World Cafe Live
every first Monday / 3025 Walnut St, Philadelphia / Signups begin 6 p.m., show runs 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The first Tuesday of every month, the Philly Rising Open Mic presented by Rec Philly in the Lounge at World Café Live. An amazing venue, great for acoustic acts or those performing with prerecorded tracks. Signups are put in a raffle that’s drawn throughout the event, keeping everybody on their toes! In addition to the songwriter-oriented open mic every first Monday, World Cafe Live hosts a jazz jam every second Wednesday led by renowned Philly pianist Orrin Evans, and a poetry open mic called Voices In Power every third Tuesday.

King’s Corner
weekly / 603 Summit Ave, Jenkintown / Signups begin 7:30 p.m., show runs 8 to 11 p.m.
Laid-back, small bar open mic. The crowd isn’t always there for the music but can be brought into the fun with a sing-along. Open to all genres and performance styles.

Time
weekly / 1315 Sansom St, Philadelphia / Show runs 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Hosted by Chris Farrell and the Ritmo Collective, Time continues their promise of live music every night inviting local talent to an open stage on Tuesday nights. Leaning towards jazz but open to all genres of music performance, this open mic fills the bar area with a supportive crowd and talented musicians open to jam.

Wednesday

Philadelphia Brewing Company
weekly / 2440 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia/ Signups begin 7:30 p.m., show runs 8 to 11:30 p.m.
Big Open space with a listening crowd, in the summer the open mic takes place on an outdoor stage. Host Frankie Veraldo says, “The open mic at Philadelphia Brewing Company is very welcoming and supportive. There’s a strong knit community of regulars that is by no means exclusive. Long-lasting friendships (and bands!) have formed as a result of meeting at this open mic. It’s been really great to see folks develop, and it makes me happy to know that the open mic has provided a space for artists to take chances and experiment as they hone in on their sound, in a chill, encouraging environment. There’s lots of diversity in style at the open mic, but I always love and want to see more first-timers! I’m want to hear the person who finally mustered up the courage to come out and play in front of a crowd!”

Ortlieb’s
weekly / 847 N 3rd St, Philadelphia/ Signups begin 7 p.m., show runs 8 to 11:30 p.m.
Awesome venue in Northern Liberties with an attentive crowd. Open to all genres. Backline provided. Amazing regulars coming through every week, always welcoming newcomers and first-time performers. Come for the music and community, but the hot dogs are also delicious!

Dawson Street Pub
weekly / 100 Dawson St, Philadelphia / Signups begin 7 p.m., show starts 8 p.m.
A popular open mic with an engaged crowd, Host Doug says, “Dawson Street Pub has a really supportive community of musicians and music lovers. It’s a great place to meet other musicians and see local acts showcasing their original work!”

The Royal Glenside
weekly / 1 S Easton Rd, Glenside / Signups begin 7:30 p.m., show runs 8 to 11 p.m.
Located right next to the Glenside train station, The Royal open mic welcomes everyone, any genre, any age. An eclectic mix of solo, duo and full band performances, as well as comedy, spoken word and poetry. A great place to workshop new material, fine tune old material and collaborate with fellow performers. The Royal prides itself on having a versatile space in a stage-focused venue, rather than a crowded sports bar. Full bands are always welcome, and a full back line is provided! Patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free admission with donations are graciously accepted

Iris Music Showcase
every third Wednesday / rotating venue / Signups begin 6, show starts 7 p.m.
Organized by Philly DIY leader Taylor Kelly, this monthly meet-up is an open jam that emphasizes female vocalists and creates a space celebrating femme voices of the past, present, and future. Keep tabs on where they’re touching down each month at their Instagram, @irismusicshowcase.

WXPN: Home For the Holidays