San Diego Open‑Mic & Open‑Jam Overview

San Diego’s music scene balances laid‑back beach vibes with a gritty downtown energy. Whether you’re a surf‑rock guitarist, a Latin jazz percussionist, or a hip‑hop MC, the city’s weekly open‑mic and jam nights give you a stage within a short drive of the coast.

Weekly Schedule of Core Events

• Monday – The Casbah – Open Mic Night
  • Time: 7 pm doors.
  • Genres: Rock, punk, indie.
  • Sign‑up: On‑site first‑come sheet.
  • Fee: $5 (cash).
• Tuesday – The Loft – Acoustic Tuesdays
  • Time: 8 pm.
  • Genres: Folk, soft rock, singer‑songwriter.
  • Sign‑up: Email acoustic@theloftsd.com 24 h before.
  • Fee: $5.
• Wednesday – The Spirit Room – Mid‑Week Jam
  • Time: 7 pm.
  • Genres: Jazz, funk, world‑fusion.
  • Sign‑up: Google Form (link on Facebook).
  • Fee: Free (donations welcome).
• Thursday – Mongraal – Open Mic Night
  • Time: 8 pm.
  • Genres: Indie, alternative, pop.
  • Sign‑up: On‑site sheet; max five songs.
  • Fee: $5.
• Friday – Westgate Hotel – Friday Night Jam
  • Time: 9 pm.
  • Genres: Blues, classic rock, R&B.
  • Sign‑up: Free Eventbrite ticket (reserve ahead).
  • Fee: $10 (covers house back‑line).
• Saturday – The Tickler – Open Mic & Open Jam
  • Time: 9 pm.
  • Genres: Punk, ska, garage, reggae.
  • Sign‑up: On‑site sheet; bring your own amp.
  • Fee: $5.
• Sunday – Patio on Goldfinch – Sunday Jam
  • Time: 2 pm.
  • Genres: Jazz, Latin, world music.
  • Sign‑up: QR code displayed at the entrance.
  • Fee: Free (tip the bar).
• Monthly – The Observatory – Open Mic Night (3rd Saturday)
  • Time: 7 pm.
  • Genres: Rock, metal, progressive.
  • Sign‑up: Ticketmaster reservation (free).
  • Fee: $5.

San Diego‑Specific Tips

• Parking. Street meters are common; The Casbah and Westgate have nearby public lots for a modest fee.
• Weather. Even in winter evenings can be breezy near the coast—bring a light jacket.
• Back‑line. The Spirit Room supplies a drum kit and a keyboard; The Tickler expects you to bring your own amp and mic.
• Set‑list limits. Most venues allow 3‑5 songs per act; The Westgate asks for a short list when you reserve your ticket.
• Community. San Diego musicians love collaborations across genres; mention you’re open to “jam partners” when you sign up.

Contact & Further Resources

• The Casbah – casbahmusic.com – (619) 231‑6002
• The Loft – theloftsandiego.com – (619) 555‑1122
• The Spirit Room – spiritroomsd.com – (619) 236‑0305
• Mongraal – mongraal.com – (619) 222‑3333
• Westgate Hotel – westgatehotel.com/events – (619) 229‑0012
• The Tickler – thetickler.com – (619) 555‑7777
• Patio on Goldfinch – patioongoldfinch.com – (619) 555‑1234
• The Observatory – observatorysd.com – (619) 232‑2322