Denver has one of the most vibrant open mic scenes in the country. From intimate coffee shop sets to packed comedy clubs, there is a stage for every performer and every night of the week. Whether you are a seasoned comic testing new material, a singer-songwriter sharing original work, or a first-timer looking to conquer your nerves, this guide covers every open mic worth your time in Denver.
Why Denver is an Open Mic Paradise
Denver supports a thriving arts community with dozens of venues hosting open mics every single night. The city blends a laid-back Colorado attitude with genuine appreciation for live performance. Audiences here are supportive, hosts are welcoming, and the scene spans everything from stand-up comedy in Five Points to acoustic sets in RiNo breweries. The low barrier to entry and high density of venues means you can perform multiple times per week without repeating a single stage.
How to Pick the Right Open Mic
Not all open mics are created equal. Consider what you want: Comedy mics attract comics working on tight five-minute sets. Music mics range from singer-songwriter showcases to full-band jam sessions. Poetry and spoken word events create intimate, listening-room environments. Mixed mics welcome everything and are great for first-timers who want a low-pressure start. Check the schedule type too: weekly mics are reliable, while monthly events can draw bigger crowds.
Tips for Your First Open Mic
Arrive early to sign up, as most Denver open mics operate on a first-come, first-served list. Bring your own instrument if you play music, though some venues provide a house PA and basic backline. Keep your set short and tight: five minutes is standard for comedy, two to three songs for music. Most importantly, stay for other performers. The open mic community in Denver is tight-knit and showing up for others is how you build genuine connections.
Open Mic Venues in Denver
Browse all 60 venues below, organized by day of the week. Click any venue for full details including address, schedule, and sign-up information.
Sunday 6
Butterscotch Studios
Music, comedy, poetry. Selected Sundays at 2pm.
Green Mountain Beer Company
List out at 5pm, 15 min slots starting 5:30pm, last slot 8:45pm.
Western Sky Bar & Taproom
Every Sunday at 6pm. Hosted by Ellie D And Soul Mix.
Shifterz Bar & Grill
Jam night every Sunday at 7pm.
Mercury Cafe - Poetry Slam
Venue transitioning to The Pearl in 2026. Confirm events still running.
Monday 8
Bootstrap Brewing
Signup 5:30pm, starts 6pm. 20 min slots. Music, comedy, poetry.
The Corner Beet
Acoustic open mic from 6-9pm. All styles welcome.
Mozart's Denver
Open mic nights - first Monday of every month. Sign ups open at 6:30 and show starts at 7pm. Free off-street parking.
Full House Sports Bar & Grill
Hesters Blues Jam
Blues jam every Monday at 7pm at Hesters Burgers Brews and Blues.
The Speakeasy Blues Jam
Blues jam every Monday at 7pm.
Lion's Lair - Comedy
Comedy open mic hosted by Anthony Crawford. Sign up 10pm, show 10:30pm. 21+, no cover.
Tuesday 8
Bricks Market
Music open mic, sign up at 5:30, about 15 minute time slots, often runs till 8:30 or a little later but general timeline is 6-8.
Roxy on Broadway - Songwriters
1st and last Tuesday of month. Singer/songwriter open mic. Sign up in person at 6:30pm.
The Alley
Music only, no comedy. 6:30pm signup, 9 slots of 15 min each. Runs until 10pm.
Bar 404
2nd & 4th Tuesday. Blues priority but all welcome.
Goosetown Tavern BBQ
Sign-ups start at 7pm, performances begin at 8pm.
Comedy Works - New Talent Night
Weekly showcase of up-and-coming comedians. $12. Call 303-477-7844 to sign up (curated list, 8-10 week wait). 18+.
Rock-A-Billies
Blues jam every Tuesday at 8pm.
The Speakeasy Open Mic
Music, comedy, poetry every Tuesday at 8pm.
Wednesday 16
VisionQuest Brewery
Sign up 5:30pm, music 6-8pm. PA provided. 3 songs per performer.
Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom
Every Wednesday at 6pm.
RISE Comedy - Sunday
Tag You're It! Open Mic at 6pm, Anecdotal Open Mic at 8pm.
Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
Jam night every Thursday at 7pm.
Roxy on Broadway - Jazz Jam
Wine Wednesday Jazz Jam 7-10pm. Open to musicians.
Rusty Bucket
Blues jam every Wednesday at 7pm.
Mutiny Information Cafe
Comedy open mic 6-7pm. 5 min sets. All ages, sober venue.
RISE Comedy - Wednesday
RISE & Shine Comedy Open Mic. Sign up 7:30pm, 4 min sets. Pay what you want. 18+.
The Bar at PLAZA 38 - Open Jam
Open jam at 7:30pm every Wednesday.
Lion's Lair - Music
Denver's hottest Open Stage\! Doors 7pm, showcase 8pm, open mic 9pm. Midnight happy hour til 1:30am\! Drums, guitar, bass, and PA provided. Judgement-free zone. Free, 21+.
Mercury Cafe - Music
Venue transitioning to The Pearl in 2026. Confirm events still running.
Thursday 13
Pines Bar and Grill
Contact venue for schedule
Knotted Root Brewing Co.
Woodcellar
1st and 3rd Thursday at 6:30pm. Text openmic to 833-744-0583 for updates.
Creative Strategies for Change
3rd Thursday. All-genre open mic. Sign up 6:30pm, show 7pm. All ages, $5 suggested.
Genesee Pub and BBQ
4th Thursday at 7pm. Text openmic to 833-744-0583 for updates.
Hesters Rock Jam
Rock and roll jam every Thursday at 7pm at Hesters Burgers Brews and Blues.
The Monkey Barrel
Long Shots Bar & Grill
Blues jam every Thursday at 7:30pm.
Cactus Jacks Saloon
Every Thursday at 8pm. See evergreenlivemusic.com
Open Mic @ Vybe
Hosted by David Mota.
The Bar at PLAZA 38 - Jazz Jam
Jazz jam at 9pm every Thursday.
Friday 7
Youth on Record
1st Friday 4-8pm. FREE! Sign up first come first served at 4pm. Up to 8 min sets. Family-friendly (no profanity). Backline provided.
Sacred Voices at Denver Community Media
2nd Friday. Sign up 6pm, show 6:30pm. 10 min limit.
Sacred Voices at Lighthouse Writers
1st Friday. Sign up 6pm, show 6:30pm. Free, all ages.
Denver Art Society
2nd Friday of month at 7pm. Music, comedy, poetry.
Slam Nuba at RedLine
Last Friday of month. Poetry slam & open mic. Doors/signup 7:30pm, show 8pm. $10 ($5 students).
Mercury Cafe - Poetry
Venue transitioning to The Pearl in 2026. Confirm events still running.
Saturday 2
Secular Hub
3rd Saturday at 2pm. Poetry, music, comedy - all welcome!
La Dolce Vita
1st and 3rd Saturday at 7pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best open mic nights in Denver?
The best open mic nights in Denver include comedy mics at venues like Comedy Works and Denver Comedy Underground, music mics at Mercury Cafe and breweries across town, and poetry nights at intimate spoken word venues. Denver Open Mic tracks every active open mic in the metro area with up-to-date schedules.
How many open mic nights does Denver have?
Denver has open mic events every single night of the week, with the highest concentration on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The scene includes comedy, music, poetry, and mixed-format events across the metro area.
Are Denver open mics free?
Most open mic nights in Denver are completely free to attend and perform. Some venues have a one-drink minimum or small cover charge. Comedy clubs may charge a modest door fee. Check individual venue details for specifics.
What time do open mics start in Denver?
Most Denver open mics start between 7 PM and 9 PM, with sign-ups typically opening 30 minutes to an hour before showtime. Some late-night mics run until 2 AM, while a few daytime options exist on weekends.
Find Your Stage
Denver Open Mic is the most complete directory of open mic nights in the Denver metro area. Search by type, day, or location to find your perfect stage.