Discover the best music open mics in Los Angeles with our complete guide.
This is an almost complete list of LA's open mics, songwriter events, artist showcases, and recurring events.
Updated: @April 23, 2024
Weekly Music Open Mics in LA
These are weekly open mic or artist events in LA that occur at the same time on the same day.
Jump ahead:
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Monday
🪵 Kulak’s Woodshed - Monday, 8 PM
Location: North Hollywood
Link: http://kulakswoodshed.com/open-mic-and-booking-guide/
Price: $10 suggested donation
Kulak's Woodshed is a unique LA concert venue located in North Hollywood, just down the street from a number of rehearsal studios.
Monday nights are open mic every week from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM. This nonprofit venue is a great place to meet local songwriters and artists. It’s powered by donations.
Live performance only. No backing tracks. For $20, you can get a multi-cam video recording of your performance. Donations get priority.
👩🎨 Pauhaus - Monday, 8 PM
Location: Hollywood
Link: https://pauhausgallery.com
Price: $8 for 8 minutes of stage time.
Pauhaus is a weekly Hollywood music open mic that showcases performers from all genres. It’s primarily acoustic.
There are 15 spots for the open mic in a lottery system. Signups are at the door. Names are drawn from a hat.
The atmosphere at Pauhaus is very friendly, and I have made a few friends every time I have attended! The audience is respectful and supportive of whoever is on the stage.
🏫 School Night - Monday, 7 PM
Location: Hollywood
Link: https://itsaschoolnight.com/
Price: $10
School Night features some of the best new songwriters and performers in Los Angeles.
3 or 4 artists take the stage for a 30-minute set. The performances are intimate. Couches and standing room around the stage make it feel close.
You can also listen to this week’s performers on the School Night Spotify playlist.
School Night prioritizes performers who are making waves in the industry. Playing at School Night should align with your creative vision—Mention any career highlights in your press kit when booking.
⛅ Hang on to the Dream - Monday, 7 PM
Location: Hollywood
Link: https://www.hangontothedream.org/upcomingevents
Price: $5 suggested donation
Right on Hollywood Blvd. Looks out at the glitz and glam.
Imagine yourself on the Walk of Fame as you sing out songs with locals and tourists. Every show is broadcast on iHeart Radio.
❗TR!P (Trip) - Monday, 8 PM
Location: Santa Monica
Link: https://www.tripsantamonica.com/
Price: Free. 1 drink minimum.
Jam with amazing artists and up-and-coming musicians. This bar hosts live music every night of the week. They host an open mic every Monday. 21+ to get in.
Jamming with other artists at TR!P can help you flex your muscles as an improvisor on your instrument.
The atmosphere and vibe here are very eclectic and low-stress.
Tuesday
🇺🇸 The Silverlake Lounge - Tuesday 6 PM
Location: Silverlake
Link: https://www.thesilverlakelounge.com/shows
Price: Free to watch. Buy 1 drink to play.
Every Tuesday, Silverlake Lounge hosts a free and welcoming open mic for all types of songwriters.
Signups begin at 6 PM. People line up much earlier though. There are 30 spots on the open mic and music starts at 7 PM.
If there's time available at the end of the night, additional names will be called.
Silverlake Lounge is a renowned venue for live music, punk rock shows, comedy shows, and everything in between.
🌳 Oaks Tavern - Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Location: Sherman Oaks
Link: https://theoakstavern.com/
Price: Free. But please buy something.
Oaks Tavern hosts a Tuesday acoustic open mic.
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.
🏨 Hotel Cafe - Tuesday, 8 PM
Location: Hollywood
Link: https://www.hotelcafe.com/
Price: $15
Every Tuesday at 8 PM, Hotel Cafe hosts "Not Another Showcase,” a songwriter showcase. The venue picks the best new talent in LA, focusing on songwriters and acoustic performers.
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🍭 Maui Sugar Mill Saloon - Tuesday, 8 PM
Location: Tarzana
Link: https://tockify.com/sugarmillsaloon/pinboard
Price: Free. 2 drink minimum.
Tuesday’s open mic starts at 8 PM. 7 PM registration. There's no cover, but performers must order at least 2 drinks. Comedy, music, and spoken word make this an always-fun time.
🔍 We Found New Music - Tuesday, Wednesday 7 PM
Location: West Hollywood
Link: https://www.instagram.com/wfnm/
Price: Free
Grant Owens, founder of We Found New Music, helps local musicians get performance opportunities and connect with other artists. Hotel Ziggy hosts weekly concerts for We Found New Music. Chat with artists and performers after the show.
Grant has built We Found New Music for years, supporting the dreams and vision for hundreds of independent artists looking to break into the LA music scene.
The atmosphere at WFNM shows is consistently supportive, emphasizing authenticity and proficient songwriting.
🗣️ Da Poetry Lounge - Tuesday, 9 PM
Location: West Hollywood/Fairfax
Link: https://www.dapoetrylounge.com/events/open-mic-night
Price: $10 donation.
Da Poetry Lounge is the perfect place to experience a unique poetry and hip-hop open mic night every Tuesday (except for 3rd Tuesdays of the month) at Greenway Court Theatre. While this is primarily a poetry open mic, they also accommodate musicians and dancers.
☘️ Ireland’s 32 - Tuesday, 9 PM
Location: Van Nuys
Link: https://irelands32.com/calendar/
Price: Free. But please buy something.
Ireland’s 32 pub has a weekly jam session every Tuesday night.
Acoustic musicians are welcome. This neighborhood bar has been an institution in the Valley for decades.
Wednesday
🛋️ Writer’s Round - Wednesday, 8 PM
Location: Silverlake, Atwater Village
Link: https://writersround.org/los-angeles
Price: Free
On Wednesday nights, Writers Round hosts an authentic Nashville-style songwriting round at Ivanhoe Restaurant. Submit on their Instagram to be considered to play. Mention your influences and provide a link to your music.
Previously, this event was held in Hollywood but moved to a different location in 2023.
🎤 Something Dope for the People - Wednesday, 7 PM
Location: Hollywood
Link: https://www.somethingdopeforthepeople.com/
Price: $10
Something Dope for the People is an entertainment and media brand based in Los Angeles. They host a weekly open mic and music industry networking event every Wednesday night with one of the best open mic crowds in the city.
Thursday
🏖️ Beach Garden Social - Thursday, 6 PM
Location: Long Beach
Link: https://www.beachgardensocial.com/
Price: Free. But please buy something.
Beach Garden Social is a gay-owned and operated establishment in the heart of Alamitos Beach - Long Beach’s LGBTQ Community. Come hang out and enjoy the open mic for music, comedy, and spoken word every Thursday night starting at 6 PM.
🪄 Blu Majic - Thursday, 8 PM
Location: North Hollywood
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blu-majic-open-mic-tickets-510405254857
Price: $10 admission or $20 for 10 minutes
Every Thursday in the Valley, join the Blu Majic open mic. Hosted by Blu Majic Beats, a music production team in North Hollywood.
This is one of the newest open mics in LA. Every week’s event has a live DJ.
The open mic supports music, comedy, and spoken word poetry.
◼️ The World Stage (Billy Higgins Jam) - Thursday 8 PM
Location: South LA
Link: https://www.theworldstage.org/
Price: $5 suggested donation.
Join the Billy Higgins Jam at The World Stage every Thursday from 8 to 11 PM for a musical jam session with the house band. The World Stage is a cherished Los Angeles venue at the heart of the city's African American culture since 1989.
Enjoy a variety of acts each night, from jazz and soul to funk and hip-hop, inside the historic Leimert Boulevard building. Other events include open vocal jams, drum workshops, jazz workshops, drum circles, and support for local writers and poets.
Friday
☕ UnUrban Coffee - Friday 7 PM
Location: Santa Monica
Link: unurban.com/
Price: Free
Music, comedy, and spoken word are all welcome at this eclectic Santa Monica coffee shop. Quirky wallpaper and a bohemian spirit keep UnUrban thriving.
Saturday
🥐 Normandie Bakery - Saturday 12 PM
Location: West Adams
Price: Free. But please buy something.
Link: https://www.normandiebakery.com/
Normandie Bakery in Los Angeles hosts an open jazz jam for all vocalists and instrumentalists every Saturday afternoon from 12 PM to 4 PM. It focuses primarily on jazz but is open to other styles and traditions too.
The event is free, but tips, food, or drink purchases are appreciated. Be kind and support local. The venue provides parking across the street and a covered patio area for playing and socializing.
🏘️ Saturdays at 7 - Saturday 7 PM
Location: Santa Monica
Link: https://www.saturdaysatseven.com/
Saturdays at 7 is a weekly artist showcase, which has been running for 5+ years.
It showcases LA's best up-and-coming talent across all genres and takes place at different locations in Santa Monica.
Sunday
3️⃣ The Encore - Sunday 8 PM
Location: Hollywood
Link: https://thirdwheelhollywood.com/
Price: Free for early birds. Otherwise, $10-15.
Every Sunday, Third Wheel Hollywood hosts "The Encore." Doors open at 7:30 PM, and showtime is 8 PM. The show runs for about 3 or 4 hours until just before midnight.
Register at 7:30. First-come-first-serve. No lottery. Lights and sound are provided. 10 minutes of stage time.
◼️ The World Stage (Rose Gales Jam) - Sunday 8 PM
Location: South LA
Link: https://www.theworldstage.org/
Price: $5 suggested donation.
Unwind on Sunday evening from 8 PM to 11 PM with a vocalist-only jazz jam session in honor of the late Rose Gales. The event is emceed by Rene "Mama Nene" Fisher.
Each participant is invited to sing two jazz songs of their choice (more if time permits). Bring your own sheet music (lead-sheets).
Monthly Events & Occasional Events
These events follow a different schedule. Check the event organizers’ websites for ticket info and how to perform.
Monthly
👥 LA Songwriter’s Collective
Location: Los Angeles (General)
Link: https://www.instagram.com/lasongwriters
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.
They offer two events:
- Virtual songwriting club held on Zoom. There’s more information on their Discord about these events.
- Hidden Gems, an in-person event where they hold industry panels, networking, and an open mic all on the same night. This is approximately once per month.
👄 Bite the Noise
Location: Los Angeles (General)
Link: https://www.instagram.com/bitethenoise/
Bite the Noise is a monthly music pop-up featuring various artists and genres around Los Angeles in different venues, such as warehouses and art galleries. Up to date info and ticket details can be found on their Instagram. Check out their profile for info on events and how to play.
🎉 Breaking Sound
Location: Los Angeles (General)
Link: https://www.instagram.com/breakingsoundla/
Price: Free RSVP or paid tickets at the door.
Breaking Sound is an artist showcase and networking series that aims to assist musicians in their careers. It originated in LA as a monthly musician mixer, but has since grown into a global music industry event with hundreds of events held worldwide every year.
Breaking Sound hosts a monthly musician networking event at a nondescript bar and speakeasy in Koreatown in Los Angeles. Attendees can network with other producers, songwriters, social media content creators, and music industry veterans.
🍕 Licorice Pizza - On Hiatus
Location: Studio City
Link: https://www.instagram.com/licoricepizzarecords
The Licorice Pizza Record Store in Studio City, CA hosts an all-ages open mic every other Thursday from 7 PM to 9 PM. It runs most of the year.
It’s free to the public but there are limited spots! Each performer gets 10 minutes. Licorice Pizza aims to provide a safe space for the community to practice and showcase their performance skills.
The open mic welcomes various talent formats, but is primarily focused on singer-songwriters and musicians.
You must register to play before the event begins.
🎤 Plugged in LA - Last Friday of the month
Location: Downtown LA
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/exultant-entertainment-34204004687
Plugged In LA is a monthly event at The Lost But Found Bar in Downtown LA where anyone can perform. Genres include RNB, Hip Hop, Acoustic, Latin, Pop, and Spoken Word. Admission is free all night.
The open mic To perform, fill out their entry form one week before the event. The form is on their event page.
🌔 Pop Hangs - Monthly
Location: North Hollywood
Link: https://www.instagram.com/whatarepophangs/
Price: Free RSVP
Pop Hangs are music industry networking events held in North Hollywood 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 - Daily
Location: North Hollywood
Link: https://republicofpie.com/pages/community
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.
While they rarely host open mics, these songwriter showcases are a great way to get stage time and practice.
🥅 Songnet - First and third Wednesdays of the month
Location: Pasadena
Link: https://songnet.info
Songnet, also known as The Songwriter's Network, is a monthly series that includes live performances and lectures from music industry leaders. It aims to provide free and accessible resources for the songwriting community in Los Angeles and beyond, fostering artistic growth.
They host two separate events:
- Speaker Series: Held on the first Wednesday of every month over Zoom, this series features talks from chart-topping artists, songwriters, and recording engineers. They share their career journey and the philosophies that have helped them write and record hit songs.
- Live Songwriter Showcase: Taking place on the third Wednesday of every month in Pasadena, this event is free to attend. Performers have the opportunity to showcase their talent on a comfortable, well-lit stage for ten minutes or two songs.
🟪 Songsmith LA - First Saturday of the month (On hiatus)
Location: Silver Lake
Link: https://www.songsmith.la/
Songsmith LA offers music theory and production classes, performance opportunities, open mics, networking events, and feedback sessions.
Every first Saturday of the month, they host an open-mic event at their East Hollywood/Silver Lake studio.
Doors for the Songsmith LA open mic open at 7 PM and RSVPs happen over Instagram. It is a donation-based event, with a suggested donation of $10-20.
They provide keyboards and two microphones, and musicians from all genres are welcome. However, no drums!
🦘 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 these events?
These are music events where anyone can perform. We feature acoustic open mics, hip-hop open mics, jam sessions, vocal jams, artist showcases for pop musicians, and much more.
These events have been around for a while and are regularly held in Los Angeles. We check and update this list every month.
Although we provide the times for these events, it's a good idea to arrive early and check their websites for more information on how to participate. Sometimes, the event schedule changes unexpectedly.
You may also need to sign up in advance to perform at an open mic or showcase event.
Do I have to pay to attend and play open mics?
In many cases around LA, you’ll have to pay to play at an open mic.
That’s because rent is expensive, and local businesses need support to keep their doors open. While some open mics charge a performance fee, others require purchasing drinks from the bar. I’ve done my best above to highlight which venues have a performance fee and which don’t.
How do I find open mics tonight in LA?
Aside from our list, check out Eventbrite’s list of LA open mic nights. You can also search Instagram for the popular hashtag, #openmiclosangeles to find new and recent open mics that are just getting started or only happening once.
What days of the week can I perform?
There are open mics and networking opportunities almost every single day of the week in LA. However, many open mics tend to be at the beginning of the week.
Most of them are in the evening between 7 and 10 PM. Some of my favorites like Kulak’s Woodshed and Springbok are both on Monday nights.
Are there hip-hop open mics in LA?
There are many hip-hop, rap, and poetry-themed open mics.
Specifically, Plugged in LA at The Lost But Found Bar hosts a monthly open mic.
There’s also The World Stage which hosts weekly instrumental, vocal, and jazz jams.
Also, check out Da Poetry Lounge, where poets and rappers share their stories every Tuesday.
Are there poetry open mics in LA?
There are a few poetry open mics and poetry slams every month! Check out Los Angeles’ Literature list of poetry open mics. You can also check out the calendar for Da Poetry Lounge, which hosts weekly and monthly poetry-related events.
What should I bring to an open mic?
Usually, you’ll need your instruments like an acoustic guitar, ukulele, or electric piano. Open mic events provide a microphone, stand, and a quarter-inch guitar cable to plug into most acoustic instruments.
Open mics specify if they’re “acoustic only” or if you can also bring MP3 backing tracks. These days, it’s common for pop or hip-hop artists to bring an MP3 of their song on their phone to perform.
Bring an extra auxiliary cord in case the venue doesn’t already have one.
Can anyone attend an open mic? Even if I’m not playing?
Of course! Local bars and restaurants love to have audience members in to participate, even if you’re not performing.
Universal Bar and Grill, for instance, is in a vibrant area near Universal Studios. You can pop in for a pint and enjoy some live music from LA’s own. If you decide to go, bring some money to tip the musicians!
What’s the difference between comedy open mics and music open mics?
Comedy open mics and music open mics are different. And most venues don’t mix genres for open microphone nights.
Comedy open mics are usually focused exclusively on comedians. And music open mics are focused on musicians.
There are a few open mics that mix things up and let anyone perform who wants to. But in general, if you find an open mic that also allows comedy, you shouldn’t bring your guitar.