Several times a month I get a message or an email asking me how to break into the Peoria music scene. My answer is always the same: Head out to an open mic or open stage.

Practice your music, show off your talent, and make connections with those who are there to do the same! You might even find your future bandmates there!

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 June and July 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)

Garage Band Open Stage at Harmonize Peoria 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
Every Week Through 8/4

Old-Time Folk & Country Jam at Chillicathe Public Library 6-7:30pm
(AA) Next Up: 6/2, 7/7

FAFO Open Stage at Famous City Billiards 7-10pm
(FB) Every Week

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

WEDNESDAYS
Bluegrass Jam hosted by Jon Howard at Jack’s Pizza Tavern 6-9pm
(AA) 2nd Wednesday Next Up: 6/10, 7/8

Bluegrass Jam hosted by Mike Miller at Kenny’s Westside 7-10pm
(AA) Every Week

Stumpy Joe’s Free-For-All at Hideaway in Mackinaw 7-11pm
(FB) Every Week

FAFO Open Stage at Russley’s 7-10pm
(FB) Every Week

Roy Ponce hosting at The Getaway (West Peoria) 7-10pm
(AA) Next Up: 6/3, 6/17, 7/01, 7/15, 7/29

Erech Bruce hosting at Neon Bison 8pm
(PB) Next Up: 6/10, 6/24, 7/08, 7/22

THURSDAYS
Neumann Superhumann hosting at Rosati’s Pizza - North Pekin 6-9pm
(PB) Every Week

Primary Turkeez hosting at rotating locations 7pm-12am
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: 6/11, 6/25, 7/9, 7/23

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, 3rd & 5th Fridays) Next Up: 6/5, 6/12*, 7/3, 7/17, 7/31
*2nd Friday for June only

SATURDAYS
None That We Know of

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: 6/14, 6/28, 7/12, 7/26

Spontaneous Musical Combustion hosting at Country Saloon 4pm
(PB) Next Up: 6/7, 6/21, 7/5, 5/19

Roy Ponce hosting at Tartan Inn 7-11pm
(AA) Every Week

OPEN MICS TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR:

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!