What you need for an open mic night

An open mic night needs more than microphones and a stage. Plan drinks, coffee service, tableware, seating and the technical equipment performers may need, including DI boxes and spare cables. For drinks, allow two to three per person during the first hour, then one per hour after that. Check dietary requirements before shopping, and confirm technical requests with performers at least one week before the event.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
DI boxesqty 2
XLR cablesqty 8
Jack cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Laptop stand

Lighting

LED stage lightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 6
Light standsqty 2

Tableware

Water glassesqty 90
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 90
Cutlery setsqty 90
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Stage backdrop
Decorative plantsqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 4
Menu Card Holdersqty 8

Catering

Serving plattersqty 10
Snack bowlsqty 12
Drink dispensersqty 2
Bottle openersqty 3
Corkscrewsqty 2
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Mini wraps - 6 packs
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Brie - 800 grams
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell pepper - 1 kilo
- Olives - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Lemon juice - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Mop set
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 2

Registration

Registration desk
Name card holdersqty 3
Pensqty 12
Clipboard foldersqty 3

Tips

Plan one water glass per guest, plus extra glasses for performers and staff. Keep chilled drinks in coolers or a fridge and place water on or beside the stage for each performer.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for each additional hour. Buy coffee, tea and hot-water supplies for around 60% of your expected audience unless you already know attendance patterns.
Count one chair per seated guest, then add at least 5–10% spare seating. Keep a clear area in front of the stage so performers can reach the microphones and move safely.
Check every performer’s technical requirements before buying or collecting equipment. Keep at least one spare XLR cable, one spare jack cable and two extension cords available for last-minute changes.
Prepare tableware and serving equipment at least one day ahead, including plates, cutlery, serving spoons, trays and tablecloths. Test the coffee machines, kettles, microphones, mixer, speakers and stage lights during the technical sound check.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for an open mic night?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add around 10% extra for performers, volunteers and unexpected demand.
How many microphones are needed for an open mic night?: Start with two microphones for a typical solo-and-small-group programme, plus microphone stands. Confirm the programme and performers’ needs at least one week before the event, as bands or interviews may require more inputs.
What food and tableware do I need for an open mic night?: For a light refreshment setup, provide one plate and one cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. Add serving spoons, trays, water glasses and coffee cups, and confirm dietary requirements no later than one week before the event.
When should I test the sound equipment for an open mic night?: Complete the full sound check on the day of the event after the speakers, mixer, microphones, cables and DI boxes are connected. Allow at least 90 minutes before doors open, and check performer-specific requirements before setup.

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