Open mic nights are one of the best ways to fill your venue on slow nights, build a loyal community, and become a destination for performers across Denver. This guide covers everything you need to know about launching and running a successful open mic, from equipment and format to promotion and long-term growth.
Why Host an Open Mic
Open mics bring reliable, repeat traffic on nights that might otherwise be slow. Performers bring friends, friends become regulars, and regulars become your community. A well-run open mic can transform a quiet Tuesday into your busiest bar night. Denver performers are actively looking for new stages, and the city has a hungry audience for live performance. The investment is minimal: a PA system, a host, and consistency.
Choosing Your Format
Decide what kind of open mic you want to run. Comedy mics attract comics who typically do 3-5 minute sets. Music mics feature 2-3 songs per performer with acoustic or full-band formats. Poetry mics create intimate listening environments. Mixed mics welcome everything and draw the widest variety of talent. Consider your venue, your audience, and what fills a gap in the neighborhood. Check Denver Open Mic to see what is already running on your target night.
Equipment You Need
At minimum, you need a PA system with one vocal microphone and a microphone stand. For music mics, add a DI box for acoustic guitars and a second mic for instruments. A simple mixer, two speakers, and basic stage lighting will handle most formats. Budget around 500 to 1500 dollars for a basic setup that sounds good. Many Denver venues start with a portable PA and upgrade as the night grows.
Finding and Keeping a Host
Your host makes or breaks the night. A good host keeps the energy up between acts, manages the sign-up list fairly, enforces time limits without being harsh, and makes first-timers feel welcome. Pay your host. Even 50 to 100 dollars per night plus a bar tab shows you value their work. Many working performers in Denver are excellent hosts because they understand both sides of the stage.
Sign-Up Systems
The two standard formats are first-come sign-up sheets and random bucket draws. Sign-up sheets reward early arrivals and create urgency. Bucket draws are more fair but can frustrate people who showed up early. Cap your list at a reasonable number. 15 to 20 performers keeps the night under two hours. Denver Open Mic offers a digital sign-up tool that venues can use to manage their list.
Promotion and Growth
List your open mic on Denver Open Mic at denveropenmic.com/submit for free. Promote on social media with a consistent hashtag. Create a recurring event. Post flyers at other venues and music shops. Word of mouth is the strongest driver in the open mic community. Performers talk, and if your night is well-run, they will spread the word. Consistency is everything: same night, same time, every week.
Running the Night
Start on time. Set clear expectations about set lengths. Give performers a one-minute warning. Keep transitions tight. Thank every performer by name. Encourage the audience to stay and support everyone, not just their friends. Handle sound issues quickly. Create a welcoming, low-drama environment. The best open mic nights in Denver feel like a community gathering, not just a show.
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
How much does it cost to start an open mic night?
A basic setup requires a PA system, microphone, and stand, which can cost 500 to 1500 dollars. Ongoing costs include paying a host, typically 50-100 dollars per night. Many venues find the increased bar revenue more than covers these costs.
What night should I host an open mic?
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the most common open mic nights in Denver because they bring traffic on traditionally slower nights. Check Denver Open Mic to see which nights have less competition in your area.
How do I get performers to come to my open mic?
List your event on Denver Open Mic for free at denveropenmic.com/submit. Post on social media, create flyers, and word-of-mouth to the local performer community. Consistency is key: same night, same time, every week builds trust.
How do I list my open mic on Denver Open Mic?
Submit your venue for free at denveropenmic.com/submit with your schedule, type, and venue details. You can also claim your existing listing at denveropenmic.com/claim to manage it yourself.
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.