Few cities live and breathe live performance like New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz and a place where music and storytelling are woven into daily life. Its open mics welcome comedians, musicians, poets, and storytellers into historic bars, music rooms, and creative spaces, often within earshot of the French Quarter. The crowds are warm, festive, and genuinely appreciative of original work, which makes the city an inspiring place to develop material or perform for the first time. A culture built around live entertainment keeps the scene thriving. This regularly updated list pulls together the latest information on sign-ups, costs, times, and venues to help you find the best open mics in New Orleans.

New Orleans

Louisiana

All Venues in New Orleans

The Old Point Bar

The Original Nite Cap

The Prytania Bar

Twelve Mile Limit