Doing your first open mic is one of those experiences that changes you. The nerves, the rush, the applause. Denver is one of the best cities in the country for first-timers because the community is genuinely supportive and there are beginner-friendly stages every night of the week. This guide covers everything you need to know before you take that first step onto a Denver stage.
Choosing Your First Open Mic
For your first time, pick a mixed-format open mic at a relaxed venue. These tend to have smaller, friendly crowds and accept all performance types. Avoid the busiest rooms on your first night because long waits and packed houses can amplify nerves. Instead, find a Tuesday or Wednesday night mic at a bar or brewery where the vibe is casual. Check the schedule type and aim for a weekly mic since they are the most consistent and reliable.
How Sign-Ups Work
Most Denver open mics use one of two systems. Sign-up sheets have a physical list where you write your name when you arrive. First come, first served, so arriving early matters. Bucket draws collect names and pull them randomly throughout the night. Some mics cap the list at 15 to 20 performers. Show up 30 to 60 minutes before start time to guarantee your spot. A few venues offer online pre-registration.
What to Prepare
Keep it simple for your first time. Comics should prepare a tight three-to-five-minute set. Musicians should have two songs ready. Poets should bring one to two pieces. Practice your material at home until it feels natural, but do not over-rehearse to the point of sounding robotic. Bring water, your instrument if applicable, and a phone to record your set for review later.
What to Expect on the Night
You will sign up, wait your turn, perform, and then watch others. The waiting is the hardest part. When your name is called, walk to the stage, introduce yourself, and do your thing. The audience wants you to succeed. You might forget a line or fumble a chord. That is completely normal and everyone in the room has been there. After your set, sit down, breathe, and enjoy the rest of the show. You just did something most people never will.
After Your First Open Mic
Congratulations. You performed. Now do it again. The single biggest predictor of growth in any performance art is stage time. Try to do at least one open mic per week. Visit different venues to experience different rooms and audiences. Talk to other performers because the open mic community in Denver is one of the friendliest you will find anywhere. Keep notes on what worked and what you want to improve.
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 should I do at my first open mic?
Arrive early, sign up, watch other performers, and when your name is called, take the stage and share your prepared material. Keep it short: 3-5 minutes for comedy, 2 songs for music, 1-2 poems for spoken word. Stay after your set to support other performers.
Is it scary to do an open mic for the first time?
Yes, and that is completely normal. Almost every performer was nervous their first time. Denver open mic audiences are supportive and want you to succeed. The fear fades quickly once you start performing, and the rush afterward is worth every anxious moment.
What are the most beginner-friendly open mics in Denver?
Mixed-format open mics at casual venues like bars and breweries tend to be the most welcoming for beginners. Tuesday and Wednesday nights usually have smaller crowds and a relaxed atmosphere. Check Denver Open Mic for the full schedule and find a venue near you.
Do I need experience to do an open mic in Denver?
No experience is needed. Open mics exist specifically for people at all levels, from absolute beginners to working professionals. Everyone in the room was a first-timer once. Just prepare your material, show up, sign up, and perform.
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.