Poetry Events Calendar
in Leeds and Beyond!
Keep scrolling down to see the details of 66 current events listed!
Please refresh this page to get latest updates!
Click on the pictures to see the poster full size
Writing the North: Page and Stage – Column By Keith Fenton
Each month Keith Fenton, a Leeds-based performance poet, broadcaster and host of Poets Talking Bollocks podcast, explores the events, people and debates shaping literary culture in the North. This month, he turns his attention to the old debate about the difference between page poetry and stage poetry, arguing that the divide might not be that great.
Image: Kimberly Campanello at More Song. Image Credit: Tom Branfoot.
(Thank you to Tom for the use of this picture)
PUBLISHED
Jackanory presents: Lucky 13
I am asking people to think about this:
I know some people think 13th is unlucky?
So I was wondering if you have lucky socks or something.
Send me photos of your lucky objects.
Write a bit about it, be as creative as you want. Write a poem, story etc.
Then I plan to do a photography exhibition at CoActive Maker Space.
Message me on Facebook at Halima Mayat (click link below) or email at jackanory12@myyahoo.com.
The deadline is end of July.
PUBLISHED
Spread the Word Poetry Session with Vic Leeson
Join us in our creative writing sessions dedicated to nurturing and celebrating stories through listening, writing and sharing.
Each of the sessions will include a space to talk to each other as well as some really gentle creative writing exercises to help us put pen to paper. You may write a few words, you may write a full poem or even a paragraph describing something important to you. We can allow some time and space to share our writing if we choose to and we can also share how it is to be in a space sharing our stories and writing on the page.
This session regularly takes places at Mowbray Gardens Library during the winter months. However in the warmer weather, we're exploring sites across Rotherham!
No ticket necessary, just turn up!
If you can't make this session, check out our what's on page for future dates.
10 am to 12 pm
to be confirmed
Go to the website to get details
Note: Photograph by James Mulkeen.
PUBLISHED
Word Central
Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries
Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word
'Now We Are Ten' birthday special
Join host Tony Curry to celebrate Word Central’s tenth birthday.
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 30th June via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk
N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer - it is essential that you stay within this timeframe
Performance slots are allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis from the stated booking time
If they are already filled you will be offered a place on the reserve list
A free event
6.00 pm - 7.45 pm
(doors open 5.45 pm)
Ground Floor Performance Space
Manchester Central Library,
St Peter's Square,
Manchester M2 5PD
PUBLISHED
Crossgates Recreational Hall Open Mic
Open Mic Night
Every Tuesday from 8 pm
All sorts of talent and genres welcome, from beginners to seasoned players
All music appreciated, from George Formby to Miley Cyrus.
Sing, read poetry, do comedy stand up.
We welcome anyone willing to entertain
Or if you'd rather just come along and listen an audience is always appreciated.
For this event everyone is welcome, you don't need to be a member of the club.
8 pm on
Crossgate and District Recreational Hall
Popular Avenue
Off Austhorpe Road
Crossgates
Leeds
LS15 8EB
PUBLISHED
Jackanory: - Friday prompts!
Jackanory is now on a summer break until then follow the Friday prompts!
Tap or click the the link to find out this this Friday's prompt.
In-person Jackanory will be returning for the 13th year anniversary on Saturday 5th September, 2026.
Guests to be announced
Open mic
2 pm - 4 pm
CoActive Maker Space
The Ridings
Almhouse Lane
Wakefield
WF1 1DS
Halima Mayat
Founder of Jackanory, a spoken word and story telling event.
Facebook: Jackanory For Adults
Email:jackanory12 @ myyahoo.com
Youtube: @halimamayat6508
PUBLISHED
Write Now
Discover the joy of storytelling in our friendly creative writing group Write Now.
No booking is required. Just turn up and start your creative journey with us.
The group meets twice a month to fuel inspiration and nurture your writing skills. With no pressure and all skill levels welcome, you'll find a supportive community where your writing voice can truly shine.
PAYF donations taken on the day.
2 pm to 4 pm
Northlight Arts Centre
31 Potternewton Lane
Leeds
LS7 3LW
PUBLISHED
Talking Zebras
Do you enjoy Poetry / Prose / Short Stories / The Spoken Word?
Do you like Listening / Reading / Performing?
Then why not join our friendly, regular group ...
Talking Zebras
Turn up and say hello to the herd!
All are very welcome
2 pm doors, for a 2.30 pm start till 4.45 pm
The Bobbin Carrier
Centurion Way
Cleckheaton
BD19 3QB
Note new venue!
The pub is about 20 minutes walk from Cleckheaton, it is situated near the chain bar roundabout (junction 26 of the M62) and very close to bus stops for the 268 route.
PUBLISHED
Kirkstall Art Trail - Painting With Words: Spoken Word Event
An evening of poetry and community
celebrating the inaugural Kirkstall Art Trail Poetry Competition
Ending with an Open Mic
email kirkstallarttrail@outlook.com for open mic slots
Free (* donations welcome!)
7 pm to 9 pm
Cardigan Arms
364 Kirkstall Road
Burley
Leeds
LS4 2HQ
PUBLISHED
Ebor Poets
📢Introducing EBOR POETS ✍🏼💡☀️
a brand new poetry group debuting at the Knavesmire café on weekends every month!
Bring your scrapbook poetry, published works, phone note ramblings and your beautiful selves to the launch of a lovely little community down by the beautiful leafy greenery of the sunny Knavesmire...just in time for summer!☀️
Debut date: Sunday 19th July
Next date: Saturday 15th August
Place: Knavesmire café ☕
SIGN UP LOVELIES🌸🤍🩷
Free
1 pm-4 pm
The Knavesmire
Albemarle Rd
York
YO23 1ER
PUBLISHED
Poets Talking Bollocks
Open mic with guest headliners
Poets Talking Bollocks hosted by local poet Keith Fenton since February 2024, has developed its own growing and vibrant community, and given rise to connections and collaborations across the northern poetry scene and, thanks to a policy of bringing showcasers through from within the community, has been a springboard for developing poets across the region.
Despite its raucous, "bear-pit" vibe, it boasts a knowing, welcoming and poetry-daft crowd which combines irreverent Northern humour with real support and compassion for readers who are at their most vulnerable.
Open mic spots must be booked in advance by contacting Keith by email at keithfenton32@hotmail.com or via the Instagram page at instagram.com/poets_talking_bollocks (See link below)
Free
Monthly, second Sunday of the month, 2.15 pm to 5.15 pm
The Chemic Tavern, (Woodhouse)
9, Johnson Street
Leeds
LS6 2NG
PUBLISHED
The Comedy Café
Join us for an afternoon of stand up with a dash of poetry
Comedians:
Deejay Khalda
Haseeb Malik
Fiona Meddings
Thom Butterworth
Guest Poet:
Ethan Asante
Hosted by:
Kash Kureshi
Bobby Jethro
Open Mic
We'll also be opening up the mic for other comedy, poetry and spoken word acts. Sign up on the night.
Book tickets - go to the Eventbrite link below
2 pm
Junoon Cafe,
1st Floor
156 Grattan Road
Off Thornton Road
Bradford
BD1 2JL
PUBLISHED
Brave Words - Write Club
Inclusive, energetic poetry writing workshops run by Brave Words Artistic Director, Chris Singleton.
Each week we take part in a quick warmup before delving into multiple creative prompts designed to get your brain firing and your pen flying. We aim for you to leave the session with multiple first drafts that you can develop later in your own time.
Our workshops are open to all levels of writer, from first-time to jobbing professionals. Write Club is the perfect setting to get creative in a community dedicated to their craft, and supporting each other's work.
MONDAYs
11:00 am to 12.30 pm
Ages 18+
FREE
Space2
The Old Fire Station,
Gipton Approach,
Leeds
LS9 6NL
PUBLISHED
Folk & Word
FOLK & WORD
A free open mic session for all kinds of spoken word & acoustic music in York
Dates: 21 July
All welcome. SAFE, DIVERSE AND FRIENDLY. Entry is free with a purchase from the bar.
Sign up from 7 pm.
Welcoming writers and wordful acoustic musicians with original material who'd like to share their work in a WARM, APPRECIATIVE ENVIRONMENT.
We'll invite a writer and a musician to play host each month, and they'll bring a guest to perform as well.
Then the floor is open to everyone for an open mic session (sign up from 7 pm).
Bring a poem, a song, some new jokes, a monologue, a guitar, a voice. Try out fresh material or revive an old fave. Or just sit and enjoy the others!
Sign up at 7 pm starts at 7.30 pm
Black Swan,
23 Peasholme Green,
York
YO1 7DE
PUBLISHED
Writing Hours @ Manchester Cathedral
Need a quiet space to write? Come and write alongside others each month in a serene and historical environment!
Need a quiet space to write for a few hours?
Manchester Cathedral is opening up its library once a month in the evening for self-guided writing hours for writers in the city. Come and write alongside others in a serene and historical environment!
Free, check availability on the Eventbrite page (see below)
6 pm to 8 pm
Manchester Cathedral
Victoria Street
Manchester
M3 1SX
PUBLISHED
Generative Poetry Workshop
By Rachael Hill
Fun and friendly online creative writing workshops every month in 2026
These workshops are an invitation to pause and make time to play with poetry, write and connect with other writers, and nourish and expand your creative practice.
Join me on the 3rd Tuesday of each month for an hour and a half of exploratory writing fun.
Each workshop will be themed and we’ll look at three poems on that theme by poets we love, and have a go at some our own writing in response. Each one will open with a short freewrite, followed by our first poem, a short discussion, and an associated writing exercise, our second poem, discussion, and writing exercise, and our third poem, discussion, and writing exercise.
I’ll be writing along with you and there’ll be an optional sharing circle at the end for us to read out anything we’ve written, or share any other thoughts.
You’ll finish each workshop with three drafts to take away and work on, and some fresh ideas and inspiration.
6.30 pm to 8 pm
Online event
PUBLISHED
The Space Poetic Writing Club
Join us for some fun and focused writing before The Space Poetic open mic :)
Space Poetic Writing Club.
Part of The Space Poetic's mission is building community, and what better way to do that amongst poets than spend a fun and relaxed hour writing with friends.
I'll bring some poems I love, and a few prompts you can use if you need something to get you started.
Your welcome to bring something you're already working on, or a fresh page waiting to be filled with new ideas.
There'll be the option to chat, or to just get your head down - the room is big enough that we can split into small groups if chatty/less chatty people want.
Doesn't matter if you've been writing since you could first hold a pen, or never written at all, this is a safe space to come hang out and enjoy being creative together.
And if you're feeling brave you can share your piece (or any piece!) in The Space Poetic open mic afterwards!
6 to 7 pm
Terrace NQ
43 Thomas Street
Manchester M4 1NA
PUBLISHED
The Poetic Off-Licence
A space for poetry & live music in Leeds
This Monday and every other Monday after!
No step free access
18+
Contact: thepoeticofflicence@gmail.com
Alternating Mondays.
No entry fee
From 6 pm to 10 pm
Holding Patterns
2A Albion Place,
LS1 6JL
PUBLISHED
Cardigan Arms Open Mic
Every second and fourth Monday of the month.
Hosted by a rotating roster of local songwriters, the Open Mic at the Cardigan Arms is a welcoming and inclusive space for performers looking to try something new, old, borrowed or blue or none of the above.
All performance types welcome. Free half pint for all performers.
Performance slots can be booked in advance via events@cardiganarms.co.uk.
There will also always be space for those turning up on the door - just make sure you get down for 7:30pm if you'd like to secure your preferred time slot!
(Though this is primarily a music open mic, spoken word is welcome, too - Bob.)
7.30 pm
364 Kirkstall Rd,
Burley,
Leeds
LS4 2HQ
PUBLISHED
Spread the Word Poetry Open Mic - Wath Tap
Open Mic
No ticket necessary, just turn up! All abilities are welcome, and everyone is invited to share or simply listen in.
Spread The Word is a poetry project that creates a safe space to share. We share our, and each other's, stories through talking, listening and writing.
Free.
8 pm to 10 pm
Wath Tap Pub
49 High St
Rotherham
S63 7QB
Picture taken by James Mulkeen.
PUBLISHED
Spread the Word Poetry Writing Session with Ray Hearne
Join us in our creative writing sessions dedicated to nurturing and celebrating stories through listening, writing and sharing.
Each of the sessions will include a space to talk to each other as well as some really gentle creative writing exercises to help us put pen to paper. You may write a few words, you may write a full poem or even a paragraph describing something important to you. We can allow some time and space to share our writing if we choose to and share how it is to be in a space sharing our stories and writing on the page.
No ticket necessary, just turn up!
All abilities are welcome! Come and join us as we get creative with thoughts, words and a whole lot of good humour.
Free
2 pm to 4 pm
Swinton Library
Station St
Mexborough
S64 8PZ
Note: Photograph by James Mulkeen
PUBLISHED
Word Up!
WORD UP
NO FILTER> NO APOLOGIES.
Alternative Spoken Word Night
Special Guest
Open mic slots on the night.
Poetry with bite
Music with meaning
Voices that don't stay quiet
Hosted by Sheffield's own Darren Pickering
(aka Goodnight D)
8 pm to 11 pm
Every last Tuesday of the month
Crookes Club
Mulehouse Road
Sheffield
S10 1TD
PUBLISHED
Northern Voices - Poetry at the Roadhouse
Roadhouse & Bar presents:
Poetry at the Roundhouse
Open Mic
Raise Your Northern Voices
Storytellers
Spoken Word
Prose
Poetry
ALL WELCOME. - wether you're performing or simply listening.
New performers welcome.
"It's better than watching sh*ton the telly"
Last Wednesday in the month
Free Entry.
from 7.30 pm on7 pm to 10 pm
Roadhouse Bar & Bottles
25 Laughton Road
Dinnington
S25 2PN
PUBLISHED
Rhubarb at The Triangle
Rhubarb #93 Wednesday 29th July, 2026
Guest: William Coniston + Open Mic
Join us for our 93rd Rhubarb at The Triangle. New readers are always welcome at our poetry & prose open mic, so if you've made it your new year's resolution to hear or share exciting new writing, you've come to the right place!
Rhubarb is a pay-as-you feel event that welcomes poetry & prose readers on an open mic in the first half, followed by a headline set from an invited guest. If you want to read on the open mic, please book with us when you arrive. We generally offer 10 open mic slots of up to 4 minutes (squeezing in a few extras when we can). As always, listeners are also very welcome
Pay-as-you-feel.
7 pm for 7.30 pm start.
The Triangle,
47 Bradford Rd
Shipley
BD18 3DS
( Note: This event is held over from last month - hence the June date on the poster)
PUBLISHED
The Space Poetic
The Space Poetic is a monthly poetry gallery and open mic, held on the last Wednesday of the month at Terrace in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
And there's a Space Poetic writing club that meets for an hour to write together before the event (6-7pm).
7.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Terrace NQ
43 Thomas Street
Manchester
M4 1NA
(The poster is for last month's event)
PUBLISHED
The Words Are Coming
Our next open mic is on Thursday 30th July @ 7pm.
We’ve got 12 slots (with a very loose 5 minutes each) available so if anyone fancies popping down and having a go email openmic@srws.org.uk
7 pm
Showroom Cinema
15 Paternoster Row,
Sheffield City Centre
Sheffield
S1 2BX
PUBLISHED
A Festive Wreath Cento Poetry Workshop with Tom Branfoot
In this poetry writing workshop, we’ll use the cento to engage with poetry written by The Sun Inn Poets.
A cento is a ‘patchwork’ poem made from the work of others. It can be a form of homage, collage, and poetic solidarity. In this workshop, we’ll use the cento to engage with poetry written by The Sun Inn Poets that was collected in their anthology, ‘A Festive Wreath’.
Free
6 pm to 8 pm
Manchester Cathedral,
Victoria Street
Manchester
M3 1SX
PUBLISHED
Busy Corner Cabaret
Music, poetry, theatre, cheap beer and more!
Can there be more?
There’s only one way to find out.
Come and perform on our open mic. Enjoy the guest acts. Meet interesting people.
Hosted by Jimmy Andrex!
PAYF
7.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Brook House WMC
221 Barnsley Road
Wakefield
WF1 5NU
PUBLISHED
The York Howlers
Spoken Word Open Mic
Hosted by Paul
Sign up on arrival.
Due to changes at the Blue Boar some Howlers nights have been amended. We apologies for the alterations and will return to a normal schedule in August. In the meantime the upcoming dates for Howlers are Thursday 9th and 30th July. In August we return to our usual schedule of the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month (13th and 27th August).
7.30 pm
The Blue Boar
5 Castlegate,
York
YO1 9RN
PUBLISHED
SisterVerse Open Mic 2026
We are back!!! 2026
Are you ready to share your poetry? To plant your new seeds.
A female-only open mic space to share your voice, your poetry.
The vibe is just awesome. Join us in person for the SisterVerse Open Mic a chill space where creativity flows and stories come alive. Whether you’re a poet, singer, spoken word artist or storyteller, this is your moment to shine. Join us, in a supportive, local welcoming space. Come and experience the magic up poetry.
We bring snacks and drinks, feel free to bring a contribution too.
(6.45 pm doors open) 7 pm to 9 pm
City Library Bradford
9 Aldermanbury
Centenary Square
Bradford
BD1 1SD
PUBLISHED
Chemistry 26: Edwin Stockdale and Kate Noakes The theme is Fe for Iron.
Chemistry returns to the Chemic on Friday 31st July with another night of poetry and spoken word, two brilliant headliners and our usual amazing open mic. The headliners Edwin Stockdale and Kate Noakes. The always optional theme is Fe for Iron.
The events are themed on the elements of the periodic table. If you dare attempt the theme, it's Mn for Manganese. The theme is entirely optional, but we hope you might use it as a creative prompt to come up with some new work to reveal on the night.
If you want to sign up for the open mic, just ask host Joe Williams for a slot when you arrive. Open mic readers are drawn in a random order from the Box of Mystery, and we’ll keep going till the box is empty. We welcome everyone from first-timers to veteran performers, so if you want to give it a go, please do. Please stick to the time limit of 3 minutes (which includes any introductions and other waffle).
Entry is on a pay-as-you-feel basis. If you don’t feel able to pay anything, that’s fine. The guest poets will also have books for sale. No need to book a ticket, just turn up.
Doors at 7.15 pm for a 7.45 pm start. I hope you can join us!
The Chemic Tavern
9 Johnston Street
Leeds
LS6 2NG
PUBLISHED
Talking Zebras on Zoom
Do you enjoy Poetry / Prose / Short Stories / The Spoken Word?
Do you like Listening / Reading / Performing?
Then why not join our friendly, regular group ...
Talking Zebras
Jim is likely to organise two Zoom meetings in August:
On the 1st August (for Yorkshire Day, with music & poetry on the theme of Yorkshire)
&
On 29th August - Every month when there is a fifth Saturday the group, which usually meets in The Liversedge in Liversedge, meet in an online Zoom group.
Please go to the Talking Zebras website and email for the link. It usually happens around 7pm, but the exact time is to be confirmed,
PUBLISHED
Batley Poets Open Mic
Join us to share your poetry, favourite poems, or just listen and have a wonderful evening!
Do you want to share your poetry, your favourite poem, or just have an enjoyable evening? Join our poetry open mic night at Batley Library.
Everyone's welcome, whether it's your first time or your fifty-first time. We've always said 'Everyone's a Batley Poet', and we haven't been proven wrong yet.
Come along to perform a poem you've written, one you like, or just sit back and enjoy a cuppa and meet some new friends.
Free
7 pm to 9 pm
Batley Library
14 Market Place
Batley
WF17 5DA
PUBLISHED
Poet's Nest Wring Club
By Rachael Hill
A friendly space to write together
We meet on the first Tuesday of the month to chat, share, hang out, and maybe get some writing done; you'll find us upstairs at Saison.
Come join our friendly circle for some relaxed yet focused writing time; nurture your practice, meet new writers and friends, and enjoy spending time doing something you love with likeminded creatives.
While we have a bent towards poetry we also welcome writers of all styles, genres, and experience.
The sessions will start with a short chat, then there'll be plenty of time to get your head down and work, and at the end there'll always be an optional sharing circle.
There'll be several poetry collections, anthologies, and/or pamphlets available for you to look through, some pens and paper in case you didn't bring yours, and a few writing prompts in case you need a little inspiration to get you started.
Feel free to work on an existing project, or come ready to start something new.
Saison is a welcoming, queer friendly bar on Burton Road. They serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There will be some ambient bar noise so feel free to bring headphones, earplugs, or whatever you need. This is a neurodivergent and queer friendly space open to everyone and supportive of all.
6 pm to 7.30 pm
£5
Saison
236 Burton Road
West Didsbury
M20 2LW
PUBLISHED
Brave Words: Write Club
Creative prompts to get you writing in a supportive creative writing group led by a professional poet and playwright.
This month's creative prompts are on the theme of 'fools'.
Open to all levels of experience!
First Wednesday of the month,
6 pm to 7 pm
Online via Zoom
Pay what you can
Brave Words
PUBLISHED
More Song Workshop
A workshop facilitated by Antony Rowland to raise funds for More Song.
Join us for an afternoon workshop from 2-4 pm in The 1 in 12 Club Library.
Tickets for the workshop are £7 (£8.30 at the till) and include entry to the evening’s readings where Antony will read with Eleanor Reece and Alex Priestly. Priority for the open mic will go to those in the workshop!
Head to our website www.moresong.co.uk to get tickets! (See below)
2 pm to 4 pm
The 1 in 12 Club Library
21-23 Albion Street
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 2LY
Poster by @ben_brumpton 🖋️
PUBLISHED
Otley Poets Live
Otley Poets Live on 6 August, 2026 will be one of our regular read-arounds. A read-around is even more laid-back than open-mic, and the perfect opportunity to share your poetry with others. Bring along your poetry, or simply come and spend the evening with like-minded friends. Everyone welcome!
Otley Poets Live events will be permanently at Otley Labour Rooms now with a 7:45pm start.
Coming events:
3rd September 2026 - Clare Shaw
5th November 2026 - Antony Dunn
Pop the dates in your diary now - more details will follow nearer to each event.
7.45 pm to 9.45 pm
Otley and Yeadon Labour Party
Nelson Street
Otley
LS21 1EZ
PUBLISHED
Speak Easy
Spoken Word @ Dulcimer, Chorlton. First Thursday of the month. Free, friendly and supportive. Poetry, fiction, performance. First-timers encouraged!
Next meeting: 6th August, 2026. (Date not confirmed, so please check with the event)
6.00 pm - 7.45 pm (doors open 5.40 pm)
Dulcimer
567 Wilbraham Rd
Chorlton,
Manchester
M21 0AE
(Poster from last month)
PUBLISHED
More Song
Big More Song event for August with Antony Rowland, Eleanor Rees, and Alex Priestley
Antony will be running a workshop 2-4 also at the 1 in 12 Club.
What: More Song ⛓️
Where: The 1 in 12 Club Library, Bradford City Centre 🔴⚫️
When: Thursday August 6th, 7-9 pm ⏰
How: £3 tickets / PWYC
Message for an open mic slot 🎤
7 pm to 9 pm
The 1 in 12 Club Library
21-23 Albion Street
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 2LY
Poster by @ben_brumpton 🖋️
PUBLISHED
Grand Plans
Open mic Spoken Word - poetry, prose, creative non-fiction, travel & music writing, plays, comedy, etc...
Summer Special with Julia Webb and Hannah Linden
Hosted by Sarah L Dixon
Pay as you feel. Spots 10 x 4 minutes
6.15 pm to 8 pm
139 Lane Top,
Linthwaite,
Huddersfield,
United Kingdom,
HD7 5SG
PUBLISHED
Soundbites
SOUNDBITES – Monthly Poetry Open Mic
Live in the Assembly Bar + Kitchen!
Readings by a different local published poet each month. This month we’re delighted to welcome PATRICK LODGE.
Patrick lives in Yorkshire, but is an Irish citizen with family roots in Wales, and a sense of searching for home has permeated his poetry. He will be mostly reading from ‘There You Are’, his fourth collection with Valley Press, which was published in spring 2026 and which searches widely from his home in Leeds, through the Outer Hebrides, Greece, Ireland and Wales.
OPEN MIC
We supply the mic – you supply the poetry
Put your name down for a 4 minute slot (first come, first served) or just come along and listen.
Bring your poem (1 per person) about Leeds to read and share.
First timers or experienced, all are welcome.
Everyone welcome. Free (donation appreciated)
Open mic name listing from 6.30 pm
Event begins with guest poet at 7.00 pm
Heart Assembly Bar + Kitchen,
Headingley Arts Centre
9 Bennett Road
Leeds
LS6 3HN
PUBLISHED
Happy House Poetry Night
Bring a poem or two - your own or your favourites
Share them with your fellow poets & poetry lovers
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Happy House, Masham
If you’d like you can bring something to drink (we’re not licensed)
This is a smallish room which can only hold 10 people so this ticket only admits ONE
7.30 pm to 9 pm
The Gallery
24 Market Place
Masham
HG4 4EB
PUBLISHED
Hinterland Poets Open Mic + Guest Poets
Join us for a evening of open mic poetry hosted by Dominic Berry with a different Guest Poet each month!
Welcome to the Hinterland Poetry Night! Join us for an evening filled with beautiful words, creative minds, and good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just looking to enjoy some spoken word, this event is for you.
Our poetry nights will take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Come early to grab a seat, order a drink, and get ready to be inspired by the talented guest and local poets taking the stage.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with the local poetry community, share your own work, or simply sit back and enjoy the magic of words.
Open Mic will operate on a first come, first signed up basis. Slots will be 3 minutes.
7 pm to 9.30 pm
Hinterland Alcohol-Free Bar and Café
16-20 Turner Street
Manchester
M4 1DZ
PUBLISHED
The Barnsley Word Circle
The Barnsley Word Circle - First meeting!
Guest Poet: Jane Sharp
Poems, Story Bites Whether you write, read, or simply enjoy good words, you'll be very welcome. No experience needed - just come and enjoy. A relaxed open mic for poems and 4 minute story bites. Hosted by Mac McKenzie
7 pm to 9.30 pm
Friendly, supportive and alcohol free. Tea, coffee, and biscuits available.
Staincross Christian Fellowship Church Hall
21 Sparks Lane
Staincross
S75 8AA
PUBLISHED
Writing workshop @ Ink Spill Festival 2026
Ink Spill nights are half workshop, half open mic and all about poetry - it's the opportunity to meet a community of like-minded individuals who enjoy spending time together writing and sharing their work.
Usually 3rd Friday of the month - August meeting not confirmed
The Head of Steam,
Saint George's Square
Huddersfield
HD1 1JB
PUBLISHED
Verbose MCR
One of Manchester’s longest running spoken word events, Verbose, returns on Monday 31st August, 2026 at the Kings Arms.
To enter the draw for a limited open mic slot, please email us on verbosemanchester@gmail.com between
Doors open: 7.15 pm
Event: 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm
The King's Arms
11 Bloom Street
Salford
M3 6AN
PUBLISHED
Gobsh!te
Hello you beauties! 🎉
We’re very happy to announce our next event, will take place after a Summer break on 26th August upstairs at the Golden Lion. As always, we’re looking forward to hearing from our wonderful troupe of open mic performers and our supportive audience members.
As always, arrive between 7:00–7:15 if you’d like to sign up for a 4–5 minute set (time slots will depend on numbers). See you there!!
Upstairs @ The Golden Lion
Fielden Square
Todmorden
OL14 6LZ
PUBLISHED
Under the Lobby Lights
Spoken Word Night. Open Mic.
plus readings from guests
email: underthelobbylights@gmail.com to book an open mic slot
From 7.30 pm
The Lobby
1867, Westgate
Wakefield
WF1 1EP
(Opposite the Theatre Royal)
PUBLISHED
Otley Poetry Gym
The Gym is an informal group offering constructive criticism on poetry work in progress. We meet on the third Thursday of the month at The Fleece, Otley, West Yorkshire.
It is taking a summer break during June, July, and August. The Gym will restart in September - details to follow nearer the time - when we'll also be looking at ways of improving the way our meetings are run, so bring along your ideas as well as your poetry.
Fee: nil, but bring several copies of the work for critique.
The format is friendly and casual and there is no obligation to use any of the comments. The poem is always yours!
A different chairperson presides at each meeting, ensuring that the forum always belongs to its members.
Usually, a word is chosen at the close of each session, which may be used as a prompt for future work. However, it is stressed that using the prompt is in no way obligatory and poems with any theme at all can be brought.
Starts 7.30 pm
Check Facebook to confirm venue
The Black Horse
2 Westgate
Otley
LS21 3AS
PUBLISHED
Pen Power! Creative Writing Workshops
Overview
Unlock your voice with artist D3. A cozy writing workshop for all levels. 15 spots max—grab the 2-for-1 Buddy Deal today!
Ready to stop staring at the blank page and start flowing?
Whether you’re a secret poet, a bathroom singer of words, or just someone who wants to find more confidence in how they speak and write—this is for you. Led by D3, a professional working artist who lives and breathes the craft, this workshop isn't about "perfect" grammar; it's about finding your unique voice.
Join a small, supportive group (we cap it at 15!) for a session of creative exploration, inspiration, and real-world writing techniques.
From £8.83 to £15
6.30 pm - 8 pm
The Wardrobe,
6 St. Peters Square,
Leeds.
LS9 26th Feb
PUBLISHED
First Draughts: Poetry & Spoken Word Monthly at Hop Hideout
Introducing: First Draughts
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or someone who’s been scribbling in a journal and waiting for the right moment to share, this is for you.
First Draughts is all about community, craft (beer and verse!), and creating a space that is genuinely open, friendly, and supportive. No judgment—just good vibes and great lines.
• Where: Hop Hideout
• Guest Host: tbc
How to Get Involved 🎟️
Want the mic? 🎤
To secure your spot on stage, slide into the DMs of @HopHideout Or send an email (contact on our Instagram). Whether it’s a poem, spoken word, a short story, or a rhythmic rant, we want to hear it.
Want to listen? 🍻
Audience tickets are FREE, but space is limited! Please grab your ticket via Eventbrite (click below) so we can keep track of numbers. We've also added a donation option if you feel you would like to support. Any donations raised will go to the event itself, for example, in the future we'd like to book a headline slot and make that paid.
Open mic slots are available now.
8 pm to 10 pm
Hop Hideout
#G11
22 Cambridge Street
Leah’s Yard
Sheffield City Centre
S1 4HP
(Poster is for April's event)
PUBLISHED
Spread the Word – Open Mic Night
This regular event takes places in venues across Rotherham, the June event will take place at The Cutlers Arms on Westgate. It's open to poets of all abilities and you're welcome to come and listen or perform your poetry.
You will be able to perform your own poetry at the Open Mic Night! This opportunity is for all abilities, we hope everyone feels comfortable enough to share in our space. As you arrive, let the host know you would like to perform.
General admission tickets are pay as you feel - £5/£3/Free tickets available.
Choose whichever selection you are comfortable with at: TICKET LINK
Refreshments (including alcoholic drinks) will be available at the venue.
Please note - This venue is old, so has some limitations. There are male and female toilets available, but there is no disabled toilet available. Access into the venue is step free. There is a RMBC owned car park next door, parking is free after 6pm. For any questions about access, please contact hello@fluxrotherham.org.uk
Spread The Word is a poetry project run by Flux Rotherham, including poetry writing sessions and open mics.
8 pm to 10 pm
Cutler's Arms
29 Westgate,
Rotherham
S60 1BQ
Note: Photo by James Mulkeen.
PUBLISHED
WordSpace Open Mic
On the first Wednesday of every month our back room come alive with the power of words. An open mic night for prose, poetry, comedy, music & much more. Plus a special guest speaker!
Starting at 7pm and completely free entry, come down and let your words flow.
Back after a Summer break with the launch of an Anthology.
7 pm to 9 pm
The Horsforth Brewery and Taproom
143 New Side Road
Leeds
LS18 4QD
PUBLISHED
Bar One Poetry Open Mic
In collaboration and hosted by UoS Poetry Society, join us in Raynor Lounge, Bar One on the third Tuesday of every month for Poetry Open Mic Night.
Whether you want to perform, or just enjoy the words, everyone is welcome - students & the public.
Free entry from 7.30 pm.
Sign up in advance via Poetry Soc, or sign up on the night.
Bar One
Sheffield Students' Union
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TG
Bar One aims to be back in October!
*** Note the 20th October date is not confirmed ***
PUBLISHED
Please Read
If you would like to see your open mic or any poetry or spoken word event listed on this page please do get in touch. Equally if you would like me to remove the information please do get in touch.
If you spot any inaccuracies, please get in touch and I will put them right.
This page is run purely for the love of poetry so all listings are free with no strings attached.
Please note this website has no direct link to any of the events included, so you attend at your own risk. This said you might see me at one of them, if so, please do say, 'hello'!
If the event does not take place there really is nothing I can do about it (sorry!). I recommend that you attempt to contact the event via the direct link on the night if possible.
Most recent update: 10th July, 2026