Open Mic Nights in Manchester
Open Mic nights are an ideal choice for nights out that offer something a little different from the typical nights out. From hearing emerging singer songwriters playing their very first songs, to hearing exciting performance poets learn the craft before your eyes, Open Mics are a great alternative to 'just another night out.' Below are some of the best Open Mic Nights in Manchester for you to enjoy, or take part in.
When: Mondays
The Trof NQ Open Mic takes place every Monday, upstairs in their stylish Bourbon Bar, where everyone is welcome to perform, and everyone is welcome to come and watch for free. The Bourbon Bar makes for a great venue, with the stage in front of the picturesque windows and streets below. The show runs from 8pm to 11pm, and If you want to perform, you're advised to make sure you get down earlier to book your slot.
When: Thursdays
With the £250 prize Waxy O'Connor offers as scholarship every quarter, it's unsurprising just how much of the brightest and best of Manchester's unsigned talent they attract to perform at the Printwork's pub every Thursday. From 8.30pm, some of the minds behind The Dubliners, Ronan Keating, The Pogues and Lady Gag promote some of the best emerging acoustic talent that Manchester offers, with all who perform receiving some well-earned complimentary drinks.
When: Every 3rd Sunday of the Month
Every event that the Odd Bar puts on has the same laid-back and quirky atmosphere that makes it such a great place to hang out, drink and chill with mates. And there's no better time to do so than at Shut The Far Cupboard, a night of 'bamf and mischief' that is in association with the illustrious Travelling Band. With excellent guests sets in between the music and spoken word of Manchester's go-getters, and DJ sets till late, Shut The Far Cupboard is a night that lives up to Odd's atmosphere of eccentricity.
When: Second Wednesday of the Month
As the sister bar of The Castle Hotel, situated just across the road from Gullivers NQ, it's unsurprising that it retains the same traditional pub qualities that makes The Castle Hotel such a fantastic pub, which includes the innovative events. As well as multiple gigs a week, and a 'Ping Pong Club,' Gullivers' is also the new home to the brilliant 'Tales of Whatever.' Giving an opportunity to all those with ridiculous stories that just have to be told, Tales of Whatever is an open mic with a difference and takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of the Month at 7.45pm.
When: Varies
The Castle Hotel has been a part of Manchester's pub scene since the 1400s, and with it's innovative nights in in it's the beautifully designed spaces, it continues to bring in new faces through the old doors. Once a month Bad Language puts on an free open mic devoted to the art of the spoken word, and encourages the poets and short story writers of Manchester, especially those who have never performed before, to perform alongside a critically acclaimed performer.
