Open mics, networking events, and artist showcases in Los Angeles.
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🟠 Weekly Music Open Mics
These are the most popular weekly open mics in LA.
8 PM
$5
All genres. Primarily acoustic. Signups are a lottery. Approximately 15 performers. Very friendly.
Doors at 7 PM. Music at 8 PM.
$10
Non-profit music venue supported by donations. 90s living room vibes. Record your performances on video. 1 song only.
Doors at 6 PM. Music at 7 PM
$10
Emerging LA songwriters and performers. 3-4 artists performing 30-minute sets. Intimate room. Apply to perform.
Doors at 7 PM. Music at 8 PM.
$10
Lively bar. Nightly live music and a weekly Monday open mic. 21+ only. Eclectic, low-pressure atmosphere.
7 PM
$5
Open mic on Hollywood Blvd. Locals and tourists sing along. Broadcast by iHeart Radio.
7:30 PM to 10 PM
Free
Open mic located in Santa Monica. Weekly performances every Tuesday at Kavahana Coffee Shop.
Music at 7:30 PM.
Free
Play 1-2 songs, and if you’re good, you may get invited back for a featured spot. Karaoke starts right after the open mic if you want to keep singing.
8 PM
$15
Songwriter showcase. Best new talent in LA, focusing on songwriters and acoustic performers.
Doors at 7 PM. Music at 8 PM.
Free. 2-drink minimum.
Comedy, music, and spoken word make this an always-fun time.
Sign up at 7:30 PM. Music at 9 PM.
$10
Poetry and hip-hop open mic night every Tuesday (except for 3rd Tuesdays of the month). They also accommodate musicians and dancers.
9 PM
Free
Jam session. Acoustic musicians welcome, too. This neighborhood bar has been an institution in the Valley for decades.
Tuesday Night Project is the first and third Tuesday of the month from April to October.
7 PM
Free
(WFNM) helps local musicians get performance opportunities. Chat with artists and performers after the shows. Supportive environment.
Doors at 7 PM. Music at 8 PM.
Free
Authentic Nashville-style songwriting round. Submit on their Instagram to be considered to play.
6 PM to 10 PM
Free
All skills and ages welcome, very friendly jam! Great players and new players alike. Located at Lawless Brewery
5 PM
$5
Instrumental jazz jam session.
Doors at 6 PM. Music at 7 PM.
Free
Cozy coffee shop. Second Thursday of the month open mic in South Bay.
7 PM
Free
Music, comedy, and spoken word are all welcome at UnUrban, an eclectic Santa Monica coffee shop. Bohemian spirit.
Music at 7 PM.
$12
Weekly artist showcase. 5+ years running. Up-and-coming talent. All genres. Different locations weekly.
5 PM
May to November. First Sunday of the month. Lottery system. 4 minutes on stage.
8 PM
$5
Vocal jazz jam session.
🔵 Songwriter Events
These events follow a different schedule.
Check the event organizers’ websites for ticket info and how to perform.
👥 LA Songwriter’s Collective (Inactive)
(Songwriter Meetup) - Various Locations - Monthly
Los Angeles Songwriter’s Collective (LASC) is a music organization that hosts networking events and artist showcases. It brings together songwriters, musicians, labels, and publishers all in one spot to talk about the craft and career of songwriting.
🎉 Breaking Sound
(Artist Showcases) - Various Locations - Monthly
Breaking Sound hosts artist showcases and networking events to help musicians advance their careers. What began as a monthly LA mixer has expanded to hundreds of worldwide events annually. Their LA events connect musicians with producers, songwriters, content creators, and industry professionals.
🌔 Pop Hangs
(Networking Event) - North Hollywood
Pop Hangs are music industry networking events that have grown from small gatherings to full-fledged events with up to 100 people. You can meet songwriters, producers, artists, sync agents, and artist managers. The goal of these events is to build a vibrant music community and support the LA music community.
“Relationships are the single most important thing in the music business. Cherish them and take care of them. Be generous with your time. You never know how someone will play a part in your life along the way.” - Noreen Prunier (Founder, Pop Hangs)
🥧 Republic of Pie
(Featured Songwriter Night) - North Hollywood - Daily
Republic of Pie in North Hollywood is a great supporter of the arts. Every night, they host live music events featuring local musicians in their cafe. Sets are about one hour long and 2 or 3 performers play every day of the week.
🥅 Songnet
(Songwriting Club)- First and third Wednesdays - Pasadena
Songnet (The Songwriter's Network) hosts monthly performances and industry lectures, providing free resources for LA songwriters.
Monthly Zoom talks from industry professionals sharing career insights and songwriting tips. Free monthly events in Pasadena where performers get 10 minutes or two songs on stage.
🦘 Sunday Jump - First Sunday of the month (May to November)
Location: Glendale
Link: https://www.sundayjump.com/
Sunday Jump is an open mic event held on the first Sunday of every month from May to November in Glendale. Players can sign up for the list starting 15 minutes before the event which usually starts at 5PM. Prioritization is given to new players.
🫖 Tea at Shiloh - First Monday of the month
Location: Downtown LA
Link: https://teaatshiloh.com/
Familiar Voices is an open mic event held at Shiloh’s teahouse in Los Angeles on the first Monday of every month from about 7 PM to 11 PM.
Inspired by the tradition of tea houses as places for exchanging oral narratives, the event welcomes performers to share their stories through poetry, prose, music, and theater.
Guests can sign up to perform, with each performer given 5 minutes on stage. Doors are at 7 PM and the event begins at 8 PM. Signing up doesn’t guarantee a spot, but getting there early increases your chances!
This is an intimate, quiet and chill atmosphere to share your lighter music.
🌃 Tuesday Night Project - Every Other Tuesday (April to October)
Location: Downtown LA
Link: http://www.tuesdaynightproject.org/
The Tuesday Night Project (TNP) offers a free and donation-based public arts series rooted in the Asian American community and based in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.
Featured artists are curated performers booked in advance for each show. An open mic takes place before the performances.
🟢 FAQs
What are the best open mics in Los Angeles for musicians?
Some of the top-rated open mics in LA include Kulak’s Woodshed (North Hollywood), Hotel Cafe (Hollywood), and Oaks Tavern (Sherman Oaks). These venues regularly host local talent and touring artists alike.
Where can I find live music open mics tonight in LA?
Check Instagram, venue websites, or local calendars like DoLA, Eventbrite, or this blog for up-to-date listings of tonight’s open mics in Los Angeles.
Are there free open mics in Los Angeles?
Yes, many open mics in LA are free to attend and free to perform at, especially at bars, coffee shops, and community-run venues. However, expect to pay a few dollars at most events.
Do I need to sign up in advance for LA open mics?
Some venues require advance sign-ups online (like Kulak’s Woodshed), while others offer walk-in sign-ups an hour before the show. Always check each venue’s Instagram or website before driving to a new open mic.
What’s the difference between open mics and songwriter nights?
Open mics are open to all performers (any genre), while songwriter nights often spotlight original material, typically for singer-songwriters.
Can beginners perform at these events?
Absolutely. Many LA open mics are welcoming to first-timers and offer a supportive environment to try out new songs.
What should I bring to an open mic?
Bring your instrument (unless a house guitar or keyboard is provided), your own 1–2 songs, and any needed cables or accessories. Always double-check the venue’s setup requirements.
Even if a venue provides equipment, it may not be the right size or tuning for your music.
Are there age-restricted open mics in LA?
Yes. Many bar-based open mics are 21+, but coffee shops and community spaces often host all-ages events.