Last year, my friend and poetic colleague David Horowitz of Rose Alley Press put together a list of open mic poetry venues in the Seattle area. Many people wrote to say thank you for the information or to update listings for their venues. It seemed so popular and necessary, that David updated the list for 2011, and…here it is!
David spent many hours calling venues and organizing the information in a usable format, but he knows THIS MAY NO BE 100% ACCURATE! If you plan to go to a venue, you might want to call and double check before attending. Also, as always, we welcome comments updating venue info.
Open Mic Venues in the Puget Sound Area
IN SEATTLE
SEATTLE POETRY SLAM
every Tuesday, 8 p.m. sign-up, 8:30 show
open mike, featured reader, poetry slam: 3 minutes each
21+ w/ID, $5 admission
ReBar, 1114 Howell Street, Seattle
Tel: 206-233-9873
http://www.seattlepoetryslam.org
HUGO WORKS IN PROGRESS
first Monday monthly, 7- 9 p.m.
6:30-7 p.m., add your name to lottery. Read when your name called. 5-min. max. All genres welcome.
Admission is free.
Richard Hugo House, 1634 Eleventh Avenue, Seattle, in “The Cabaret”
Brian McGuigan, brianmcguigan@hugohouse.org
Tel: 206-322-7030
VERBAL GRAFFITI
every Friday, 7 p.m.
Sign-up, 6:30-7 p.m. All ages. Poets, MCs, musicians, comedians all welcome. Amp, mic, turntables.
Admission is free.
Rainier Valley Community Center, 4600 38th Avenue South, Seattle
“Shan,” verbalgraffitipoetry@gmail.com
Tel: 206-386-1919
POETSWEST @ GREEN LAKE BRANCH, SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
1st & 2nd Saturdays monthly, 4-5:30 p.m.
Three featured readers w/open mic. Usually five minutes per open mic performer.
Admission is free.
Green Lake Branch, Seattle Public Library, 7364 East Greenlake Drive North, Seattle
J. Glenn & Barbara Evans, JGE@poetswest.com
Tel: 206-682-1268
www.poetswest.com (check out the “Live Poetry Venues” link on this site)
CUP OF FLOW
last Monday monthly, 8 p.m.
The Faire Gallery & Café, 1351 East Olive Way, Seattle
Host: ceDRIC
Tel: 206-652-0781
RADIOBEDLAM
every Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Bedlam Café, 2231 Second Avenue, Seattle
Contacts: “Luke & Jonny”
Tel: 206-910-2300
OPEN MIC at The Teacup
2nd and 4th Tuesday monthly, 6:45-8:15 p.m.
No featured reader. Each open mic performer reads twice for about 8 to 10 minutes total.
Admission is free.
The Teacup, 2128 Queen Anne Avenue North, Seattle
MCs: Margaret Roncone and Lainne Dexter, margaretroncone@yahoo.com
Tel: 206-283-5931
“OPEN MIKE” at Skybox Sports Lounge
every Tuesday, 6 p.m.
Skybox Sports Lounge, 315 First Avenue North, Seattle
Contact: storm cloud (the native sun)
Tel: 206-588-2070
POETRYBRIDGE
4th Wednesday monthly, 7 p.m.
Featured reader w/open mic for poets and storytellers.
C & P Coffee, 5612 California Avenue SW, Seattle
http://www.poetrybridge.net
Tel: 206-933-3125
IT’S ABOUT TIME READING SERIES
2nd Thursday monthly, 6-7:30 p.m.
Three featured readers; one speaker on writing craft; open mic (read once up to three minutes). Note: book sales not allowed at this venue.
Admission is free.
Ballard Branch, Seattle Public Library, 5614 22nd Avenue NW, Seattle
MC: Esther Helfgott, eahelfgott2@comcast.net
Tel: 206-684-4089
“OPEN MIKE” at Stepping Stone
every Tuesday, 9 p.m.
Music, poetry.
Stepping Stone, 5903 24th Avenue NW, Seattle
Contact: Colin
Tel: 206-420-3723
“THAT THING”
last Wednesday monthly, 8-10 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry. Seven minutes or less. 21 +
Admission is $3
Coppergate, 6301 24th Avenue NW, Seattle
Hosts: Roo Forrest, “Jaedia,” “Jena”
Tel: 206-706-3292
GREEN TORTOISE “OPEN MIKE”
every Wednesday, 8 p.m.
1525 2nd Avenue, Seattle
Tel: 206-915-2757
TAKE A POEM FROM YOUR HEART
3rd Friday monthly, 7-8:45 p.m.
Three featured readers w/open mic. Open mic performers typically read one poem/2-3 minutes twice.
Admission is free.
Bookworm Exchange, 4860 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle (Columbia City)
MC: Christopher Jarmick, emeraldchris@yahoo.com
Tel: 206-722-6633
YOUTH SPEAKS SEATTLE OPEN MIC
3rd Sunday monthly. Sign-up at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
Featured poet and musician. Youth-focused, but performers of all ages and genres welcome. Has been called “mini-BNV” by out-of-towners; aka “hella dope.” Longest running youth poetry event in the city!
Admission is free.
Café Allegro, 1408 NE 42nd Street, Seattle (in alley between University Way and 15th Avenue NE)
Contact: info@youthspeaks.org
Tel: 206-633-3030
NORTH END FORUM
1st and 3rd Monday monthly, 8-11 p.m. (varies a bit, from evening to evening)
Music, poetry. Open mic (usually about five minutes). Some expectation of food purchase to help venue.
Admission is free.
Bai Pai Restaurant, 2361 NE 65th Street, Seattle
Jed Myers, medjyers@hotmail.com
Tel: 206-527-4800 (Bai Pai)
“OPEN MIKE” at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church
2nd Friday monthly, 7 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry. Secular, though at church. All are welcome. No profanity. Onsite piano, organ, light snacks and coffee. Reportedly has exceptionally good acoustics.
Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 North 70th Street, Seattle
Tel: 206-612-3787
“LIVING ROOM” AT SPLAB
every Tuesday (with a few exceptions; check schedule), 7 p.m.
Poetry performance, critique group, workshop, sharing. Try to bring 8 copies of work you plan to read to share with those present.
$5 donation requested.
SPLAB (Spoken Word Lab), 3651 South Edmunds, Seattle (in the “Columbia Cultural Corner”)
Contact: Paul Nelson
Tel: 206-422-5002
SMOKIN’ SPOKEN WURD
3rd Thursday monthly, 6 p.m.
Open mic.
Admission: $5
Northwest African American Museum, 2300 South Massachusetts, Seattle
Hosts: Miz Floes (mizfloestpt@yahoo.com) and The Carmel Latte Duo
Tel: 206-518-5237; 206-518-6000 (Museum)
SEATTLE SPIT: QUEER SPOKEN WORD
2nd Thursday monthly, 8 p.m.
Features open mic.
1021 East Pike Street, Seattle
Tel: 206-324-9210
OPEN MIC at Inner Chapters
3rd Thursday monthly, 6 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry.
419 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle
Tel: 206-262-9297
OUTSIDE OF SEATTLE
POETSWEST @ THE CREEKSIDE
3rd Wednesday monthly, 7-8:30 p.m.
Typically, one featured reader w/open mic.
Admission is free.
The Creekside: A Merrill Gardens Community (assisted living and retirement home)
18200 Woodinville-Snohomish Road NE, Woodinville
MC: Terry Busch
Clark Crouch and Virginia Cook, thecreekside@crouchnet.com
Tel: 425-354-3784
TAKE A POEM FROM YOUR HEART
2nd Wednesday monthly, 7-8:30 p.m.
Two or three featured readers w/open mic. Open mic performers read once for 3to 4 minutes each.
Admission is free.
Parkplace Books, 348 Parkplace Center, Kirkland
MC: Christopher Jarmick, emeraldchris@yahoo.com
Tel: 425-828-6546
www.parkplacebookskirkland.com
RASP (Redmond Association of Spoken Word) READING SERIES
last Friday monthly, 7-9 p.m.
One featured reader; open mic, w/each performer reading for about 3 minutes
Admission is free.
Auditorium of Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th Street, Redmond
Contact: Michael Heavener and RASP committee, including Michael Dylan Welch, WelchM@aol.com
www.rasp.cc; site includes hyperlinks for sending e-mail
THIRD THURSDAY at SoulFood Books
3rd Thursday monthly, 7-9 p.m.
Two featured readers (one primary picks the second) w/open mic (3 to 5 minutes each)
Admission is free.
SoulFood Books, 15748 Redmond Way, Redmond
Hosts: Lana Ayers, lana.ayers@yahoo.com; Michael Dylan Welch, WelchM@aol.com
Tel: 425-881-5309
“OPEN MIKE” at SoulFood Books
1st Saturday monthly, 3 p.m.
Admission is free. Live Web stream, http://ustream.tv/channel/hope-hum-stomp-strum!
SoulFood Books, 15748 Redmond Way, Redmond
Contact: Clint McCune
Tel: 425-881-5309
ARMCHAIR POETRY READING SERIES
1st Saturday monthly, 7-9:30 p.m.
Three featured readers w/open mic.
Admission is free.
Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, 19003 Front Street, Poulsbo
Marianna Mears, emmj@centurytel.net
Tel: 360-779-9199
OPEN MIC at Zippy’s
every Thursday, 7-9 p.m.
Featured reader w/open mic.
Admission is free. Hat is passed for donations (paid to featured reader).
Zippy’s Java Lounge, 1804 Hewitt Avenue, Everett
Garrett Rutledge, garrettrutledge@gmail.com
Tel: 425-258-4940
POETRY AT FOG DOG GALLERY
2nd and 4th Thursday monthly, 7-9 p.m.
Featured reader w/open mic. Music, poetry. Open mic slots are for about five minutes each. Set in a café/gallery in downtown Arlington.
Admission is free.
fog dog gallery, 318 North Olympic Avenue, Arlington
Claire Cundiff, Claire@fogdoggallery.com; Sharmagne, ALittleHawk@aol.com
“OPEN MIKE” W/HARMONICA DAVE
every Sunday, 5-8 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry.
Manchester Pub, 2350 Colchester Drive East, Manchester
Tel: 360-871-2205
www.manchesterpub.biz
“OPEN MIKE” in Maple Valley
2nd and 4th Saturday, 7 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry.
Maple Valley Creative Arts Center, 23220 Maple Valley Highway, Suite 15, Maple Valley
Contact: Jim Hanna
OPEN JAM at the Hi-Tide Tavern
every Sunday, 7 p.m.
Music, poetry.
Hi-Tide Tavern, 1371 Bay Street, Port Orchard
Host: The Wheels (www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wheels/137922609568425)
Tel: 360-286-7618
“OPEN MIKE” at Coffee Oasis
1st Thursday monthly, 7-9 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry. Several coffeehouses owned by same company; supports Christian outreach to homeless and at-risk youth, recovering addicts.
Coffee Oasis, 1140 Bethel Avenue, Port Orchard
Contact: info@thecoffeeoasis.com
Tel: 360-876-6311
OPEN MIC at The Liberty Café
every Wednesday, 7 p.m.
The Liberty Café, 926 South 3rd Street, Renton
Contact: KT and Hoops
Tel: 425-235-1400
“OPEN MIKE” at The Golden Steer
2nd Sunday monthly, 5 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry. “Professional-quality sound system.”
Golden Steer Steak and Rib House, 23826 104th Avenue SE, Kent
Contact: Steve Beck
Tel: 253-852-1144
www.thegoldensteerrestaurant.com
“THE LIVING ROOM”: THE STRIPED WATER POETS
every Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.
Critique group. Great place to recite and share new work.
2nd Floor, Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn
Tel: Gerald McBreen, 253-735-1751
Contact: Gerald McBreen, mcbreenpost@aol.com
DISTINGUISHED WRITER SERIES
2nd Friday monthly, 7 p.m.
Featured reader w/open mic.
King’s Books, 218 Saint Helens Avenue, Tacoma
Contact: Connie Walle, cwalle@comcast.net
Tel: 253-272-8801
OPEN JAM at Stonegate
every Tuesday, 9 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry.
Stonegate, 5419 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma
Contact: Rafael Tranquilino, www.reverbnation.com/rafaeltranquilino
Tel: 253-473-2255
“OPEN MIKE” at The Hub
every Thursday, 8 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry.
The Hub, 203 Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma
Contact: Rafael Tranquilino
Tel: 253-683-4606
“OPEN MIKE” at Malarkey’s Pool and Brew
every Wednesday, 9 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry.
Malarkey’s Pool and Brew, 445 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma
Contact: Nate Boyt
Tel: 253-383-3301
SINGER/SONGWRITER OPEN MIC
every Wednesday, 9 p.m.
Music, comedy, poetry.
Tacoma Comedy Club, 933 Market Street, Tacoma
Tel: 253-282-7203
FREE YA MIND
last Friday monthly, 7-9 p.m.
Poetry open mic.
Tully’s Coffee, 9th & Broadway, Tacoma (downtown)
Host: Stella Haioulani
Tel: 253-921-1160
www.freeyamindinc.com; www.speakyoursoul.org (with online form for e-mail)
POETRYNIGHT
every Monday, 8:30 p.m.
Poetry open mic, with occasional featured reader. Sign-up, 8 p.m.
The Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham
Contact: TheAmadeusProject@yahoo.com
Tel: 360-815-1825
www.poetrynight.org; www.theamadeusproject.org
OPEN MIC NIGHT at Café Caffe
2nd Wednesday monthly, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
“Musicians, poets, or other free style performers.”
3908 Meridian, Bellingham
Contact: Stephanie Guy Cell, Stephanie.marie.guy@gmail.com; 206-992-5919
Tel: 360-647-0686 (café)
BOOK FARE CAFÉ
4th Monday monthly, 7 p.m.
Open mic on the second floor of a great, iconic bookstore.
Village Books, 1200 Eleventh Avenue, Bellingham
Tel: 360-734-3434
www.villagebooks.com
OLYMPIA POETRY NETWORK
third Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Featured reader, with open mic.
Traditions Fair Trade Café, 300 Fifth Avenue SW, Olympia
Cynthia Pratt, cynthiajopratt@comcast.net
Tel: 360-705-2819
www.traditionsfairtrade.com
ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM DAVID:
For a listing of upcoming events, visit J. Glenn and Barbara Evans’ www.poetswest.com, and click on “Live Poetry Venues.” Also, you might request Christopher Jarmick send you his “Poetry Is Everything” newsletter. His e-mail address is emeraldchris@yahoo.com. If you have an event to promote or want to relate news about a new or changed venue, please contact J. Glenn and Barbara and Chris. Their efforts to promote others’ events are much appreciated.
For a website featuring national listings of open mics, including those in the Puget Sound region, visit www.poetry.openmikes.org. Simply type in the search field the name of the location about which you are curious, and relevant listings will appear.
Various reading series in the Puget Sound region do not feature an open mic. Such series still merit support. These include Poetry in Fremont, hosted by Seattle poet Donald Kentop (kentops@comcast.net) and Third Tuesday Poets & Writers, hosted by Seattle poet Dobbie Norris (dobbiesankh@gmail.com). Seattle storyteller and arts impresario Mary Ann Moorman also hosts various events and is worth contacting for information about them (Mamoor@aol.com; www.auntmama.com).
Some series featuring an open mic have occurred regularly and might do so again, but presently their occurrence seems sporadic. These venues include “After Long Silence” at North Seattle Community College and the open mic at Little Red Studio, with its focus on eroticism.
Many writers’ conferences, literary festivals, and book fairs occur in the Northwest, and some in the Puget Sound feature an open mic. Northwest Bookfest, in particular, does so; for more information about Bookfest, contact Christopher Jarmick at emeraldchris@yahoo.com. Burning Word, which returned this year after a lengthy hiatus, also features an open mic. For more information, contact Michael Schein at wryink@comcast.net.
This list is not comprehensive but does include many of the major open mic venues in the Puget Sound region. It is always best, though, to double check by calling a venue or inquiring via e-mail to make sure an open mic still occurs.
