Open mic nights are like yard sales for music fans. You may not love everything you see and the presentation may be rough, but it’s fun to have a look around. Discovering some unexpected treasure, especially in your own back yard, makes your heart sing. If you’re a music lover who enjoys discovering new artists, check out the open mic nights at these St. Louis hot spots.

Foam Coffee and Beer
3359 Jefferson Ave.
St. Louis, MO
314-772-2100
www.foamSTL.com

Click here for info on upcoming Open Mic nights at Foam

Foam is a casual alternative venue in the forever up-and-coming Cherokee neighborhood. This quirky lounge has a reputation for friendly service and an ubercool neo-hippy vibe. Both a cafe and a pub, Foam offers funky decor and live music at the corner of Jefferson and Cherokee. Open mic night is enthusiastically hosted by Ellen the Felon and Lang-a-Tang Langen on Wednesdays, from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.

The Shanti
825 Allen Ave.
Saint Louis, MO
(314) 241-4772
www.soulardshanti.com

The Shanti is a cozy little Soulard joint. Unlike the trendier places in Soulard, the Shanti’s intimate bar and expansive patio welcomes you as you are, but especially if you’re an old hippy or a young hipster. The regulars are very friendly and outgoing (especially after a few PBRs), so come prepared to make new friends. Open mic night at the Shanti is on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. and features an eclectic mix of musical styles.

Related: Best Live Music Venues In St. Louis

Venice Cafe
1903 Pestalozzi St.
Saint Louis, MO
(314) 772-5994
www.thevenicecafe.com

Venice Cafe, located in the Benton Park area, offers a psychedelic backdrop for an eclectic open mic night that might include guitars, accordions, poetry and even belly dancers! The walls are a mosaic montage of randomness. Matchbox cars, fishtanks, tile, records and assorted memorabilia offer plenty of conversation fodder, and the wide array of drinks are sure to provide enough courage to get you up on stage. Open mic night at Venice is on Mondays at 9:30 p.m.

The Stagger Inn
104 East Vandalia
Edwardsville, IL
(618) 656-4221
www.staggerinnagain.com

Playing at the Stagger Inn’s open mic night is almost a rite of passage for up-and-coming St. Louis bands. Maybe it’s because Edwardsville is the only real college town in the St. Louis metro area or because it’s the area’s oldest pub. Or it just might be because of the roomy stage and friendly atmosphere at the bar. Whatever the reason, every Monday and Wednesday night the Stagger Inn is home to open mic nights that are a deep part of St. Louis music tradition. While you’re there, enjoy the nice selection of microbrews on tap.

Related: Best Karaoke Bars In St. Louis

Funny Bone Comedy Club
614 Westport Plaza
Maryland Heights, MO
(314) 469-6692
stlouisfunnybone.com

If you’d rather laugh than listen to music, the Funny Bone at Westport has an open mic night for you. Every Tuesday at 8 p.m., the Club welcomes about a dozen local pros and amateurs to the stage. Admission is just $5, with a two drink minimum per person. You never know what will happen at a comedy club open mic night, so be ready for anything!

Lauren Haas is a writer who specializes in finding the fun! Lauren was the publisher of the St. Louis Area Family Gazette for eight years, and now writes freelance articles on St. Louis events and attractions, budget travel, arts and entertainment and fitness topics. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.