What to Buy for an Open Mic Night

An open mic night needs more than microphones and a speaker. Plan for performer check-in, quick changes between acts, drinks and snacks for the audience, and enough cables and power access to keep the sound running. This shopping list covers the practical items to buy or bring, from wireless microphones and a mixer to glasses, ice, serving platters and program stands. Confirm the venue’s existing equipment before you shop so you do not buy duplicates or miss essential adapters.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 4
Clothing rack

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
DI box
Laptop
Music stand
Audio cablesqty 6
Instrument cablesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Gaffer tapeqty 2

Lighting

LED lightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 2

Tableware

Glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 8
Pitcherqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Ice scoop
Bottle openersqty 3
Corkscrewsqty 2

Decorations

Welcome sign
Program standsqty 3
Tableclothsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 5 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted pretzels - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cheese cookies - 3 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Rice crackers - 3 packs
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan at least two drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per guest for each additional hour. Include water, and chill drinks before doors open rather than relying on room-temperature stock.
Bring one microphone stand per stage microphone, plus at least two spare audio or instrument cables. Label cables before setup so performers can change over without searching through a pile.
Provide one glass per guest for a seated event, or use a smaller reserve and refill station for a standing crowd. Set out coffee cups separately so hot drinks do not compete with the bar glasses.
Use gaffer tape to secure every cable crossing a walking route, and bring extension cords and power strips sized for the sound system and lighting. Test the full setup before the first performer arrives.
Print the program and place it in program stands before doors open. Leave space for late changes to the performance order, and keep the laptop, music files and DI box near the mixer rather than at the audience table.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for an open mic night?: Buy about two drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one drink per person for every extra hour. Add water separately and keep a small reserve of 10–15% for unexpected demand.
What sound equipment is needed for an open mic night?: For a basic setup, plan on active speakers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, audio cables and extension cords. Add a DI box when performers connect keyboards, acoustic-electric instruments or other line-level sources.
How many microphones should I have for an open mic night?: Have one microphone for the main vocal or spoken performance and one additional microphone for duets, announcements or quick changeovers. For a busy lineup, two wireless microphones reduce pauses between acts.
When should I buy supplies for an open mic night?: Buy shelf-stable drinks, tableware, tape and cables at least 3–5 days ahead. Purchase ice and chillable drinks on the day, and test the complete sound and lighting setup at least 2 hours before doors open.

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