above, there are also events and programs from Kulture Klub Collaborative, the League of MN Poets, the Asian American Literary Collective, Poetry Asylum, the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, Palabristas, Cracked Walnut, and many other organizations, events, formations, and collectives. Dive in.