Margin & Mic: A Club for Written & Spoken Word
Welcome to Margin & Mic, a gathering for writers, poets, storytellers, spoken word artists, and anyone looking for a comfortable place to put words on the page.
Held in the cozy glow of Downside Up in Phoenix, Arizona, Margin & Mic is your space to slow down, write freely, meet other creative people, and speak your truth—if you feel like it.
Each gathering begins with a writing prompt to get your pen moving. From there, you'll have time to sip, write, think, talk, and settle into the evening. If the moment feels right, step up to the mic and share what you've written.
There is no pressure to perform.
You can read something new, share something you've been working on, or simply listen and enjoy being around other writers. Margin & Mic is about expression, community, and connection rather than putting on a perfect performance.
What to Expect
Downside Up provides a cozy, calm environment where you can write, listen, meet people, and simply be.
During Margin & Mic, you'll find:
- Guided writing prompts to help spark new ideas
- Opportunities to share poetry and spoken word
- Kava, signature mocktails, and adaptogenic elixirs
- Bites and snacks to fuel your creative flow
- Margin & Mic journals available for purchase
- Free parking
- A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Whether you're an experienced poet, trying creative writing for the first time, looking for a Phoenix writing community, or just curious about spoken word, you're welcome to join in.
Do I Have to Read at the Mic?
No.
Writing and listening are just as much a part of Margin & Mic as performing. Sharing your work is always optional. If inspiration strikes and you'd like to take the mic, you can. If you'd rather keep the evening's words in your journal, that's perfectly fine too.
Admission
Margin & Mic is free to attend.
Guests are asked to purchase at least one menu item to support Downside Up and help keep this community gathering going.
Ages 18+ are welcome.
Bring a notebook, bring something you've already written, or simply bring yourself.
Come write. Come listen. Come connect.
And if the moment feels right, take the mic.