UPDATED September 2019
Orlando’s arts and culture scene continues to be alive and thriving, which means there are plenty of places to show off that talent. Local bars and venues host Orlando's best open mic nights to showcase our impressive local talent, which is great for both performers and eager audience members who like to sit back, relax with a drink, and enjoy the entertainment. Here are some of Orlando's best open mic nights where you can show off your talent or sit back with your date and enjoy the shows.
All open mic events are free unless otherwise noted.
Mondays
Sanford Brewing Company
400 Sanford Ave, Sanford
(407) 732-6419
Signup starts at 5:45pm
6 – 10pm
Performers can rock out solo or jam with the host band, The Rock’n Miners, at this brewhouse, taproom and gastropub hybrid. Sanford Brewing Company provides all the sound equipment, keyboard and drums.
Kava Cove Lounge
2020 W Fairbanks Ave #100, Winter Park
(321) 400-9024
Signup starts at 6:30pm
7pm – midnight
Musicians and poets are invited to perform in what the lounge describes as a positive and inviting atmosphere.
Three Masks
1023 W Colonial Dr., Orlando
(321) 278-5072
8 – 11pm
$10
This unique African gift store hosts Poetic Mondays, a jam session welcoming performances of poetry, rap, song, and dance.
West End Trading Company
202 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford
407-322-7475
Signup starts at 8:30pm
9pm – midnight
Musicians can perform on the West End Trading Company's now-famous “Fishbowl Stage.” The event will soon provide 1 free pro photo per open mic act. Keep an eye out for the 50 cent wing special and beer pong for spectators.
Sideshow
15 N Orange Ave, Orlando
(407) 420-1515
Signup starts at 9:30pm
10pm – 2:30am
Gigs 4 Grabs Live is an online network exclusively for working musicians to help them book more gigs and build the musical community. Musicians can sign up to play 2 songs, but be prepared to play up to 3 songs! Gigs 4 Grabs also helps connect musicians with venues and booking agencies at the event for people who want to book live music at their own events.
The Copper Rocket
106 Lake Ave., Maitland
(407) 853-5036
Signup starts at 10:30pm
10:30pm – 1am
Performers and audience members can enjoy craft beer and pub fare at this late night comedy open mic.
Monday Night Jazz Jam
Venue TBD
Time TBD
Going 11 years strong, this event takes place on the first Monday of each month. The event had to relocate after its previous host venue, Tomko's Tavern, was sold. Monday Night Jazz Jam plans to return November 4, 2019 at a new location.
Tuesdays
JazzTastings
164 Lake Ave, Maitland
(407) 755-3373
7 – 10pm
This Maitland wine bar mixes things up by providing a live house band for performers to jam with. Musicians just need to show up, sign up, and jump up on stage.
119 French Bar & Bites
119 S French Ave, Sanford
Signup starts at 6:30pm
7 – 10pm
119 French Bar & Bites was once a historic home that was turned into a wine and craft beer bar, and is now home to weekly open mic nights for duos and solo acts. Performers may use David's guitar, the event host, or bring their own instruments.
The Haven
6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park
407-673-2712
8pm
Musicians and bands of all musical styles play 3 to 4 songs at this open mic night (unless there is a special event on the calendar). Musicians don't need to sign up – just show up! The Haven stage is back-lined with a house drum kit, so drummers can bring pedals and cymbals. Guitarists, bassists, and other musicians are encouraged to bring their own instruments and amps. Bands, solo acts, comedians, and spoken word artists are all welcome.
Dandelion Community Café
618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando
407-362-1864
8pm
Performers showcase spoken word poetry, comedy, singing, rap, and “random surprises” with a 4-minute performance. Diverse Word takes place at the cozy, vegetarian-friendly Dandelion Community Café.
B.Nice Patio Bar
151 East Washington St., Orlando
315-447-1974
Signup starts at 7:30pm
8pm – midnight
You've probably walked past this quaint patio bar many times without even realizing it! B.Nice Patio Bar is located near Lake Eola across from the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Singer-songwriters are invited to play at this outdoor open mic. Performers may be asked to return as the patio's featured singer-songwriter at a later showcase.
The Copper Rocket
106 Lake Ave., Maitland
(407) 853-5036
Signup starts at 8pm
8pm – midnight
Musicians, poets, and comedians may sign up to perform. Performers are provided with a PA system and mics, as well as DI boxes for bass guitar, keys, or line level instruments. Musicians may perform 2 – 5 songs.
The Falcon Bar & Gallery
819 E Washington St, Orlando
(407) 423-3060
Signup starts at 7pm
8pm – midnight
Situated in the middle of trendy Thornton Park, The Falcon is one of best places to go in the evenings for any kind of entertainment. The Falcon allows performers the opportunity to sing three songs or have up to 10 minutes of performance time. Open mic acts are welcome to perform original or cover songs, poetry, performance art, comedy sketches and more.
Austin’s Coffee
929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
407-975-3364
Signup starts at 7:30 p.m.
8pm – midnight
Austin’s is the place to go if you’re looking for an open mic night, especially because they offer almost every kind of open mic night available. On Tuesdays, performers are given a 15-minute time slot to showcase their talents during this singer-songwriter night. Also check out other open mic events on Mondays (hip hop) and Wednesdays (poetry and spoken word).
Muldoon’s Saloon
7439 Aloma Ave., Winter Park
407-657-9980
Signup starts at 9pm
9:30pm – 1:30am
Performers can enjoy a full-band jam night at this full liquor bar that's been in business for 10 years. Muldoon's hosts five nights of live music, inviting musicians and full bands to shred to their heart's content.
Wednesdays
Celery City Craft
114 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford
(407) 915-5541
Signup starts at 5:30pm
6 – 9pm
Performers are given 20 minutes to entertain the crowd on an outdoor wooden stage with nearly any and all instruments. Celery City Craft notes that congas and bongos are welcomed. The event will soon provide 1 free pro photo per open mic act. With picnic-style bench seating, greenery and lights hanging from trees, this is the perfect date night. This is an all-ages event.
Brews N’ Blues
1122 Pennsylvania Ave., St Cloud
(407) 593-9401
7 – 10pm
It doesn't get much better than this: cold brews, live blues, wines, and food in St. Cloud. Musicians, bands, and comedians are all invited to perform. This all-ages and all-genres event supports local entertainers to show off their best acts.
The Alley
114 S Park Ave., Sanford
(407) 328-4848
7 – 11pm
This acoustic jam night caters to rock ‘n' roll souls, hosted by a band or solo performer, and welcoming all performers. The Alley was voted the best BBQ in Central Florida, offering a great night of brews and barbecue.
Orlando Improv
9101 International Drive Suite 2310, Orlando
(407) 480-5233
Signup starts at 8pm
8:30pm
Located inside Pointe Orlando, this open mic night encourages local comedians of all ages to get up on stage and show the audience what they've got! Bring the kids for a family night, or take your plus one along for a night of laughs. Walk inside the restaurant Fat Fish Blue and head to the stage to watch or perform. This is an all ages event.
The Bull & Bush Pub
2408 E. Robinson St., Orlando
(407) 896-7546
Signup starts at 8:30pm
9 – 10:30pm
Known as the oldest authentic English pub in Orlando, The Bull & Bush Pub hosts a night of open mic stand-up comedy with “cold beers and a warm atmosphere.” The best set usually wins a prize (such as a can of organic spicy chill).
Bombshell’s Tavern
5405 Edgewater Dr., Orlando
(407) 730-3999
9 pm – 1am
Solo acts, duos and bands come to perform at this vintage lounge. Carpet, old coffee tables, chairs, lamps, curtains, and a couch big enough to fit your plus one PLUS your whole crew give this venue a comfy, home feeling.
The Geek Easy
114 S. Semoran Blvd. #6, Winter Park
(321) 972-8207
Signup starts at 9:30pm
9:30pm – 1am
Boasting nostalgic video games, decor, and a feel-good atmosphere, The Geek Easy provides a space for musicians to perform with the support of a full PA system and sound engineer. Performers are given 12-minute sets, or 3 songs, at this comic book-themed bar and lounge. Hold off on covers as artists are asked to perform original music only.
Thursdays
The Melrose Center
101 E Central Blvd., Orlando (second floor)
Signup online at any time
6 – 7:30pm
One of Central Florida's best-kept secrets is located right in the Downtown Orlando Public Library. Staff members Marko Torres and Leonardo Linares organized Open Mic: The Voice of Melrose, a monthly event on the fourth Thursday of each month, to bring open mic to life with professional visuals and sound engineering. This all-ages show is great to check out right after work, or for an evening out in downtown. Performances include music, poetry, and clean comedy. One act is selected each month as the featured artist to play a 30-minute set. For performers, this is a safe and encouraging environment to practice. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned veteran, the crowd will cheer you on (I can speak from experience that it's a great place to practice!).
Castle Church Brewing
6820 Hoffner Ave., Orlando
Signup starts at 7:30pm
8 – 10pm
All art forms are welcome at this open mic, such as singing, dancing, performing poetry, comedy, and even air guitar. The event is hosted by local comedian Lesley Jo, and special food trucks rotate on a weekly basis. Every event kicks off with a comedy mini-contest: 5 comedians with 7-minute sets, competing for the audience's vote on the best comedian.
Fiddlers Green Irish Pub and Eatery
544 W Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
(407) 645-2050
8 – 11pm
Come out to perform or watch the stage every Thursday night. Fiddlers provides a space for open mic and an authentic Irish experience.
Throwbacks Bar
418 Sanford Ave., Sanford
(407) 942-3126
Signup starts at 7:30pm
8 – 11pm
Performers of all art forms are encouraged to perform. Artists will get 20 minutes to give it all they've got. The event will soon provide 1 free pro photo per open mic act, along with weekly gift card drawings for the crowd and the performers. Throwbacks Bar also offers arcade game play, board games, and other games to welcome all ages.
Roque Pub
3076 Curry Ford Road, Orlando
407-985-3778
Signup starts at 8pm
8:30 – 11:30pm
The Homegrown Open Mic is hosted by The Anthologists, a cover collective, every week, welcoming homegrown talent to perform at the pub.
Fridays
Zanzibar Coffee House
315 N Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood
(407) 821-3277
Signups start on Sunday and run until the mics open Friday night
6 – 9pm
Zanzibar Coffee House was brought to Longwood by a man who spent many travels in Africa and wanted to bring back the best parts he saw. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and perform in this peaceful setting. They'll be provided with an amp, a single mic, and a guitar hookup.
The Nook on Robinson
2432 E. Robinson St, Orlando
9pm
Don't drive too fast on Robinson or you might miss this neighborhood bar! Select Friday nights (typically the last Friday of the month) are dedicated to open-mic comedy and hip-hop jam sessions. The Nook serves up craft beer, wine, cider, coffee, kombucha, and more.
Broken Strings Brewery
1012 W Church St., Orlando
(407) 730-9108
Signup starts at 9pm
9:30 – 11pm
Friday night open-mic comedy means no cover and free parking at this taproom in Downtown Orlando. The walls are lined with colorful murals and musicians' faces, making it a cool and welcoming environment.
Saturdays
Zanzibar Coffee House
315 N Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood
(407) 821-3277
Signups start on Sunday and run until the mics open Friday night
6 – 9 p.m.
Saturday nights focus on singer-songwriter performances at this coffee house, promoting a “cool, old world vibe.”
Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar
444 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando
407-893-4994
8:30 p.m.
If you're up for a good laugh on a Saturday night, stop by for this open mic stand-up comedy night. Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar serves quick bites, tea, vegan options, and roasts their own coffee in-house. With the bar's comfy chairs and couches, you won't even realize you've left your house.
Sundays
Spill
Groovin’ on a Sunday Afternoon
1196 Tree Swallow Dr., Winter Springs
(407) 278-8219
Signup starts at 2:30pm
3 – 6pm
Bring your own instruments or pop in to enjoy an afternoon jam session on the patio. Guitars, fiddles, drums, keyboards – musicians can bring any and all instruments performing as solo acts, duos, trios, and full-bands.
Austin’s Coffee
929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
(407) 975-3364
Signup starts at 8:30pm
9 – 11:55pm
While the rest of the city is sleeping, local comedians are knocking the crowd dead with their jokes at this stand-up comedy night. Austin's is another great venue to get up close with the audience in its cozy environment.
PS: check out our guide to poetry slams for more ideas.
Feature image credit: The Geek Easy