Open Mic Poetry at Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea & Gallery
First timers are always welcome!
Bring your poetry, spoken word, flash fiction, monologue, or other short creative work and share it with a live audience at Open Mic Poetry at Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea & Gallery.
Held on the first and third Sunday of every month, this recurring Mesa poetry open mic offers a welcoming place for both experienced performers and people stepping up to a microphone for the very first time.
The event is built around kindness, compassion, and respect. Come as you are, speak your truth, experiment with something new, or simply grab a seat and support Arizona writers from the audience.
You do not have to perform to attend.
Want to Read?
Writers are encouraged to bring original poetry, spoken word, flash fiction, monologues, or other short literary pieces.
If you'd like to perform, find Margot when you arrive and add your name to the sign-up sheet.
Readers should plan for approximately five minutes of stage time. There isn't a strict limit on the number of pieces you can share, but keeping your total performance near five minutes helps make sure everyone gets an opportunity at the microphone. If there's time remaining after everyone has performed, readers may be invited back to share additional work.
Do I Have to Be a Poet?
Not at all.
While poetry and spoken word are at the heart of the event, most short creative pieces are welcome. Flash fiction, monologues, and other forms of short literary performance can also find a home here.
And if you've never performed your writing publicly before, this is a great place to start.
Can I Attend Without Performing?
Absolutely.
Audience members are an important part of any open mic. You're welcome to come listen, meet local writers, discover new work, and support the people taking the stage.
There is no requirement to perform.
Can I Read Published Work?
The open mic is primarily a space for sharing original work, whether it has been published or is still sitting fresh in your notebook.
Material written by another author may also be performed when you have permission or the work is otherwise appropriate to share.
Is the Open Mic Free?
Yes. There is no admission fee and no fee to perform.
Attendees are encouraged to purchase a coffee, tea, snack, or something else from Jarrod’s while they're there. Supporting the venue helps provide a home for recurring community arts events like this one.
A Home for New Voices
You don't need publishing credits. You don't need stage experience. You don't need to know anybody before you walk through the door.
Bring something you've been working on—or just come listen.
Open Mic Poetry at Jarrod’s takes place every first and third Sunday of the month at Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea & Gallery in Mesa, Arizona.
Whether you're performing your hundredth poem or considering reading your first one, there's a place for you in the room.