The video above is a full tour of fort worth open mics, covering 24 different venues across the city and surrounding areas. David Bridwell hits everything from Sunday songwriter rounds to Tuesday night jams, giving you a real look at what each bar, brewery, saloon, and ice house actually feels like when you show up to play. If you're trying to figure out where to bring your guitar on any given night of the week, this is the rundown you need.
Where Are the Best Open Mics in Fort Worth?
A couple of spots consistently stand out. Magnolia Motor Lounge on Tuesdays is one of the best open mics across all of Texas — the songwriting community there is dedicated, the crowds actually show up mid-week, and it's hosted by Tyler McCullum. McFly's, also on Tuesdays, has literally won awards for being the best open mic in Fort Worth. It's a Back to the Future-themed bar with a reliable crowd and is hosted by Tommy Luke. Those two Tuesday nights alone make Fort Worth worth the trip for any songwriter.
Fort Worth Open Mic Venues by Day of the Week
Here's a breakdown of what's covered in the video:
- Rhinestone Saloon — Stockyards-area saloon with rowdy country crowds; Sunday open mic hosted by Hayden Hilliard or Braden Stewart, plus a newer Wednesday slot
- Cicada — Mellow songwriter-focused spot in the South Main area, hosted by Tommy Luke and Dippy the Dog
- The Local — West 7th Street bar hosting a songwriter social on the last Sunday of the month with Destiny and Bronson Lewis
- Poop Deck — Sunday afternoon jam session with a big community of regulars who bring instruments and fill the place up
- Dirty Water Saloon — Jam night with a resident band playing the first hour, plus a Wednesday campfire pick-in
- Poured Bev and Company — Monday night in Crowley hosted by Ryan Mack; friendly jam-oriented crowd, though it tends to start later than posted
- Fort Worth Songwriters Association — Monday events currently at Fred's Texas Cafe; older crowd, solo songwriter-friendly, and a great resource for learning about the local scene
- Yellow Rose Saloon — Intimate, small room; hosts have rotated so check their page before heading out
- Shot Seas — Up in Keller, hosted by Ray Quesada with 11th Angel on bass to back you up
- Soulfire Brewing Company — Saturday open mic in Roanoke, also run by Ray Quesada and 11th Angel
- Red Dog Saloon — Hosted by Rich Dodie; features an early jam set and a separate Thursday open jam
- The Lake House — Newer open mic now hosted by Jonathan Arthur, located a short drive outside Fort Worth near a lake
- Magnolia Motor Lounge — Tuesday night standout; serious songwriting community hosted by Tyler McCullum
- McFly's — Award-winning Tuesday open mic with a fun Back to the Future atmosphere
- Panther Island Brewing — Last Tuesday of the month; hosted by Rex, and they'll give you a free six-pack for playing
- Bedford Ice House — Tuesday night jam with a loud house band; great bar food and a tight-knit community of players
- Eight Ball Billiards — Tuesday night in the River Oaks area; it's a smoking bar, so know that going in
- Shaw's Patio Bar and Grill — Wednesday night in the Fairmount South Side historic district
Tips for Showing Up to a Fort Worth Open Mic
A few things are worth knowing before you head out. Some of these events lean more toward jam sessions where a house band backs you up, while others are strictly solo songwriter rounds — the video makes it clear which is which. Also, times can be loose. The Crowley open mic at Poured Bev started later than advertised, and venues like Yellow Rose Saloon can be inconsistent, so always double-check social media or the venue's website before driving across town. If you're a solo acoustic performer, places like Magnolia Motor Lounge, McFly's, and the Fort Worth Songwriters Association events are your best bet. If you want to jam with