Open Mic Night @ Persnickety Books
It is a friendly and creative evening where singer-songwriters and musicians share the room with poets and writers and anyone else with something to share. Surrounded by shelves of books and fueled by the in-store coffee bar it is one of the most welcoming small stages in Alamance County.
What to Expect
The open mic is built for every kind of performer and every level of experience. Acoustic songs and original tunes fit right in alongside poetry and limericks and author readings. Past nights have featured guitars and handpans and even a juggling act. The audience is supportive and attentive so it is a comfortable place for a first-ever performance or for road-testing a new song or poem.
Event Details
- When: Second Fridays from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Where: Persnickety Books at 703 East Davis Street in Burlington North Carolina 27215
- Sign up: In Person
- Cost: Free to attend and perform
Persnickety does not publish a host name or house gear list for the open mic so plan to bring your own instrument and anything you need to play. Arrive a little early to get on the list and check persnicketybooks.com/monthlyevents or the shop's Instagram before heading out in case of schedule changes.
Coffee and Community
The Persnickety Coffee Bar serves espresso drinks and chai lattes along with tea and treats so you can grab a drink and settle in for the show. Many performers stay after their set to browse the used book shelves and meet the other writers and musicians in the room.
More at Persnickety Books
The open mic is one part of a busy monthly calendar. Persnickety also hosts book clubs and writers groups along with craft circles and chess meetups and occasional movie nights. The shop keeps an art gallery space and describes itself as an LGBTQ+ safe place for everyone.
About the Venue
Persnickety Books opened in downtown Burlington in 2017 and moved to its larger East Davis Street home in early 2025. It is known as Burlington's only used bookstore with thousands of carefully curated titles and a trade-in program. Its motto is Giving books and people a second chance and the shop has a long record of giving back to the local community.
Good to Know
Persnickety Books is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 4:00 PM. Call (336) 934-4300 and follow @persnickety_books on Instagram for open mic updates.
