What to Buy for an Open Mic Night

An open mic night needs more than microphones and speakers. You also need drinks, reusable glasses, coffee supplies and enough tableware for the audience and performers. Bring spare batteries, cables, extension cords and gaffer tape before setup starts, because missing small equipment can delay the sound check. Use the expected audience size to calculate refreshments, then check every connection and power requirement before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Bar stoolsqty 4
Clothing rack
Folding table for registration

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
DI box
Laptop
Laptop stand
Music standsqty 3
Spare batteriesqty 8
Instrument cablesqty 4
XLR cablesqty 6
Audio cablesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Cable traysqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 3

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Scissorsqty 2

Decorations

Stage backdrop
Light Stripsqty 4
Decorative table runnersqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 3

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mop set
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Beer - 3 crates
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Rosé - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Mini quiches - 6 boxes
- Vegetarian puff pastry snacks - 6 boxes
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the drinks several hours before doors open rather than during setup.
Provide one reusable glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 40 guests, prepare 44 glasses, along with plates and cutlery if food is being served.
For coffee and tea, allow one cup per guest who is likely to drink it and keep two thermos flasks ready for refills. Boil water in advance so the coffee station does not compete with the sound check.
Pack at least two spare batteries for every wireless microphone and bring spare instrument, XLR and audio cables. Test all cables before performers arrive, not after the first microphone fails.
Bring extension cords, power strips and cable trays for the speakers, mixer, laptop and lighting. Secure cable runs with gaffer tape and leave at least 30 minutes for the full sound and lighting check.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for an open mic night?: Plan drinks, reusable glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery for the audience. For the stage, have spare batteries, instrument and XLR cables, audio cables, extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape ready.
How many drinks do I need for an open mic night?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person for each additional hour. Add about 10% extra if the event has no nearby shops or runs longer than planned.
How many microphones are needed for an open mic night?: The number depends on the performances, but prepare at least one microphone for the host and enough microphones for the most demanding act. Complete the sound check at least 30 minutes before doors open.
When should I prepare the shopping and equipment for an open mic night?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check cables, batteries and power equipment at least two days beforehand. Chill drinks several hours before the event and finish the stage setup and sound check at least 30 minutes before guests arrive.

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