Many of your favorite local artists got their start at Open Mics and Open Stages around the Peoria area. Anytime someone asks how to land a gig here, my number one piece of advice is: start by showing up to one of these. They’re more than just performance opportunities—several duos and bands have actually formed at these events!

And if you’re not looking to be on stage, these nights are still a great way to discover and support local talent. Here are the Open Mics and Open Stages happening around town in June…

*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
Garage Band Open Stage at Harmonize Peoria 5:30-7:30pm
(FB) Every Week through 8/5 (More info below)

Emilele hosting at The Red Barn 8-11pm
(PB) Every Week

Old-Time Folk & Country Jam at Chillicathe Public Library 6-7:30pm
(AA) Next Up: 7/1

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: 6/4, 6/18

Erech Bruce hosting at Neon Bison 8pm
(PB) Next Up: 6/11, 6/25

THURSDAYS
Sideline hosting at Oz’z Bar & Grill 7-11pm
(FB) Every Week

Primary Turkeys hosting at Peoria Pizza Works 7-12am
(FB) Every Week

Brent Lidwell hosting at The Nickel Plate (Farmington) 7:30pm
(PB) Next Up: 6/5, 6/19

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: 6/6

SATURDAYS
None that we know of

SUNDAYS
Lonesome Jones hosting at Christy’s Place 3-6pm
(AA) Next Up: TBA

Spontaneous Musical Combustion hosting at Country Saloon 4pm
(PB) Next Up: 6/8, 6/22

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 starting 6/3 - 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)
When Megan Maroney is home on break from college, she often holds an acoustic open mic here, usually on Wednesdays.

If you know of one we don’t, leave a comment and we’ll get it added to the list!