Raleigh NC open mics

Open Mics & Jams in Raleigh, Cary & Durham, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas, including Cary and Durham, boast a vibrant and welcoming scene for musicians, poets, and performers of all stripes. Whether you're looking to share your talent, hone your craft, or simply enjoy a night of spontaneous artistry, the Triangle has a stage for you. From intimate coffee shops to lively bars, the spirit of live performance thrives here.

We've found these to be some of the most popular places for open mics and open jams in Cary, NC, and Durham, NC, as well as Raleigh:

Popular Open Mic & Jam Venues

  • Lucky Tree (Raleigh): Nestled in Raleigh, Lucky Tree hosts "Free the Mic" every 2nd and 4th Monday from 7-11 PM. This event is completely free and welcomes artists and spectators alike to share poetry, spoken word, rap, songs, and instrumental performances. It's a fantastic spot to experience a diverse range of local talent in a supportive environment.
  • Slim's Dive Bar (Downtown Raleigh): For those who love to jam with a full band, Slim's Dive Bar offers an "Open Mic with a Live Band-Jam Session" weekly on Tuesdays from 9 PM to 11:45 PM. This isn't just an open mic; it's a dynamic jam session where singers, poets, emcees, and musicians can jump in with the J & R Band. It's a free event and a cornerstone of downtown Raleigh's nightlife since 1999.
  • The Berkeley Cafe (Raleigh): A long-standing fixture in Raleigh, The Berkeley Cafe is known for its Open Mic nights every Wednesday, with sign-ups usually starting around 7 PM and performances at 8 PM. It's a classic spot for local musicians and performers to showcase their skills.
  • Tongue & Groove Open Mic (Downtown Raleigh at Artspace): Held on the second Sunday of each month, Tongue & Groove offers a unique and supportive open mic experience. Launched in 2014, this event at Artspace welcomes poetry, music, storytelling, and more. There's no cover charge, and it's BYOB, fostering a relaxed and creative atmosphere for both performers and audience members.
  • Abbey Road Tavern & Grill (Cary): If you're in Cary, Abbey Road Tavern & Grill hosts an Open Mic on Wednesdays at 8 PM. This popular spot provides a consistent platform for local talent outside of Raleigh's immediate downtown area.
  • Goodnights Comedy Club (Raleigh): While primarily a comedy club, Goodnights hosts Open Mic Nights on select Wednesday evenings. If you're a budding comedian looking to test out new material, this is the premier spot in Raleigh to do so. Check their calendar for specific dates and times.
  • PineCone Jams (Raleigh): For bluegrass and old-time music enthusiasts, PineCone organizes various jam sessions. They host a monthly Bluegrass Jam at Transfer Co. Food Hall (4th Monday, 7-9 PM) and a Beginner Bluegrass Jam at Harry's Guitar Shop (3rd Monday, 7-9 PM). There's also an Old-Time Jam at Riparian Provision Company on the 2nd Thursday of each month. These are excellent opportunities for musicians to collaborate and learn in a less formal setting.

The Thriving Live Music Scene in Raleigh

Beyond open mics, Raleigh's broader live music scene is incredibly diverse and energetic, earning it a reputation as one of the best music scenes in North Carolina. From large-scale arenas to intimate venues, there's always a show to catch.

  • The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop: This iconic venue is a record shop by day and a vibrant live music hall by night, hosting regional and national touring acts across various genres.
  • Lincoln Theatre: A historic and beloved venue that continues to bring a wide array of live bands and concerts to the heart of Raleigh.
  • Tin Roof: Located on Glenwood South, Tin Roof is a lively spot with a Southern-inspired vibe, offering live bands (often country) and a vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends.
  • Red Hat Amphitheater: For larger outdoor concerts with the Raleigh skyline as a backdrop, this seasonal amphitheater (April-October) draws major touring acts.
  • Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek: This is the largest outdoor amphitheater in the region, hosting major national and international tours.

Raleigh also celebrates music through various festivals, including the renowned Hopscotch Music Festival and the Wide Open Bluegrass festival, drawing thousands of music lovers and artists annually. The city's commitment to supporting both emerging and established artists ensures that the live music scene is constantly evolving and offering something for every taste.

Whether you're looking to step into the spotlight at an open mic or simply enjoy the rich tapestry of live sound, Raleigh and its neighboring communities offer an abundance of opportunities to connect with the local music culture.