One of the best things about the Denver open mic scene is that most events are completely free. No cover charge to get in, no fee to perform. This guide highlights the free open mic nights across Denver where you can take the stage without spending a dime. Many venues make their money from food and drink sales, so the open mic itself costs you nothing.
Why Most Denver Open Mics Are Free
Denver venues host open mics to bring people through the door on slower nights. The venue profits from food and drink sales while performers get free stage time. It is a genuinely good deal for everyone involved. This model means you can perform multiple times per week without any financial barrier. A few comedy clubs charge a small door fee or drink minimum, but the vast majority of Denver open mics are completely free.
Free Comedy Open Mics
Several Denver comedy open mics are free to attend and perform. These range from bar shows to dedicated comedy rooms. Some even offer drink specials for performers. The no-cost format makes comedy open mics accessible for newcomers who want to test the waters without commitment.
Free Music and Poetry Open Mics
Almost every music and poetry open mic in Denver is free. Brewery open mics are especially popular because they combine good beer with live performance in a casual setting. Poetry events at community spaces and cafes are universally free and open to all.
Open Mic Venues in Denver
Browse all 76 venues below, organized by day of the week. Click any venue for full details including address, schedule, and sign-up information.
Sunday 8
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.
RISE Comedy - Sunday
Tag You're It! Open Mic at 6pm, Anecdotal Open Mic at 8pm.
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 12
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.
Hesters Blues Jam
Blues jam every Monday at 7pm at Hesters Burgers Brews and Blues.
Lion's Lair - Comedy
Comedy open mic hosted by Anthony Crawford. Sign up 10pm, show 10:30pm. 21+, no cover.
Tuesday 11
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.
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.
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.
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+.
The Speakeasy Open Mic
Music, comedy, poetry every Tuesday at 8pm.
Wednesday 17
VisionQuest Brewery
Sign up 5:30pm, music 6-8pm. PA provided. 3 songs per performer.
Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom
Every Wednesday at 6pm.
Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren
Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
Jam night every Thursday at 7pm.
Roxy on Broadway - Jazz Jam
Wine Wednesday Jazz Jam 7-10pm. Open to musicians.
Mutiny Information Cafe
Comedy open mic 6-7pm. 5 min sets. All ages, sober venue.
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+.
RISE Comedy - Wednesday
RISE & Shine Comedy Open Mic. Sign up 7:30pm, 4 min sets. Pay what you want. 18+.
Mercury Cafe - Music
Venue transitioning to The Pearl in 2026. Confirm events still running.
Thursday 16
Pines Bar and Grill
Contact venue for schedule
School House Kitchen and Libations
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
The Bar at PLAZA 38 - Jazz Jam
Jazz jam at 9pm every Thursday.
Friday 8
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 4
Secular Hub
3rd Saturday at 2pm. Poetry, music, comedy - all welcome!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are open mics in Denver free?
Yes, the majority of open mic nights in Denver are free to attend and free to perform. Some comedy clubs may have a small cover or drink minimum. Music and poetry open mics are almost always completely free.
Do I have to buy a drink to perform at a Denver open mic?
Most venues appreciate when performers and audience members buy at least one drink, but it is rarely a hard requirement at open mics. Some venues offer a free drink to performers as an incentive. Check with the venue for their specific policy.
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.