Salem, MA · Updated daily
Open Mic Nights in Salem
Salem has open mics most weeks, spread across a handful of bars and clubs. They're free to attend and free to play, sign-up is on the night, and you're as welcome to sit and listen as to bring a guitar. Here's every one we track, by night of the week.
Open mics in Salem by night of the week
Standing nights that run every week. Hosts and featured guests change — the dated listings below say who's on next.
Also running
These appear less regularly on our calendar, so check with the venue before making the trip.
- Thu, Aug 20 · 7:30 PM Open Mic at Gulu-Gulu Cafe
Next open mics in Salem
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Thu, Aug 20 · 7 PM
Open Mic Night
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Thu, Aug 20 · 7:30 PM
Open Mic
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Sat, Aug 22 · 7 PM
Saturday Jam with Danny Mac
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Wed, Aug 26 · 7 PM
Open Mic with Mike McGeown
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Thu, Aug 27 · 7 PM
Open Mic Night
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Sat, Aug 29 · 7 PM
Saturday Jam with Danny Mac
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Wed, Sep 2 · 7 PM
Open Mic with Mike McGeown
Salem open mics — frequently asked questions
Is there an open mic in Salem, MA? +
Yes — Salem has several, on different nights. The longest-running weekly is the Wednesday open mic hosted by Mike McGeown at the Witch City VFW on Derby Street, which features a different guest musician each week. There are also regular open mic nights at Village Tavern and Gulu-Gulu Cafe, and a Saturday jam at Brodie’s Seaport. The weekly guide on this page lists each one with its night and start time.
Do I need to sign up in advance for a Salem open mic? +
Almost all of them are sign-up-on-the-night, first come first served. Arriving near the start time is the safest way to get a slot, since lists fill up as the evening goes on. Check the individual listing or the venue for anything that runs differently.
Is there a cover charge? +
Salem's weekly open mics and jams are free to attend and free to play. You're expected to buy a drink, and tipping the host is normal, but there is no door charge at the regular neighbourhood nights.
Can I come just to watch? +
Yes. Open mics and jams need an audience as much as performers, and nobody is expected to play. They tend to be the most relaxed live music nights in town.
What should I bring? +
Most hosts provide a PA, mics and usually a house guitar amp and a drum kit for jams — bring your instrument, and a cable. If you need anything specific, ask the host early in the night rather than when it's your turn.