Open Mic Performer Sign-Ups

Mon Jan 19 at 6:00pm

Nashville, TN

Event Info

This sign-up page is for Open Mic performers ONLY. We have moved to online sign-ups for our Monday Open Mic show. In order to sign-up and participate, please add a slot to your cart when they become available at 11 AM CST. We have 18 slots open. In an effort to include as many writers as possible, we ask that participating songwriters not sign up for two consecutive Open Mic Night shows. Writers who are on the list must be at the club and have checked in with the host by 5:15pm on that Monday evening in order to perform. We will be honoring any existing Play Next Time stamps but will not be distributing any more. Please remember the following guidelines as they remain in place: Each participating writer will get the chance to play 1-2 original songs, solo or accompanied by no more than two others on stage. Drums and backing tracks are not allowed. We have a house Taylor Grand Pacific guitar and a Kawai digital piano (88-weighted keys) that are available to use. Each performer is able to bring one guest with them.Open Mic Nights are made possible by The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The RIAA recognizes the importance of The Bluebird Cafe as providing opportunities, not just to established writers and artists, but also to those who are developing their talents and their careers. More about RIAA here. Tickets for guests to attend Open Mic Night are not reserved in advance. These seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis when doors open. Please note that you may be seated with persons outside of your immediate party.

Mon - January 19, 2026 • 6:00 PMTickets

Additional dates

Venue

The Bluebird Cafe

4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN

http://www.bluebirdcafe.com/

(615) 383-1461

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville a real place?: Yes, the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville is a real and iconic music venue located at 4104 Hillsboro Pike, just outside downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1982, it has become world-famous for its intimate setting and its role in launching the careers of countless singer-songwriters, including Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks. The Bluebird Cafe is renowned for its "in-the-round" performances, where songwriters share their stories and songs up close with the audience. Its authenticity and legacy have cemented it as a must-visit destination for music lovers visiting Nashville, making it far more than just a fictional location from TV or movies.
How hard is it to get into the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville?: Getting into the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville can be quite challenging due to its small size—seating only about 90 people—and its immense popularity. Tickets for most shows, especially the "In The Round" songwriter nights, often sell out within minutes of being released online. Walk-up seating is extremely limited, and lines can form hours in advance for any available spots. To maximize your chances, it's essential to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale, typically one week in advance. The combination of legendary status and intimate atmosphere makes the Bluebird Cafe a highly sought-after Nashville experience, so planning ahead is crucial.
Is there a dress code at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville?: The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville maintains a casual and welcoming atmosphere, so there is no strict dress code for guests. Visitors typically wear comfortable, casual attire suitable for an evening out in Nashville. While you don't need to dress up formally, it's recommended to avoid overly revealing or offensive clothing out of respect for the performers and fellow patrons. Since the venue is intimate and the focus is on the music, the Bluebird Cafe encourages guests to relax and enjoy the show in comfort. Whether you're coming from a day of sightseeing or heading out for a night in Nashville, casual wear is perfectly acceptable.
What movie was filmed at the Bluebird Cafe?: The Bluebird Cafe has been prominently featured in both films and television. Most notably, it was a key filming location for the hit ABC/CMT TV series "Nashville," where many pivotal scenes were shot, showcasing its intimate ambiance and musical heritage. In terms of movies, the Bluebird Cafe appeared in the 1993 film "The Thing Called Love," starring Sandra Bullock and River Phoenix. The film centers around aspiring singer-songwriters trying to make it in Nashville, with the Bluebird Cafe serving as the central backdrop, further cementing its legendary status in country music culture and Hollywood alike.
How to get tickets for Bluebird Cafe Nashville?: To get tickets for the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, visit their official website (bluebirdcafe.com) where tickets are typically released every Monday at 8 a.m. Central Time for shows scheduled the following week. Due to the venue's small size and high demand, tickets sell out very quickly, so it's essential to log in and purchase tickets as soon as they become available. Some seats are reserved for walk-ups, but these are extremely limited and require arriving hours early. For the best chance, set up an account beforehand and check the schedule regularly for updates on upcoming performances and ticket releases.