Every time someone asks how to break into the Peoria music scene, my top suggestion is simple: head out to an open mic or open stage. These nights aren’t just for practicing your set in front of a crowd. They are where connections are made. More than a few duos and full bands have found each other at these open events.
Even if you’re not looking to get up on stage, these evenings are still a fantastic way to discover new music, support local talent, and maybe even be able to say down the road, “I saw them before they blew up!”
If we overlooked anything or if a schedule changes, send us a quick Facebook message or email press@peoriamusiclive.com so we can adjust it.
Whether you want to see the talent or be the talent, here’s our Peoria Area open mic guide for April and May 2026.
*PB often means there is sound available, but no drums or bass amps.
MONDAYS
Sullivan’s Daughter hosting at Beanhive Coffeehouse (Galesburg) 5-7pm
(AA) Every Week - This one is for songwriters.
East Bluff All-Stars hosting at Kickback on Fulton 7:30-10:30pm
(FB) Every Week
TUESDAYS
The Listening Room Mobile Open Mic (See more info below)
Open Stage hosting at Oz’z 7pm
(FB) Every Week
Old-Time Folk & Country Jam at Chillicathe Public Library 6-7:30pm
(AA) Next Up: 4/7, 5/5
Emilele hosting at The Red Barn 8-11pm
(PB) Every Week
WEDNESDAYS
Java (James Herr & Ava Easter) hosting at Davis’s DB2 Pizza 5:30-8:30pm
(AA) 2nd & 4th Wednesdays Next Up: 4/8, 4/22, 5/13, 5/27
Bluegrass Jam hosted by Jon Howard at Jack’s Pizza Tavern 6-9pm
(AA) 2nd Wednesday Next Up: 4/8, 5/13
Bluegrass Jam hosted by Mike Miller at Friendly Valley Tavern 7-10pm
(AA) Every Week
Stumpy Joe’s Free-For-All at Hideaway in Mackinaw 7-11pm
(FB) Every Week
Roy Ponce hosting at The Getaway (West Peoria) 7-10pm
(AA) Next Up: 4/8, 4/22, 5/6, 5/20
Erech Bruce hosting at Neon Bison 8pm
(PB) Next Up: 4/1, 4/15, 4/29, 5/13, 5/27
THURSDAYS
Primary Turkeez hosting at rotating locations 7-12am
April: 1st & 3rd W.E. Sullivan’s, 2nd Kickback on Fulton, 4th Pour Bros
May: 1st & 3rd TBA, 2nd Kickback on Fulton, 4th Pour Bros
(FB) Every Week
Brent Lidwell hosting at The Nickel Plate (Farmington) 7:30pm
(PB) Next Up: 4/9, 4/23, 5/8, 5/22
Open Mic at Office on Main (Morton) 8pm-12am
(AA) Every Week
FRIDAYS
Rotating hosts at Michael's Italian Feast - Germantown Hills 6-10pm
(AA) (1st & 5th Fridays) Next Up: 4/3, 5/1, 5/29
SATURDAYS
Original Music Open Mic at QTones in Northwoods Mall 1-5pm
(AA) (2nd & 4th Saturdays) Next Up: 4/11, 4/18, 5/9, 5/23
SUNDAYS
East Bluff All-Stars hosting at 808 Room 2-5pm
(FB) Every Week
Nighthawks hosting at County Line Tap 2-5pm
(FB) Every Week
Lonesome Jones hosting at Christy’s Place 3-6pm
(AA) Next Up: 4/5, 4/19, 5/3, 5/17
Spontaneous Musical Combustion hosting at Country Saloon 4pm
(PB) Next Up: 4/12, 4/26, 5/10, 5/24
Roy Ponce hosting at Tartan Inn 7-11pm
(AA) Every Week
OPEN MICS TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR:
Garage Band Open Stage at Harmonize Peoria (FB)
Weekly on Tuesdays for 10 weeks, returning June 2026 - 5:30-7:30pm
This is an all-age open stage with full backline and many instruments for performers’ to use. Being under 21 gets you bumped to the top of the list!
Address: 1133 N North St in Peoria
The Listening Room Mobile Open Mic (AA)
Acoustic Open Mic, hosted by Sarah Marie Dillard. It is often on Tuesdays, but occasionally pops up other days of the week as well.
As the name suggests, locations vary. This is a uniquely intimate open mic that encourages active, supportive listening when artists are performing.
Join the Listening Room Facebook group to see dates/times/locations
Perdue’s Grill (AA)
Occasionally hold acoustic open mics here, usually on Wednesdays.
If you know of one we don’t, send a Facebook message or use out Contact Us page and we’ll get it added to the list!