Poetry & Music at Fergie's Pub

Fergie's Pub's upstairs room hosts multiple weekly events, but the Wednesday offerings showcase the venue's commitment to diverse artistic expression. At 7 PM, poets gather for the Poetry Open Mic, creating space for spoken word artists to share their work. At 8:30 PM, musicians can sign up for the Music Open Mic, which runs from 9 PM onward. And at 9:30 PM, Off Leash Comedy takes over for free stand-up showcasing some of Philly's best comics.

The vibe is distinctly Irish pub—warm, welcoming, and slightly chaotic in the best way. The upstairs room is small and often crowded, creating intimacy between performers and audience. It's a listening room where people actually pay attention, not a sports bar where artists compete with televisions.

The Poetry Open Mic attracts serious writers testing new work, slam poets honing performance skills, and first-timers finding courage to share their words publicly. The format is supportive and democratic—everyone gets their time, and the audience provides encouragement rather than judgment.

The Music Open Mic leans acoustic—the space works better for solo artists and duos than full electric bands—but all genres are welcome. Singer-songwriters dominate, but don't be surprised to hear jazz standards, folk traditionals, or experimental compositions.

Fergie's is a genuine Irish pub with Philly flair, serving excellent food (the Guinness onion soup is legendary) and pouring a proper Guinness. The staff understands the arts—they create space for performers while maintaining the pub's convivial atmosphere. It's been a Center City institution for nearly 25 years, surviving through authenticity and commitment to community.