What you need for an open mic night

An open mic night needs more than microphones and a stage. You’ll need a reliable sound setup, enough cables and power connections, simple lighting, drinks, snacks, and serving supplies for the audience and performers. This checklist also covers the items that are easy to overlook, such as spare batteries, DI boxes, music stands, coolers, and thermos flasks. Use it to shop and collect everything before the venue opens, rather than trying to find missing equipment during soundcheck.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 70
Bar stoolsqty 4
Clothing rack

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
DI boxqty 2
XLR cablesqty 6
Jack cablesqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Laptop
Music standsqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 3
Batteriesqty 16

Tableware

Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Forksqty 80
Knivesqty 80
Spoonsqty 60
Small bowlsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Stage backdrop
Directional signsqty 4
Program holdersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 5
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Flat mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 3 bottles
- Non-alcoholic wine - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Limes - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Brie - 600 gram
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Salted nuts - 2 kilos
- Olives - 3 jars
- Mixed snack mix - 2 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 48 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one microphone per scheduled performer who needs vocals, plus one spare if your budget and equipment allow. Count microphone stands separately; a microphone without a stand is awkward for singers and speakers.
Check the venue’s power points before shopping for extension cords and power strips. Keep audio equipment on safe, separate power runs where possible, and bring spare batteries for LED spotlights and other battery-powered lighting.
For drinks, estimate two to three servings per person for the first hour, then one to two servings for each additional hour. Chill drinks in coolers before doors open so the refrigerator is not doing all the work during the event.
Buy or collect serving items based on your audience size, then add about 10 percent extra. Plates, forks, knives, spoons, glasses, coffee cups, and small bowls disappear faster than expected when snacks and hot drinks are served.
Ask performers for technical requirements before finalizing the shopping trip. A DI box, jack cable, music stand, or laptop connection may be needed for one act, and replacing it on the night can delay the performance order.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an open mic night?: For a basic open mic, plan for active speakers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, XLR cables, jack cables, power strips, and extension cords. Add a DI box for performers connecting instruments or other line-level equipment, and allow at least 60–90 minutes for soundcheck and setup.
How many microphones do I need for an open mic?: Start with one microphone for each performer who needs vocals at the same time, then add one spare for a busy programme. For example, a two-person acoustic act may need two microphones, while a solo singer usually needs one vocal microphone plus a separate instrument connection.
How much food and drink should I buy for an open mic night?: For drinks, budget two to three servings per person in the first hour and one to two per person for every hour after that. For snacks, prepare roughly two to four small portions per guest, and add around 10 percent extra tableware and food for late arrivals or unexpected demand.
When should I buy supplies for an open mic night?: Buy non-perishable supplies, cables, batteries, and tableware at least 3–7 days before the event. Buy chilled drinks and fresh snacks on the day, and have all equipment, cables, lighting, and serving supplies at the venue at least 90 minutes before doors open.

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