Looking for music open mics in Los Angeles?

This is an active list of LA's open mics, songwriter events, artist showcases, and recurring events.

Last Updated: @Tuesday

Jump Ahead

• 🟠 Weekly Music Open Mics
• 🔵 Songwriter Events
• 🟢 LA Open Mic FAQs

🟠 Weekly Music Open Mics

Keep reading to learn more about each event.

Monday

• 🪵 Kulak’s Woodshed (Songwriter) - Monday, 8 PM - North Hollywood, $10
• 👩‍🎨 Pauhaus (Acoustic) - Monday, 8 PM - Hollywood, $5
• ❗ TR!P (Acoustic) - Monday, 8 PM, $10
• 🏫 School Night (Artist showcase) - Monday, 7 PM - Hollywood,
• ⛅ Hang on to the Dream (All genres) - Monday, 7 PM - Hollywood, Donations

Tuesday

• 🌳 Oaks Tavern (All genres) - Tuesday, 7:30 PM - Sherman Oaks, Free
• 🏨 Hotel Cafe (Artist showcase) - Tuesday, 8 PM - Hollywood, $15
• 🍭 Maui Sugar Mill Saloon (Acoustic) - Tuesday, 8 PM - Tarzana, Free (2 drink min)
• 🗣️ Da Poetry Lounge (Hip-hop) - Tuesday, 9 PM - West Hollywood, $10
• ☘️ Ireland’s 32 (Jam Session) - Tuesday, 9 PM - Van Nuys, Free

Wednesday

• 🛋️ Writer’s Round (Artist Showcase) - Wednesday, 7 PM - Atwater Village, Free

Thursday

• ◼️ The World Stage (Jazz Jam) - Thursday, 8 PM - South LA, $5

Friday

• ☕ UnUrban Coffee (Acoustic) - Friday, 7 PM - Santa Monica, Free

Saturday

• 🏘️ Saturdays at 7 (Artist showcase) - Saturday, 7 PM - Santa Monica, Varies

Sunday

• 3️⃣ The Encore - Sunday, 8 PM - Hollywood, Free/$10-15

Monday

👩‍🎨 Pauhaus

(Acoustic) - Monday, 8 PM - Hollywood, $5

Pauhaus is a weekly Hollywood music open mic that showcases performers from all genres. It’s primarily acoustic. Signups are a lottery. Approximately 15 performers. Very friendly. Easy to make friends.

🪵 Kulak’s Woodshed

(Songwriter) - Monday, 8 PM - North Hollywood, $10

Unique LA concert venue located in North Hollywood, just down the street from a number of rehearsal studios. This nonprofit venue is a great place to meet local songwriters and artists. It’s powered by donations. Also has video recordings.

🏫 School Night

(Songwriter Showcase) - Monday, 7 PM - Hollywood, $10

School Night showcases emerging LA songwriters and performers. Each night features 3-4 artists performing 30-minute sets in an intimate setting with couches and standing room.

The venue selects artists gaining industry recognition. Include notable achievements in your press kit when applying.

⛅ Hang on to the Dream

(Open Mic) - Monday, 7 PM - Hollywood, $5

Hang on to the Dream is 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)

(Open Mic) - Monday, 8 PM, $10

This lively bar features nightly live music and a weekly Monday open mic. 21+ only, with doors at 7 PM.

The eclectic, low-pressure atmosphere makes it perfect for improvising and jamming with fellow musicians.

Tuesday

🌳 Oaks Tavern

(Open Mic) - Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Free

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

(Songwriter Showcase) - Tuesday, 8 PM - Hollywood, $15

Every Tuesday at 8 PM, Hotel Cafe hosts a songwriter showcase. The venue picks the best new talent in LA, focusing on songwriters and acoustic performers.

🍭 Maui Sugar Mill Saloon

(Open Mic) Tuesday, 8 PM - Tarzana, Free

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.

🗣️ Da Poetry Lounge

(Poetry Open Mic) - Tuesday, 9 PM - West Hollywood, $10

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

(Jam Session) - Tuesday, 9 PM - Van Nuys, Free

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

🔍 We Found New Music

(Artist Showcase) - Wednesday and Thursday, 7 PM - West Hollywood, Free

We Found New Music (WFNM) helps local musicians get performance opportunities and connect with other artists. Chat with artists and performers after the show. The atmosphere at WFNM shows is consistently supportive, emphasizing authenticity and proficient songwriting.

🛋️ Writer’s Round

(Writer’s Night) - Wednesday, 8 PM - Silver Lake, Free

Writers Round hosts an authentic Nashville-style songwriting round. Submit on their Instagram to be considered to play. Mention your influences and provide a link to your music.

🎤 Something Dope for the People

(Artist Showcase) - Wednesday, 7 PM - Hollywood, $20

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

◼️ The World Stage (Billy Higgins Jam) - Thursday 5 PM

(Jam Session) - Thursday, 5 PM, South LA, $5

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

(Open Mic) - Friday, 7 PM - Santa Monica, Free

Music, comedy, and spoken word are all welcome at UnUrban, an eclectic Santa Monica coffee shop. Quirky wallpaper and a bohemian spirit keep UnUrban thriving.

Saturday

🏘️ Saturdays at 7

(Artist Showcase) - 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).

🔵 Songwriter Events

These events follow a different schedule.

Check the event organizers’ websites for ticket info and how to perform.

👥 LA Songwriter’s Collective

(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 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. We check and update this list every month.

Do I have to pay to attend and play open mics?

LA has both free and paid open mics. Paid open mics usually offer guaranteed stage time.

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.