Where can I read my poetry to others? Regular open mic events in Cape Town.

Open mic events are an excellent way to share your poetry with others, and get instant feedback.  They can be a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration. When my writing starts to flag, I know it's been too long since I last read my work out loud.  One visit to an open mic and I'm scribbling away again! 

Regular poetry open mics in Cape Town

Update: many of these events have gone digital during lockdown - great news if you would usually find it hard to get there in person.  Check their websites for more information. 

Below is a list of poetry open mic events that I know of in Cape Town.  Times and venues are subject to change, so please check the group's website before you go. I won't try to pretend to be an expert on open mics in other towns, although apparently Jo'burg has a lot going on. Let me know in the comments if I've missed anything.

Grounding Sessions - a weekly Spoken Word-style open mic in Observatory, Cape Town. Enjoy a casual vibe with a weekly theme and featured artists on Tuesdays, 8 pm until late.

Off the Wall - Cape Town's longest running poetry open mic. Weekly meetings in Tokai or Observatory depending on the season, with guest poet and open mic session, Mondays, 7.30 -10 pm.

Poetry Circle at the Central Library - hosted by the Friends of the Central Library (FOCAL), on the last Saturday of the month, 2.15-3.45 pm.

The Red Wheelbarrow - a new online open mic featuring poets from far and wide. Thursdays 7.30 - 10 pm. Guest poets and open mic. 

How to prepare for your first open mic

  • Select a few poems you'd like to share, polish them up and practise reading them aloud. Print or write them out in large font, or have them in a reliable electronic format that you can read from easily. If you're planning to read from your phone, make sure your battery is charged, and practise reading as you scroll to avoid glitches on the night. 
  • You will probably want to attend as an audience member at least once before your first reading.  Get a feel for the place, see how things work, and decide whether this audience is the one you want for your work. 
  • Arrive on time, or even a bit early and have a drink while you wait.  Some open mics are super casual and loud, but many start strictly on time or are more contemplative, and a late arrival can be a rude interruption. If you do arrive late, try to listen for a gap between poems to avoid causing a disturbance as you come in.  
  • Don't be afraid to talk to the poets. Everybody loves feedback about their work, and I have found that most people at open mics are very kind and encouraging to new attendees.
  • Consider bringing a printed copy or two of your work in case somebody asks, if you're happy to share your unpublished writing.  Include your contact details if you don't mind giving those out.
  • Find out how to get your name on the list to read, and ask how many poems you can share at once. Different open mics work differently, but in most cases you'll need to give your name to someone during course of the evening.  
  • Be aware of time limits. Some open mics have a timer, after which you will be asked politely (or otherwise) to wrap up.  Others are less regulated, but it's still bad form to carry on very much longer than everyone else.  If you have a longer work, it would be a good idea to OK it with the master of ceremonies beforehand, rather than risk the embarrassment of being asked to stop.
  • Take the plunge and share your work. And then do it again!



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