The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 10 Best Open Mic Nights In Charlotte, North Carolina (Music, Comedy & Poetry)
Are you ready to step into the spotlight or discover Charlotte's next great local talent? As of late
The open mic circuit in Charlotte is a crucial part of the city's cultural DNA, providing essential stage time for emerging artists in neighborhoods like NoDa, Plaza Midwood, and South End. From intimate coffee houses to bustling breweries, these venues are the heartbeat of the local creative community, and we've done the deep dive to bring you the freshest schedule.
Charlotte's Weekly Open Mic Schedule: The Must-Visit Venues
Finding a stage in Charlotte is all about knowing the day of the week. The city boasts several long-running, reliable open mic nights, alongside newer spots that are quickly becoming local favorites. Always remember the mantra: "Call Before You Haul" to confirm times, as special events can occasionally preempt the regular schedule.
Monday Nights: The Legendary & The Laid-Back
- The Evening Muse (NoDa): This is arguably the most famous and longest-running open mic in Charlotte. Located in the arts district of NoDa, The Evening Muse hosts an open mic every Monday night, a tradition that has launched countless local careers. It’s an "anything goes" stage, welcoming musicians, comedians, and poets alike. Sign-ups are often early, so arrive well before the 7:30 PM start time to secure your spot.
- The Royal Tot: For a more tropical vibe, head to The Royal Tot. They host a weekly open mic at 7:00 PM on Mondays. This is a great alternative to the NoDa scene and offers a unique atmosphere for performers and audience members.
Tuesday Nights: Comedy and Eclectic Mixes
- Bart's Mart: Known for its welcoming, "Anything Goes" policy, Bart's Mart hosts its Open Mic Night on Tuesdays. This spot is perfect for a diverse crowd, accepting music, poetry, comedy, and more. It's a true melting pot of Charlotte's performing arts scene.
- Starlight on 22nd: If stand-up comedy is your passion, Starlight on 22nd is a dedicated venue that hosts a Comedy Open Mic on Tuesday nights. This is the place to be for local comedians to workshop new jokes and for audiences to catch raw, unfiltered humor.
- Snug Harbor: This popular venue is listed as hosting an open mic on Tuesday nights, typically starting around 9:00 PM. Known for its eclectic booking, its open mic is likely to feature a mix of indie and rock music.
Wednesday Nights: Mid-Week Stage Time
- Sip City (Plaza Midwood): A favorite for the comedy crowd, Sip City in the trendy Plaza Midwood neighborhood hosts a stand-up open mic on Wednesdays (though the day can occasionally shift, so check their social media). It’s a supportive environment for new comedians.
- Crown Station Pub: Another reliable Wednesday night option, Crown Station Pub also hosts an open mic. This venue is known for its strong community feel and is a great spot to catch a variety of acts, including musical performances.
Specialty Open Mics: Poetry, Spoken Word, and Brewery Vibes
Charlotte's open mic scene isn't just about music and stand-up; it also has dedicated nights for other forms of expression, particularly poetry and spoken word, often found in unique, community-focused settings like local breweries and coffee shops.
The Rise of Brewery Open Mics
Breweries have become a staple for casual, fun open mic nights, offering a relaxed atmosphere with local craft beer on tap. These are often excellent places for acoustic musicians and storytellers.
- Town Brewing Company: Located in the FreeMoreWest area, Town Brewing Company hosts an open mic, typically starting around 7:30 PM. The brewery setting makes for a low-pressure, supportive crowd, perfect for first-time performers.
- Triple C Brewing: A cornerstone of the South End brewery scene, Triple C Brewing is another spot on the open mic circuit. While the specific weekly schedule can vary, their inclusion on current lists confirms their commitment to local performance.
- Devil's Logic Brewing: Situated near Uptown, Devil's Logic Brewing is a newer addition to the list of open mic venues, offering another great option for performers seeking a brewery stage.
Poetry, Spoken Word, and Literary Events
While The Evening Muse is a major hub for all arts, including poetry, there are also venues that cater specifically to the written and spoken word community in Charlotte.
- MUG's Coffee House: MUG's has been known to host literary-focused events, including open mics organized by groups like the Charlotte Writers Club. These events are fantastic for sharing short stories, essays, and poetry in a cozy, coffee-scented setting.
- Common Market Southend: While often cited for comedy, Common Market's eclectic nature and community focus make it a strong candidate for poetry and spoken word events, especially on Friday nights. It’s a great place to connect with the literary side of the Charlotte arts scene.
How to Navigate the Charlotte Open Mic Scene Like a Pro
Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting, a little preparation goes a long way in Charlotte. The community is welcoming, but the stage time is competitive, especially at popular spots like The Evening Muse.
Tips for Aspiring Performers (Musicians, Comedians, and Poets)
- Arrive Early for Sign-Ups: This is the golden rule. For a 7:00 PM start, sign-ups might begin as early as 6:00 PM, and the list can fill up quickly. Always check the venue's website or social media for the exact sign-up time.
- Know Your Time Limit: Most Charlotte open mics enforce a strict time limit, typically 5 to 7 minutes, or two to three songs. Rehearse your set to fit the time slot perfectly to show respect for the host and other performers.
- Bring Your Own Gear (If Necessary): While most venues provide a basic PA system, microphones, and sometimes a house guitar, musicians should confirm if they need to bring their own amplifiers or specialized instruments.
- Support the Scene: Stay and watch the other performers. The Charlotte arts community thrives on mutual support. Buying a drink or a snack at the venue is also a great way to ensure the open mic continues.
The open mic landscape in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a dynamic and exciting ecosystem. From the historic stages of NoDa to the lively taprooms of the local breweries, there is a venue for every voice and every genre. Use this 2025 guide to plan your week, find your audience, and contribute to the vibrant, growing culture of the Queen City.
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