San FranciscoÕs One Page Guide to SFÕs Open Mic Scene!          Edited by Dan Brady: copyright: 2012 through: 25  –11 – 2025   (Version 4.4.9)

 Questions/Errata: http://www.creativeideasforyou.com/emailpage.html  Check before you go, venues change as can any show!

Other listings: Poetry Flash: http://www.poetryflash.org/ - SF Beat MuseumSFSU Poetry CenterPoetry for the People City College

 

      Mondays

        Tuesdays

        Wednesdays

        Thursdays

      Fridays

Saturdays - Sundays

45) Hotel Utah

Mondays, Live

102) Poetic Tuesdays

Varies, see the info, Live

114) 1st Tue Spoken Word, Live

 

1) Sacred Grounds zoom

112) Specs, Live

 

3) Bird & Beckett First Th. Live

28) 16th Mission, Live

100) 1428 Poets, Hybrid

107) First Fridays, 3 venues, City Lights, Golden Sardine, the Jessica Loos Series & Coit Tower all live

108) Labyrinth, Live  

76) La Promenade.1st Sat. Live

94) Smack Dab, 1st Sun, Live

106) The Center, Live

45) Hotel Utah

Mondays, Live

17) On the Page off the Page

Hybrid, Second Tuesdays

 

1) Sacred Grounds zoom

105) Blackbird Books

2nd Wednesdays, Live 112) Specs, Live

28) 16th Mission, Live

110) Kim ShuckÕs Poetry Jam, Live, feature presentations,

not an open mic

108) Labyrinth, Live

106) The Center, Live

109) Live Worms Gallery, Live

45) Hotel Utah

Mondays, LIve

 

 1) Sacred Grounds zoom

112) Specs, Live

 

 

28) 16th Mission, Live

111) Speaking Axolotl, Live

 

108) Labyrinth, Live

103) Clarion, 3rd Saturdays, Live

106) The Center, Live

109) Live Worms Gallery, Live

45) Hotel Utah

Mondays, Live

 

 1) Sacred Grounds zoom

112) Specs, Live

28) 16th Mission, Live

100) 1428 Poets, Hybrid

112) SEALEVEL

108) Labyrinth, Live

104) OddVerse, Final Sun., Live

106) The Center, Live

 

(1) Sacred Grounds, zoom only, last show, February 4th  – 7:00 to 9:30 – host Dan Brady http://www.creativeideasforyou.com/emailpage.html  

SacredÕs Weekly Newsletter where the zoom info can be found: https://www.drdan.solutions/Sacred'sWeeklyNews.htm

Sacred Grounds Open Mic FB – where features are listed https://www.facebook.com/groups/203539673028715/

See some Zoomroom features: https://www.youtube.com/@dbrady94134/videos

Cafˇ Days Video Archive: http://www.creativeideasforyou.com/SacredGrounds_YouTube.htm

 

(3) Bird and Beckett Bookstore – First Thursdays, Live – 7 to 9pm, 653 Chenery Street San Francisco, CA 94131 venue phone: 415-586-3733

Hosted by: Jerry Ferraz and Michael Koch co-host Bird & BeckettÕs monthly poetry reading with an open mic following the featured readers.

https://birdbeckett.com/  They also have a bi-monthly zoom open mic hosted by Kim Shuck and Brett Benson.

 

On the first Thursday of each month Jerry Ferraz and Michael Koch host a poetry reading that showcases local legends, poets passing through, and folks from around the Bay – typically two featured poets followed by an open mic. We can count on a warm group of poets and poetry fans eager to hear the features and the potpourri of poets of every stripe who come out to read and keep the open mic scene alive. Drawing on the generosity of our neighbors and patrons, we're able to pay a small honorarium to the featured poets, a rarity in reading series off the college campusesÉ your additional dollar or two tossed in the bucket at the readings makes it that much sweeter. 2018-19 SF Poet Laureate Kim Shuck has graciously taken on some booking chores since assuming her laurels, and much fun, and some magnificent poetry, is to be had as a result!

 

(17) On the Page, Off the Page – Second Tuesdays, Hybrid – 6:00 to 7:45, at the Park Branch Library, downstairs, 1833 Page St. (between Shrader and Cole)

Event hosted by Richard Ivanhoe Poets, musicians, and audience welcome.

 

We are hybrid (both in-person and online) from the community room of the Park Branch Library, downstairs at 1833 Page Street (between Cole and Shrader). Remember that our hours are 6 pm to 7:45 pm, Pacific Time; food for the body, the mind, and the spirit (sorry, we can't provide food for the body to those online).

 

(28) * 16th and Mission Thursday Nights, Live – 9pm until whenever.  It is at the BART Stn. Plaza at 16th and Mission Streets, Southwest corner it is outdoors,

no microphone, amidst the pigeons, under the stars step up, step in, be heard it is poetry and more. Hosts: Charlie Getter and many others

 

Yes! The 16th & Mission "open mic without a mic" has been happening for 16 years and hasn't stopped! We're here every Thursday night (rain or shine) from about 10pm to midnight—and we need YOU! Come join us, and bring something to share—a song, a poem, a rap, jokes, and rants... anything, in any language! Everyone is welcome. Come scream at the void with us!!  This an outdoor, freeform street arts workshop welcoming poets, musicians, emcees, comedy – all forms of expression, in any language, representing SF's best tradition of free expression.

 

Questions/ concerns? Want to collab? Please DM us!  Instagram: @16thmission – stuff about the corner goes up... like... here... and on Instagram... and then it goes out on the interwebs... also here get to know it https://www.facebook.com/groups/103422546416088/ And here get to know it in another way: https://www.facebook.com/groups/103422546416088/user/100084934634028

 

(45) Hotel Utah Open Mic Mondays, Live – Sign-ups @ 6:15, starts at 6:30 -7:45 Show at 8, Hotel Utah Saloon at 500 4th St (at Bryant) San Francisco

Event by Brendan Getzell https://www.facebook.com/bgetzell


Featured performer goes on at 10, after which open mic resumes. Performers get one song, not to exceed six minutes in length. Originals, Covers, it's all good. Spoken word performers (comedy, poetry, readings, etc) get six minutes. House guitar & piano are available for your performance. Great food & drink at the bar so come hungry/thirsty. Audio recorded and uploaded to
theutah.org Video live stream on facebook 10-time winner of 'Best Open Mic' in the SF Bay Guardian's annual "Best of The Bay" readers poll  - Hotel UtahÕs website www.hotelutah.com

 

(76) La Promenade – First Saturdays, Live – 6:15 sign-up to 7:45 pm – the venue: La Promenade, 3643 Balboa, near 38th Ave. Ph 415 - 221-6023

Brett Benson hosts with a host of others. (Facebook invites w/google calendar invites coming in the future) Open mic is 3-4 minutes per reader, depending on the size of the crowd, contact Brett – brettjbenson30@gmail.com

 

(94) Smack Dab Queer Open Mic 1st Sundays, Live – 5pm At MannyÕs, 3092 16th Hosts Larry-bob Roberts {he/him} and Dana Hopkins

http://www.facebook.com/pg/smackdabopenmic/

 

We are a free LGBTQ2SIA community event with the slogan ŅAll ages, all genders, all the time.Ó We're the longest running Q/T Open mic in the SF Bay Area and we welcome YOU to join us {on Zoom of course} to share: stories, poems, a song, dance, your visual art or your latest manifesto.

 

Are you a beginner who's never stepped up to a mic before? Come on in, we are warm and friendly. Are you a published author or a touring musician?  Come on in! Everyone at every level is welcome and safe here. Want to simply join us as friends, family, and supportive allies in Queer and Trans community? Our hosts Larry-bob Roberts {he/him} and Dana Hopkins {she/her} welcome you to come on in!

If you'd like to perform at the open mic, please come sign up at 4:45 pm and bring five minutes of whatever you want to share {we do pay attention to time.} Message us if via FB if you want to share visual material or if you have questions.

 

(100) 1428 Poets Open Mic – a hybrid open mic on the First or Fourth Thursdays – starting at 4pm and continuing to 6 pm – readers have 3 to 4 minutes. It is hosted by: Antoinette Vella Payne. The Group FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/357760398718400 Live at the North Beach Library with Dan Brady as Zoom host.  Zoom information is the same as for Sacred Grounds and that can be found here: http://www.drdan.solutions/Sacred'sWeeklyNews.htm. The upcoming schedule: May and June: first Thursdays  - July, August, September, and October, fourth Thursdays  - November: first Thursday  - and December will have a break for the holidays.

 

(102) Poetic Tuesdays with MoAD  Tuesdays, Live – 12:30 to 1:30pm from May through October. This is at The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival 

This program is co-presented by the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.

 

The event will be hosted in-person at Jessie Square: https://ybgfestival.org/venue/jessie-square/ located directly across the street from Yerba Buena Gardens and is part of the Festival's Poetic Tuesday series. For the full program schedule, visit www.ybgfestival.org.

 

Sharing works that delight, provoke, inspire and rouse, the monthly Poetic Tuesdays series runs from May through October, turning lunchtime into an oasis of creative expression. Lighting up Jessie Square with a fabulously curated line-up of poets and musicians, Poetic Tuesdays offer a vivifying midday breather for neighborhood groups, students, office workers on break and out-of-towners looking for respite from The CityÕs hustle and bustle.

 

(103) Third Saturday Poetry in Chinatown – 3rd Saturdays, Live – 1pm to 3 pm, Clarion Performing Arts Center, 2 Waverly Place (between Sacramento & Clay Streets) San Francisco, CA   (415) 391-1317 and the webpage: https://www.theclarionsf.org/

 

Curated by Bay Area poet Greg Pond, with double Features and an open mic! Bring a poem or two to share, or just come and listen.  This is a FREE event. Donation is greatly appreciated. Encounter poets and poetry in a cozy space every 3rd Saturday of the month, 1-3 pm.  We begin with a toast of plum wine or tea, and proceed to two hours of expressive audio pleasure.

 

(104) OddVerse – Final Sundays, Live – 4:30 to 8pm, the venue is Medicine for Nightmares 3037 25th St. https://www.facebook.com/events/388013773590774/?_rdr

 

OddVerse is a justice-oriented open mic at Medicine for Nightmares. Featuring brilliant local artists, we create a warm, vibrant, and cozy atmosphere, welcoming all to our space. Come join us for powerful art, meaning conversations, and caring community. Sign up for the next open mic at bit.ly/oddverse

 

Odd Verse is now a collective that aims to amplify peoplesÕ narratives by creating platforms for the stories, ideas and perspectives of voices that deserve more representation. We create spaces of discourse, education, solidarity between communities, and collective action for causes of justice & liberation. In our monthly open mic, we honor our vision by holding a safer & braver space for local folk to express their art fully and unapologetically.

 

(105) Poetry + Prose Open Mic Night @ Blackbird Books  2nd Wednesdays, Live – 7 to 9pm at 4541 Irving St.  San Francisco

venue ph: 415-742-5203 Hosted by Laura Booth

 

We are open every day: cafe 7am–6pm   bookstore hours 9am–7pm (415) 742-5203   books@blackbirdsf.com     events@blackbirdsf.com

See the events page for RSVP information https://blackbirdsf.com/ Share the mic and your words with fellow writers and poets in this monthly night here are Black Bird.

 

(106) The Center SF Open Mic Sundays, Live 6 to 9pm, Sundays,

Hosted by Theory and Liz https://www.thecentersf.com/ 548 Fillmore St Poetry, comedy, storytelling, theater, short films, music, and more

 

(107) First Fridays, three venues, all LIVE, all in the North Beach area of San Francisco

 

*Golden Sardine, 362 Columbus Avenue – First Fridays, Live 6pm, on Ramaytush Ohlone Land

  https://sites.google.com/view/sfnbff/home  https://www.facebook.com/northbeachfirstfridays/

 

   *A City Lights Reading Series – First Fridays, Live near to 5pm, hosted by Carlos Quinteras, arrive near to 5pm in Kerouac Alley

     This event will be held in Keroauc Alley, between City Lights Booksellers and Vesuvio Cafe, between Columbus and Grant Avenues,

     Admission is free to the public

 

   *Jessica Loos Poetry Series - First Fridays, Live7 pm, hosted by Jessica Loos

    @ Macchiarini Creative Design & Metalworks Gallery, 1544 Grant Ave. Betw Union and Filbert In the heart of beautiful North Beach!

    Macchiarini Creative Design & Metalworks Gallery  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075996497991

 

   * Coit Tower Poetry Club First Fridays, Live on the Back Lawn of Coit Tower @ 9pm – https://www.instagram.com/coittowerpoetryclub/  – Bring a Poem!

     coittowerpoetryclub@gmail.com    https://sites.google.com/view/sfnbff/home

 

108) The Scott Street Labyrinth Fridays, Live7pm, hosted by Clyde Always

Calling all poets, comics, songsters, playwrights, rappers, clowns, puppeteers, magicians, acrobats, sword swallowers and all performers of all kinds.

Share your talents at The Scott Street Labyrinth   https://www.clydealways.com/open-mic

 

Since 2014, we have held together as a community of like-minded artists who support one another. Hear/see/experience the San Francisco performance scene WITH YOUR HAPPY HOST CLYDE ALWAYS, the Bard of the Lower Haight, at your service. No signup, no set list, no speech-restrictions, no sound system, no rules.

 

109) Live Worms Series, Second or Third Saturdays, Live Worms Gallery, 1345 Grant Avenue. The poetry begins at 7pm and continues on until 8:30pm when music and other events begin. The venue is friendly to those who wish to sell their artwork. People may bring their own food or beverages. The host is William Brayton mailto:CrescentBanks@gmail.com  - 510-930-7345 and the current Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livewormsongrant

 

110) Kim ShuckÕs Poem Jam, A great venue of curated feature presentations, not an open mic, but do check it out! This is on the Second Thursdays at the SFPL Main Library, 100 Larkin Street @ 6pm – 7:15 in either Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room A or B. One can find event information using the search options on the SFPL website below the calendar on the events page https://sfpl.org/events. All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or mailto:accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability. General contact – 415-557-4400 – mailto:generalcollections@sfpl.org

 

111) Speaking Axolotl Every Third Thursday 7:00PM 9:00PM

Medicine for Nightmares, Bookstore and Gallery, 3036 24th Street San Francisco https://medicinefornightmares.com/

 

Come gather and hear decolonized verses, spanglish poesia, Latine spokenword, Pocho poems, and neighborhood chisme at Speaking Axolotl, the Bay AreaÕs long running monthly Latine Reading series. There are 10 slot open mic opens up las 6:50pm, first come first serve. Open mic poets have six minutes MAX.

 

NOTA; Speaking Axolotl is a BIPOC reading series which means black and brown poets on the mic. Whyte folks are welcome to attend and listen but your presence is not required.

 

112) SEALEVEL 4331 Irving St., S.F. betw. 44th and 45th Ave. Come and gather in our cozy community space every 4th Thursday of the month, and share your poetry, short excerpts, spoken word, music and more! An introduction of the creative and the venue: https://sealevelsf.com/pages/about  This is the events page, as youÕll see there is a variety: https://sealevelsf.com/pages/events

 

This event is free with RSVP, you can contact them here: https://sealevelsf.com/pages/contact-1  If you enjoy our programming, we invite you to become Sealevel Kin by pledging a monthly contribution. Your support helps offset monthly expenses and comes with perks!

 

What We Stand For: We are wholeheartedly dedicated to enhancing our neighborhood by cultivating a sense of connection and belonging, and by providing a space for magic to happen when people gather to share, support, and collaborate. We strive to cultivate a climate of purposeful inclusion, embracing all individuals irrespective of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, financial means or education. We understand that fostering an inclusive environment is an ongoing and evolving process that requires continuous learning, reflection, and action. We are committed to providing a space for everyone to feel valued, heard, respected, and safe.

 

113) An open gathering of writers, poets, artists and more around the Big Table at Specs every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30p! This more than 40-year tradition began with writers Jack Hirschman and Agneta Falk, and continues on with hosts Agneta and writers Byron Spooner and Judith Bernhard. Join us for drinks, laughs, good conversation and become a part of this longstanding Specs tradition! Everyone welcome! https://www.specsbarsf.com/events

 

For years, Specs lovers from all across the globe have been sending their post to Specs, all of which we keep in bins on our bartops for visitors to read. Send us a letter from wherever you are! SpecsÕ Adler Museum Cafˇ -12 William Saroyan Place - San Francisco, CA 94133 - Phone: (415) 421-4112 - Email: specsbarsf@gmail.com

 

114) 1st Tuesday Spoken Word @1945 Restaurant Bar Lounge - 5 Leland Ave. (nr. Bayshore Blvd) - San Francisco, CA 94134 - 6:30pm-9:30 pm

1st TuesdayÕs Spoken Word TV showcase is a community event that was created by Terrell and Karwanna Irving of Big Mouth Productions. Put together as a positive space for expression through the arts - https://1sttuesdaysspokenword.com/ - https://dbv.7d0.myftpupload.com/contact-us/ - Email: 1sttuesdaysspokenword@gmail.com - Phone: 415 583 1871