This season is a great time to dive into Peoria’s music scene, and one of the easiest ways to get started (or stay connected) is by showing up to an open mic or open stage. These nights are the heartbeat of the community. Low-pressure, full of surprises, and often the place where future collaborations are born. Plenty of musicians met their bandmates for the first time because someone took a chance on an open stage.
Even if performing isn’t your thing, these evenings are still worth checking out. You’ll hear new voices, discover hidden gems, and maybe even catch the early days of someone who’s about to make big moves.
If we overlooked anything or if a schedule changes, send us a quick message on Facebook so we can adjust it.
Here’s your guide to where you can share your music this December and January…
*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)
Night Hawks hosting at Oz’z 7pm
(FB) Every Week
Old-Time Folk & Country Jam at Chillicathe Public Library 6-7:30pm
(AA) Next Up: 12/2, 1/6
Emilele hosting at The Red Barn 8-11pm
(PB) Every Week
WEDNESDAYS
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: 12/3, 12/17, 12/31, 1/14, 1/28
Erech Bruce hosting at Neon Bison 8pm
(PB) Next Up: 12/10, 12/24, 1/7, 1/21
THURSDAYS
Primary Turkeez hosting at rotating locations 7-12am
(1st & 3rd W.E. Sullivan’s, 2nd Kickback on Fulton, 4th Pour Bros)
(FB) Every Week
Brent Lidwell hosting at The Nickel Plate (Farmington) 7:30pm
(PB) Next Up: 12/4, 12/18, 1/1, 1/15, 1/29
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: 12/5, 12/26, 1/2, 1/30
SATURDAYS
None currently
SUNDAYS
East Bluff All-Stars hosting at 808 Room 1-4pm
(FB) Every Week
Lonesome Jones hosting at Christy’s Place 3-6pm
(AA) Next Up: 12/14, 12/28, 1/11, 1/25
Spontaneous Musical Combustion hosting at Country Saloon 4pm
(PB) Next Up: 12/7, 12/21, 1/4, 1/18
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!