Boulder is home to many talented up-and-coming artists, musicians, and writers, and you need not look far to find an open mic night in town showcasing their performances. Whether you’re looking to scope out the latest local talent or hop on stage yourself, many bars and restaurants offer opportunities to check out undiscovered artists, authors, and performers on a weekly basis. If you’re a performer yourself, open mic nights are a great way to test the waters before plunging into the entertainment world full-time. Here are some of our favorite open mic nights around town.
Conor O’Neill’s (1922 13th Street)
When: Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m.
Hosted by singer/songwriter/guitarist Danny Shafer for the last 12 years, Conor O’Neill’s open mic night is one of the longest running in Boulder and has become a weekly tradition among many local acts. Musicians of all levels are welcome! Sign up begins at 7:15 p.m., and performers are given a 15-minute time slot.
The Laughing Goat (1709 Pearl Street)
When: Mondays, 8:00 p.m.
The Laughing Goat is a hub for diverse local talent, with intimate shows nearly every night. On Monday evenings, poets take the stage as part of its “So, You’re a Poet” reading series, hosted by Naropa’s Kerouac School alumnus Tom Peters, owner of the Pearl Street landmark, Beat Book Shop. Wordsmiths will find inspiration in the fact that previous poets who have performed in this series include the late Allen Ginsberg, Bernadette Mayer, Diane di Prima, Janine Pommy Vega, Anselm Hollo, and more.
The Attic Bar and Bistro (949 Walnut Street)
When: Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m.
You’ll feel right at home at The Attic, which brings artists and community members together in a family-style atmosphere. From 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. every Tuesday, musicians bring their best onstage. Sit back, and enjoy a $3 Colorado draft from 9:00 p.m. until close.
Innisfree Poetry Bookstore & Cafe (1203 13th Street)
When: Tuesdays, 7:00 pm.
Open mic nights at this relaxed, artsy bookstore/café on the University Hill provide a platform for up-and-coming writers to share their work. Hosted by acclaimed poet Joseph Braun, each poet gets about 5 minutes to read. Some participants even bring up a guitar or other instrument to accompany their verse. Sign up by 6:55 p.m. to read.
Twisted Pine Brewing (3201 Walnut Street)
When: Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.
Hear the sounds of some of Boulder’s most talented musicians and poets while you treat yourself to one of Twisted Pine’s 24 beers on tap or something delicious from their full menu (Tuesdays are all-day happy hour!) Sign up by 5:30 p.m. to perform at this spirited open mic night hosted by famed folk musician Jim Herlihy.
The next time you find yourself out on the town, swing by one of these open mic nights and support our local artists and musicians….even better, share your own secret talent! Is there another open mic night that our readers should know about? Let us know in the comments!