Open Mics & Poetry Slams
Live Events
Our open mics and poetry slams are the perfect spot to hear raw, unfiltered talent and share your own work. Whether you're a poet, a writer, or just a fan of spoken word, these events are a great way to meet like-minded people, get inspired, and have a blast. Join us for a night of amazing performances, cool vibes, and a welcoming community. This is your chance to be part of something special!
Verse & Vibes
First Thursdays
An open mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar ;). Open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Everyone is welcome. Free event.
When: Doors open at 6:30, mic is live at 7:00
Where: Indigo Cottage Crafts
2063 Creekside Dr, Papillion
Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
2nd Thursdays
Enjoy the sublime fusion of music and poetry!
Music will be provided and of course we welcome anyone to the jam who'd like to jump in. We hope to see you there!
When: 7:00
Where: Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo
1808 Vinton St, Omaha
Vocal Fry Slam
Thursday, September 26
Vocal Fry is the 3rd Thursday of every month.
Hosted by Jewel Rodgers and Nathan Lachner.
But, this month we are having a SLAM!
​Special Feature: Bianca Swift
Bianca has been writing poetry for over 15 years. She has a Masters in English and creative writing and has performed in Slam competitions around the country which makes her a qualified poet (so say her bosses). She works for the Nebraska Writers Collective as a Teaching Artist as well as being a Researcher on the Charles Chesnutt Archive. When she is not writing poetry she is probably sleeping.
​
A short open mic round will precede the slam
When: Doors open at 6:00, performances start at 7:00
Where: Shirley Tyree Theater
2401 N 24th St, Omaha
Open Mics & Poetry Slams
Other Events in Nebraska
Our state is buzzing with poetry events. If you know of any events we've missed,
let us know! We're always eager to share more live poetry happenings with our community.
The below events are not sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society.
Please reach out to the venue listed for any questions, thank you.
Visiting Writers Series
Wednesday, September 18
4:00 –5:00 p.m.
In the Union 73 Coffee Shop
Aliyah American Horse, titled the Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate in 2023 and the Midwestern Youth Poet Laureate in 2024, is from the Oglala-Lakota tribe but was raised in small town Gordon, Nebraska. She is the author of Shed No Tears Unci and Warriors Within Words. Not only does she write and speak about love, life, and spirituality, but she is also an advocate for all Native American communities by raising awareness for issues, such as the Land Back movement, mental health and substance abuse issues, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement. Through her poetry, she hopes to not only inspire young indigenous people but also truly make an impact in the world. Aliyah is attending Nebraska Wesleyan University, studying English and Writing.
Writer's Night
Every Wednesday
Open mic nights showcase local poets/writers, whether you're a seasoned performer or a new comer that wants to perform in front of an audience for the first time, come on out and join the fun!
When: 6:00p
Where: Crescent Moon Coffee
140 N. 8th, Lincoln
On Writing Presents
Second Tuesdays
Intimate reading with local authors of all walks of life.
When: 6:00p
Where: Benson Theatre
6054 Maple St, Omaha
Lincoln Poetry Slam
Second Thursdays
Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.
When: 7:00p
Where: Larksong Writers Place
1600 N. Cotner Blvd, Lincoln
Imaginary Gardens Reading Series
Third Tuesday
Public readings by local poets and authors hosted by Michael Skau, a professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
When: 7:00p
Where: Mister Toad's
1002 Howard St, Omaha
Voices at Larksong
Third Thursdays
Monthly in-house reading series with new guests each month. Guests will include writers of all genres and (frequently) musicians.
When: 6:00p
Where: Larksong Writers Place
1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln
Omaha Poetry Slam
Second Saturdays
The event begins with an open mic and then the competitive individual slam! (If you plan to compete in the slam, bring three poems.) Winner receives $50.
All the details are here.
When: 7:00p
Where: Dry Spokes
1901 Leavenworth Street, Omaha