Los Angeles is a city that breathes music—from the neon-lit streets of Hollywood to the artsy cafes in Santa Monica. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, rapper, guitarist, or in a full band, there’s no better way to break into LA’s music scene than performing at a music open mic in Los Angeles.
Open mics offer more than just a stage—they’re your chance to gain live performance experience, test new material, grow your fanbase, and connect with fellow creatives. In this guide, we’re spotlighting the top music open mic spots in Los Angeles where you can shine.
Top Music Open Mic Nights in Los Angeles
1. KavaHana – Santa Monica
A tropical-themed kava and coffee bar by day, and a buzzing creative hub by night. KavaHana’s music open mic welcomes all genres—from soulful acoustic sets to raw spoken word.
Why perform here:
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Chill, supportive vibe
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Great drinks and engaged audience
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Perfect for experimenting with new material
🕖 Starts at 7:30 PM. Arrive early—spots go fast.
2. School Night – Hollywood
A legendary Monday night event where rising stars are discovered. With a curated lineup and a vibe that blends intimate and electric, School Night has seen acts like Alt‑J and Chet Faker grace its stage.
Why it stands out:
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Industry-insider crowd
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$10 cover, cozy living-room-style venue
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Perfect for serious artists with a press kit
🎟️ Want to play? Send your EPK to: [email protected]
3. Kulak’s Woodshed – North Hollywood
One of the most artist-friendly Los Angeles open mic venues. Kulak’s offers high-quality video and audio recordings—ideal for musicians wanting polished performance clips.
Highlights:
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Free HD video
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Listening-room vibe
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Intimate, volunteer-run community space
4. The Oaks Tavern – Sherman Oaks
Looking for a casual, high-energy music open mic in LA’s Valley? The Oaks Tavern delivers. Think bar-jam meets dive-bar fun with a loyal crowd of music lovers.
What to expect:
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Lively, relaxed environment
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Tuesday open mic nights
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Good food, full bar, and a crowd that cheers you on
5. Pauhaus – West Hollywood
This West Hollywood loft venue blends underground edge with creative flair. Pauhaus open mic nights attract bold, genre-bending performances across indie, R&B, and beyond.
Best for:
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Networking with producers and creatives
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Artists pushing musical boundaries
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Weekly Monday sign-ups (lottery format)
6. Maui Sugar Mill Saloon – Tarzana
A down-to-earth Valley bar with a die-hard local following. Maui Sugar Mill’s music open mic night is unpredictable in the best way—raw, real, and full of character.
Why it’s a favorite:
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Open format for all styles
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Laid-back crowd
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Sign-ups around 7 PM on Tuesdays
7. UnUrban Coffee – Santa Monica
A long-running hub for artistic expression. UnUrban’s open mic isn’t just about music—it’s about community, creativity, and courage.
Perfect for:
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Artists seeking a nonjudgmental space
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Poets, musicians, and comedians
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Friday/Saturday evening performances
8. TR!P – Santa Monica
With pro-level sound and lighting, TR!P feels more like a proper gig than a typical open mic. Located in Santa Monica, it draws a passionate, music-loving crowd.
Why artists love it:
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Professional stage setup
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Genre-diverse performances
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Weekly on Mondays | Sign-up at 7:30 PM
Tips for Nailing a Music Open Mic Night in Los Angeles
🎯 Arrive early: Most sign-ups are first-come, first-served.
📣 Promote your set: Use social media to invite friends and fans.
📇 Bring business cards or QR codes: Make it easy for new fans to follow you.
👂 Be an audience member too: Support others and grow your network.
Why Performing at a Music Open Mic in Los Angeles Matters
In a city full of talent, open mic nights in Los Angeles are where raw artistry gets real-time feedback. They’re not just stepping stones—they’re launchpads. You’ll improve your stage presence, connect with collaborators, and maybe even land your next big opportunity.
Want to Elevate Your Live Performance Game?
At Musicians Institute in Hollywood, we help emerging artists master the art of live performance—from local open mics to international stages. If you’re serious about breaking into the LA music scene, get trained, get connected, and get seen.