Your Guide to Beijing’s Open Mic and Amateur Performance Nights

Whether you're a seasoned performer or just looking to expand your nascent talents, there are plenty of opportunities to hone your singing/public speaking/party trick chops in front of entertainment-hungry Beijing audiences. Below, we've rounded up the city's best open mic nights from a variety of neighborhoods across town.

Paddy O'Shea's
Paddy O'Shea's open mic night has earned the reputation of being one of Beijing's biggest hubs for aspiring performers. This evening of festivities is open to musicians of all varieties, from amateurs to seasoned professionals or even bands looking to experiment. The Dongzhimen pub also has themed evenings that vary every week, as well as a reliably lively crowd. In their own words, Paddy's team says: "We believe the crowd is an integral part of improving an artist's performances, so we try to involve them in the experience."

When: Thursdays, 8.30pm- late
The format: Every act can play three songs, with the added bonus of a free beer and even a free shot if you perform the theme song of the week.
What’s available: Acoustic guitar, bass, electric guitar, microphoned drum kit, two amplifiers (for both bass and electric), DI system, keyboard, cajon, tambourines, and three microphones. Performers are also welcome to bring their own instruments.

Lush
Reportedly the first open mic night in town, Lush (also pictured at top) offers an opportunity for students and non-students alike a piece of the limelight. Whether your bag is music, poetry, stand-up comedy, or something more offbeat, the Wudaokou bar invites you to step up and show the audience what you've got. The bar's vibrant atmosphere encourages even the most novice of performers and the venue also hosts jams, which are organized as a post open mic festivity.

When: Every Thursday, 9pm-midnight
The perks: Performers are limited to three songs and receive one free beer.
What’s available: Guitar, keyboard, drum kit, and two microphones.

Soi Baochao
Located at the north end of Baochao Hutong, Soi Baochao is an underground-leaning bar that caters to an eclectic array of musicians. Their open mic is open to any act and boasts a more professionally configured sound system than most of the venues on this list. Soi Baochao's intimate vibe also makes it a good place to experiment with new material or jam with friends.

When: Every Wednesday nights, 9pm-1am
The perks: Performers are limited to three songs and receive one free beer.
What’s available: Musicians can use the house guitar, bass, keyboard, drum set, and two microphones.

Caravan
Caravan's open mic night has run for three years now and supports long-term gigging for returning musicians as well as anyone simply looking for creative outlook to express themselves. This diverse evening offers performance opportunities for musicians, comedians, poets, and storytellers of all skill and experience levels.

When: Sunday, 9pm-late
The perks: Performers get complimentary drinks as well as extra goodies depending on the night’s theme.
What’s available: Instruments are available for a live house performance, plus a guitar, bass, drumkit, ukulele, and a keyboard on occasion.

Spittoon – Various locations
Based in Beijing, Chengdu, and Gothenburg, Sweden, Spittoon is more than just a literary magazine, it’s a literary community. Along with its two publications, the Spittoon Literary Magazine and China Urban Expression (CUE), the growing crew holds four regular monthly events, including a book club and a poetry slam night. Spittoon therefore caters to anyone who has ever picked up book as well as literary enthusiasts, poets, authors, and avid readers.

When:

• Spittoon Book Club. Every first Thursday of every month, 8-10.30pm. Camera Stylo
• Spittoon Fiction. Every second Thursday of every month, 8-10.30pm. Camera Stylo
• Spittoon Slam. Every third Thursday of every month, 8-10.30pm. The Great Outdoors
• Spittoon Poetry Workshop. Every second Monday of every month, 8-10.30pm. Café Zarah
• Spittoon Poetry. Every fourth Thursday of every month, 8-10.30pm. Camera Stylo

The perks: Bilingual creative expression! Poetry nights in English with Chinese and international poetry in translation.

4corners
For an evening of approachable storytelling, 4corners is your place. Everyone from experienced storytellers to first-time participants are encouraged to learn and engage (though just being a good listener is also fine!). Every week features a different theme intended to spark good stories and good conversation. All stories are told in English and without time limits. After each story, the host asks the audience if they have any related stories that they are willing to share, giving the storytelling sessions a loose and laid-back feel perfect for raconteurs as well as people wanting to make new friends through the retelling of experiences.

When: Meet at 8pm, storytelling runs from 9-11pm
The perks: Completely free and everyone who shares a story will receive a free drink. The kitchen is open for orders until 11pm.

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Photos: sannak.se, irishtimes.com, paddyosheasbeijing.com, lushbeijing.com, Cesar Casellas, courtesy of Great Buffalo Blues, Badr Benjelloun, courtesy of Spittoon, China Daily