Bars are the backbone of the Denver open mic scene. They host the most events, offer the most variety, and provide the most authentic performing environment in the city. From dive bars in Capitol Hill to taprooms in RiNo, bar open mics are where the scene lives and breathes. Every night of the week, somewhere in Denver, a bar is handing a microphone to whoever is brave enough to take it.
The Bar Open Mic Tradition
The bar open mic is the original format and it endures because it works. A room full of people with drinks in hand, a simple PA system, and a sign-up sheet. The crowds are diverse: regulars who were already there, friends of performers, curious walk-ins, and fellow artists scoping the scene. You get comedy, music, poetry, and everything in between, sometimes all in the same night. The energy is unpredictable and that is what makes it exciting. Some nights you perform for a packed room and some nights for five people, but every set teaches you something.
What Makes a Great Bar Mic
The difference between a good bar open mic and a forgettable one comes down to three things: the host, the sound, and whether the bar actually cares. A great host keeps the show moving, makes performers feel valued, and holds the room attention. Decent sound means a working PA and someone who knows how to run it. And a bar that cares about its open mic promotes it, supports the host, and treats performers as an asset rather than background noise. Denver has plenty of bars that check all three boxes.
Open Mic Venues in Denver
Browse all 20 venues below, organized by day of the week. Click any venue for full details including address, schedule, and sign-up information.
Sunday 2
Western Sky Bar & Taproom
Every Sunday at 6pm. Hosted by Ellie D And Soul Mix.
Shifterz Bar & Grill
Jam night every Sunday at 7pm.
Monday 2
Lion's Lair - Comedy
Comedy open mic hosted by Anthony Crawford. Sign up 10pm, show 10:30pm. 21+, no cover.
Tuesday 5
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.
Roxy on Broadway - Songwriters
1st and last Tuesday of the month. Singer/songwriter open mic hosted by Megan Rice. Sign up in person at 6:30pm.
The Speakeasy Open Mic
Music, comedy, poetry every Tuesday at 8pm.
Wednesday 6
Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
Jam night every Thursday at 7pm.
Roxy on Broadway - Jazz Jam
Wine Wednesday Jazz Jam 7-10pm. Open to musicians.
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+.
Thursday 5
Long Shots Bar & Grill
Blues jam every Thursday at 7:30pm.
Cactus Jacks Saloon
Every Thursday at 8pm. See evergreenlivemusic.com
The Bar at PLAZA 38 - Jazz Jam
Jazz jam at 9pm every Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best bars for open mic in Denver?
Denver has dozens of bars hosting open mics every night of the week. The best bar open mics have dedicated hosts, reliable sound systems, and supportive staff. Check Denver Open Mic for the full list of bar open mics with schedules and venue details.
Do I need to buy drinks to perform at a bar open mic?
Most bar open mics do not require a purchase to perform, but buying at least one drink is good etiquette since the venue is providing you with free stage time. Some bars offer drink specials or a complimentary drink for performers.
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.