The 10 Best Dallas Open Mic Nights

If a few drinks in, or with a few mocktails down the trap, or totally sober, you’re ready to show off your stuff, open mic nights are a great way for musicians to get their reps in and receive immediate feedback.

Recently, we highlighted the Jojo Jam, recognizing it isn't just an open mic, but a place where everyday people and raw talent collide. It got us thinking about doing another list of the top open mic nights in Dallas. We've done variations of this before, but it's been a while since our last one.

The bold, the brave and the boisterous with energy to share can find friendly crowds, followers and new fans across the Dallas city limits. All you have to do is sign up, show up and get up.

These 10 open mic events have a spot for you on stage.

Songwriter Recording Night at The Creatives Factory

13154 Coit Rd. Suite 104

On the last Wednesday of every month, The Creatives Factory lives up to their reputation of supporting local Dallas artists by opening their space for songwriters to play live with an intimate crowd. Every artist who performs gets a free, professional recording of their tracks. You read that right, you get the multi-track stems for free.

It's an inspiring experience and a nice Wednesday night for both music fans and artists to learn about the music industry from founders (and newly-minted Recording Academy members) Christian Chavarria and Jonathan Camacho during a free Q&A.

The 15 spots to perform are first-come, first-served, and three additional spots are chosen randomly from additional signups. It's a chance to test out your original songs live and listen back.

Sunday Jam & Open Mic at Yellow Dog

219 E Hickory St., Denton

An all ages event, the open mic at Yellow Dog Art Bar & Gallery on Sundays invites one and all to engage in their creative side. Spanning a happy hour, or a few happy hours from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can paint, draw and take part in art projects while indulging in cocktails, mocktails, wine or beer. Art project supplies are on site. Then from 8 p.m., music takes over with the open mic and jam session, ringing in the poets, comedians, singers and musicians. Be sure to also check out their open mic night every Wednesday, hosted by VanJet Productions.

Songwriter’s Open Mic at Dan’s Silverleaf

103 Industrial St., Denton

Justin Collins hosts the Songwriter’s Open Mic at Dan’s Silverleaf, starting off Mondays by strumming the heartstrings. Sign up to take the stage starts at 7:30 p.m., with the lineup starting at 8 p.m. This open mic has a stage made for, and encourages original songs. Whether you are an original music fan or enthusiast, come to sing along, learn, auscultate your heartbeat to the beat of something new at Dan’s Silverleaf. The event is 21 and up unless attending with a parent.

Open Mic Night at The Kava Bar

337 West Jefferson Blvd.

Open Mic at The Kava Bar brings new energy to the open mic scene. A booze-free event, this general open mic, hosted by Tasty Taylor, offers plant-based Kava and Kratom that keep the vibes going while aspiring talent takes stage. The calming refreshments keep the environment relaxed and build community while supporting poets, singers and storytellers through music, comedy and wit every Wednesday in Oak Cliff. Sign-up time is at 7:30 p.m. with performances beginning at 8 p.m. Between sets, DJs keep the crowd going. The event is free and open to all ages.

SheRose’s Open Mic at The Wine Therapist

1909 Skillman St.

Hosted by the energetic and entertaining Michelle Rose Domb, this show brings a crowd on Monday nights. Delicious wine, a house PA and friendly patrons included in ringing in the week with some community and fun. DFW comedians, poets, artists and sometimes even hula hoopers take turns testing their talents on the crowd. Supportive and engaging host, Domb, who says OMM is made for artists by artists, takes track requests in advance. Past show guests include but are not limited to The Bachelor's Alexis Waters, The Daily Show's Ronny Chieng and 3 Redneck Tenors' Matthew Lord. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., entertainment at 7 p.m., Open Mic Mondays is free.

On Tuesdays, The Wine Therapist hosts a different spin on a open mic. The Wine Therapist hosts Classical Open Mic Dallas on Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for classical music players and enthusiasts. Trios, quartets, solo artists of all levels are invited to attend and participate. Whether you sing or play an instrument, classical music is the theme of the night. Sponsor, Metroplex Piano, donated a Yamaha NU1 Piano for use for this event. A pianist can be requested at the event to accompany other artists if they bring music to sightread. The beer and wine list is extensive, so bring your classy palate to this event to showcase your favorite sonata or simply to indulge.

Mad Swirl at Barbara’s Pavillion

325 Centre St.

Mad Swirl touches on the wild side where the wackier and weirder push limits. Kicking off at 8 p.m. until the energy runs out, all types of flair, aptitude and abilities are encouraged to show off for this eccentric crowd. Held at Barbara’s Pavillion every first Wednesday of the month, bring your most secret skills, party tricks and open mind to Mad Swirl.

Inner Moonlight at the Wild Detectives

314 W Eighth St.

The Wild Detectives was made for grassroots support for the arts. The cozy patio and outdoor stage complement the buzzing inspired interior, brimming with books, music and a well-stocked bar. It's been home to Loose Sounds, an open acoustic jam where people can bring their acoustic instruments to play and hangout.

Inner Moonlight is a monthly poetry series and podcast that's been steadily going for years that we had to mention it on this list. Every second Wednesday, The Wild Detectives host Inner Moonlight including a reading from well-known writers, followed by discussion and an open mic. Curated by Logen Cure, a poet, podcaster and educator, shows are usually recorded to be included in podcast form. Bring your thirst and your spoken, sung or savory words to Inner Moonlight and seek your shine.

Songwriters' Social at Adair's Saloon

2624 Commerce St.

Named Best Country Bar in 2024 by the Observer, Adair’s Saloon is Deep Ellum’s outpost for what truly makes country music country. Adair's boasts a honky tonk vibe in a dive bar atmosphere, perfect for aspiring musicians to gather. While it is predominantly country, there is some variety in the acts that come to perform for the regulars. On Tuesday nights starting at 9 p.m., host Justin Pickard (with Jacob Zazz and Shana Faulhaber) have held down the longstanding Songwriters' Social open mic for over a year now. With happy hour all day, you can enjoy hot wings and the cheeseburger special with some tunes. That's music to our ears.

Black Canvas Open Mic Night at Heroes Lounge

3094 N Stemmons Fwy

Black Canvas has been, well, the canvas for up-and-coming musicians, poets, singers and stand-up comedians to share their hidden gifts. Hosted by Kevin Williams (your new favorite R&B artist who goes by Kevin the Singer), the open mic is catered to local Black talent who have a safe space to create and its hater-free. The audience who comes to Black Canvas supports a Black-owned establishment that provides an opportunity to show the best that Dallas has to offer. Every night, it welcomes new and native Dallasites to a fun atmosphere, promising food, drinks, hookah and live music by Celestical Clockwork before the show starts. Vibe out because Thursdays are cooler than the weekend.

Open Mic Night at Opening Bell Coffee

1409 Botham Jean Blvd.

For the last 20 years, Opening Bell Coffee has served up hot drinks and talent in an intimate supportive environment. Known as the longest running open mic in Dallas, Opening Bell prefers original music (but will allow covers throughout the night) and is an all ages event, and asks performers to do two song sets. The list is first come, first serve, so make sure to come early with your instruments and intentions ready. Hosted by Justin Dyer, on Saturdays you can start signing up at 3 p.m. and prepare to percolate with the area’s best troubadours.