About us
The First Draft – A Minneapolis Spoken Word and Poetry Open Mic
@ The Troubadour Wine Bar, Uptown, Mpls
Join us for the city's most immersive, diverse, inclusive, and community-building spoken word experience.
More than an open mic, this is a gathering place where people from every background come together through storytelling, poetry, and authentic connection.
Whether you're stepping onto a stage for the first time or have years of experience behind a microphone, you'll find an audience who is committed to truly listening. People who come not for performances, but connection.
We gather here to witness each other as deeply feeling, complex individuals.
This community with The First Draft honors personal expression, your inner story is your art.
Share your story.
Find your people.
With us.
Www.thefirstdraftmpls.com
Sign-up to read on stage. Spots are not guaranteed, space is limited.
Upcoming events
13
The First Draft MPLS | Storytelling Open Mic
troubador wine bar, 2827 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, Minneapolis, MN, US# The First Draft: Minneapolis' Most Immersive Spoken Word Open Mic
This is not just an event, this is a place to build community.
The First Draft is a thoughtfully curated spoken word open mic where honesty matters more than perfection. Writers, poets, musicians, comedians, storytellers, and first-time performers are all welcome to share original work in a space built on curiosity, empathy, and genuine connection.
Not performing? Perfect your craft of deeply listening. The encouragement and attention we give from the audience is powerful.What to expect:
- A cool candle-lit salon-style atmosphere and welcoming community
- Original stories, poetry, essays, lyrical storytelling, and powerful spoken word
- Diverse voices and perspectives
- Five-minute performances
- Time before and after the show to meet other creatives and thoughtful humans
Our goal isn't just to host another open mic—it's to create a room where people feel encouraged, inspired, and more connected to each other by the end of the night.
Interested in performing?
Sign up in advance through our website. Performers are selected to create a dynamic, diverse evening while keeping the spirit of an open mic. Sharing a glimpse into your work helps the host thoughtfully select performers.
Share your story. Find your people.
Because every great story begins as a First Draft.Location: Troubadour Wine Bar, Uptown, MPLS
(NA mocktails available, along with a selection of beer and wonderful charcuterie boards)Sign up to share your story:
https://www.thefirstdraftmpls.com34 attendeesThe First Draft MPLS | Spoken Word Open Mic
troubador wine bar, 2827 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, Minneapolis, MN, US# The First Draft: Minneapolis' Most Immersive Spoken Word Open Mic
This is not just an event, this is a place to build community.
The First Draft is a thoughtfully curated spoken word open mic where honesty matters more than perfection. Writers, poets, musicians, comedians, storytellers, and first-time performers are all welcome to share original work in a space built on curiosity, empathy, and genuine connection.
Not performing? Perfect your craft of deeply listening. The encouragement and attention we give from the audience is powerful.What to expect:
- A cool candle-lit salon-style atmosphere and welcoming community
- Original stories, poetry, essays, lyrical storytelling, and powerful spoken word
- Diverse voices and perspectives
- Five-minute performances
- Time before and after the show to meet other creatives and thoughtful humans
Our goal isn't just to host another open mic—it's to create a room where people feel encouraged, inspired, and more connected to each other by the end of the night.
Interested in performing?
Sign up in advance through our website. Performers are selected to create a dynamic, diverse evening while keeping the spirit of an open mic. Sharing a glimpse into your work helps the host thoughtfully select performers.
Share your story. Find your people.
Because every great story begins as a First Draft.Location: Troubadour Wine Bar, Uptown, MPLS
(NA mocktails available, along with a selection of beer and wonderful charcuterie boards)Sign up to share your story:
https://www.thefirstdraftmpls.com3 attendeesThe First Draft MPLS | Spoken Word Open Mic
troubador wine bar, 2827 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, Minneapolis, MN, US# The First Draft: Minneapolis' Most Immersive Spoken Word Open Mic
This is not just an event, this is a place to build community.
The First Draft is a thoughtfully curated spoken word open mic where honesty matters more than perfection. Writers, poets, musicians, comedians, storytellers, and first-time performers are all welcome to share original work in a space built on curiosity, empathy, and genuine connection.
Not performing? Perfect your craft of deeply listening. The encouragement and attention we give from the audience is powerful.What to expect:
- A cool candle-lit salon-style atmosphere and welcoming community
- Original stories, poetry, essays, lyrical storytelling, and powerful spoken word
- Diverse voices and perspectives
- Five-minute performances
- Time before and after the show to meet other creatives and thoughtful humans
Our goal isn't just to host another open mic—it's to create a room where people feel encouraged, inspired, and more connected to each other by the end of the night.
Interested in performing?
Sign up in advance through our website. Performers are selected to create a dynamic, diverse evening while keeping the spirit of an open mic. Sharing a glimpse into your work helps the host thoughtfully select performers.
Share your story. Find your people.
Because every great story begins as a First Draft.Location: Troubadour Wine Bar, Uptown, MPLS
(NA mocktails available, along with a selection of beer and wonderful charcuterie boards)Sign up to share your story:
https://www.thefirstdraftmpls.com1 attendeeThe First Draft MPLS | Storytelling Open Mic
troubador wine bar, 2827 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, Minneapolis, MN, US# The First Draft: Minneapolis' Most Immersive Spoken Word Open Mic
This is not just an event, this is a place to build community.
The First Draft is a thoughtfully curated spoken word open mic where honesty matters more than perfection. Writers, poets, musicians, comedians, storytellers, and first-time performers are all welcome to share original work in a space built on curiosity, empathy, and genuine connection.
Not performing? Perfect your craft of deeply listening. The encouragement and attention we give from the audience is powerful.What to expect:
- A cool candle-lit salon-style atmosphere and welcoming community
- Original stories, poetry, essays, lyrical storytelling, and powerful spoken word
- Diverse voices and perspectives
- Five-minute performances
- Time before and after the show to meet other creatives and thoughtful humans
Our goal isn't just to host another open mic—it's to create a room where people feel encouraged, inspired, and more connected to each other by the end of the night.
Interested in performing?
Sign up in advance through our website. Performers are selected to create a dynamic, diverse evening while keeping the spirit of an open mic. Sharing a glimpse into your work helps the host thoughtfully select performers.
Share your story. Find your people.
Because every great story begins as a First Draft.Location: Troubadour Wine Bar, Uptown, MPLS
(NA mocktails available, along with a selection of beer and wonderful charcuterie boards)Sign up to share your story:
https://www.thefirstdraftmpls.com1 attendee
Past events
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