Discover great talent at these Calgary open mic nights
Calgary’s many open mic nights are great fun for both the performers and patrons. Budding musicians and professional alike try out new songs and polish their acts at clubs and cafés, Always full of variety, the unpredictable assortment of musical hits and misses are all part of the charm of these entertaining evenings. Whether you’re a performer, patron or bit of both, you’ll enjoy these open mic events.
Cafe Koi
100-1011 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1J2Sing your version of Ruby Tuesday or any other songs you fancy at Café Koi’s open mic on Tuesday nights. Hosted by Carla Olive, the open mic runs from 8 pm to 11 pm, at club and eatery just south of the downtown core on First Street Southwest. Registration begins at 8 pm, and the café supplies guitars, keyboards, cables, mics, speakers, monitors and a sound person. Musicians are welcome to bring their own guitars, and all musical genres are encouraged. Café Koi is drum friendly and licensed.
Ironwood Stage & Grill (2006) Ltd
1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S9Inglewood’s favourite live music venue is the place to be if open mic night is your thing. The Ironwood Stage & Grill on Ninth Avenue Southeast sees Kit Johnson and Tim Leacock host the open mic for their second decade. For performers, registration begins at 8 pm (arrive early!). The open mic session runs from 8 pm to midnight.
Mikey's Juke Joint & Eatery
1901 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0K3Mikey likes it, and you will, too, when you head to Sunalta for open mic night at Mikey’s Juke Joint & Eatery. Carla Olive hosts, and a featured songwriter typically opens the night with songs, stories and inspiration before relinquishing the stage to other performers. Registration begins at 8 pm, and the performances go from 9 pm to midnight. Performers, bring your own guitar.
Bitter Sisters Brewing
510 Héritage Dr Sw, Calgary, AB T2V 2W2Feeling trapped on Thursday nights? If getting up on stage is your thing, or you simply enjoy listening to live music, a sure-fire way to escape the doldrums is to head down to Kingsland to the Atlantic Trap & Grill for its open mic night. Hosted by Nova Scotiables, the acoustic fun runs from 9 pm to midnight. Registration begins at 9 pm. Equipment is provided, though musicians can bring their own guitars. All music styles are welcome.
11th St Good Earth Cafe
Enjoy a healthy snack and a great cup of coffee, and participate in an evening of acoustic performances at Good Earth Coffee House on the west side of the Beltline. The Organic Acoustic Evening hosted by Home Music, goes from 6 pm to 9 pm on Fridays. Musicians, bring your own instrument, and note that registration is at 6 pm.
Ship & Anchor Pub
534 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B1Saturday afternoons on the 17th Avenue Southwest strip take a musically creative turn at the Ship & Anchor Pub. Various artists host the open stage jam every Saturday afternoon from 2 pm to 6 pm. This well-attended weekly event typically features blues, folk and rock performers. Musicians are advised to bring their own guitars. Signup starts at 2 pm.
Fuji Yama Japanese Restaurant
908 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A3Make Sunday a fun day by visiting Fuji Yama for open mic night. Local artists, friends and music fans come together in the Devenish building on 17th Avenue Southwest to enjoy music, poetry and stand-up comedy. The open mic event is hosted by James Kay, and goes from 8 pm to midnight. Registration begins at 8 pm. Acoustic guitars and djembe are provided, but you can bring your own stringed instrument. It’s a drum-friendly venue.
Game Time Sports Bar & Grill
11-6219 Centre St NW, Calgary, AB T2K 0V2Put on your game face, and get ready to perform at Gametime’s open mic night in Thorncliff. Held every Sunday, the event features individual and band performances in multiple musical styles. The house jam band provides backup for those requiring accompaniment, and guitars, bass, drums and saxophone are available. Artists take the stage from 7 pm to 11 pm, and signup is at 6:30 pm.
Unicorn Pub The
223 8 Ave Sw, Calgary, AB T2P 1B7The Unicorn Superpub open mic night is the place for you whether you’re a solo horn player (get it?), singer-songwriter or would rather listen than perform. The new incarnation of the beloved Stephen Avenue Walk pub, The Unicorn has moved into the former Libertine and Below Deck Tavern spaces just down the avenue. The venue’s Thursday Groove Jam in the Kitchen Party (basement) level runs from 9 pm to 1 am.
