You can catch live music for free on any given night of the week in Denton. Did y'all know that? We always knew that in the back of our heads, but we didn't realize just how much of it there was. That is until we put together this (fairly) comprehensive list detailing tons of the various venues that you can catch some tunes for free in Denton or sign up to play at an open mic night. Believe us when we say there's something for everyone in here. Live music not your thing? Don't worry, we've got a few non-music cultural events of which you can partake in the list, too.
Aside from the sure-bets for live Denton music like Harvest House or LSA, we’ve picked some spots that tend to get overlooked. Here, then, is our handy dandy go-to WEEKLY WHAT-TA-DENTON-DO LIST when someone dares to wonder aloud, "What is there to do in town tonight?" Here's their answer...
Below is our compiled list of most of the live music that you can catch for free in Denton. Have one that isn't listed? Let us know in the comments!
MONDAYS
Hoochie’s Oyster House: Live local music at 6pm.
Abbey Underground: Karaoke, 7:30p.
The Greenhouse: Live jazz, 10pm... Must see music!!
TUESDAYS
Sweetwater Grill & Tavern: Jazz, Blues, or Texas Swing, 6:30pm.
Audacity Brew House: Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 7pm.
Greater Denton Arts Council PAAC: FREE movies, 8pm.
Bearded Monk: FREE Movies, 8:30pm
Mable Peabody’s Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw Repair: Open mic, 9pm.
Crossroads Bar: Karaoke, 9:30p.
WEDNESDAYS
The Abbey Underground: County Rexford Irish music, 7-9pm.
Oak Street Draft House: Social Run, 7pm.
Andy’s Bar: Karaoke
THURSDAYS
Audacity Brew House: Open mic night, 7pm.
Mulberry Street Cantina: Trivia Night, 7pm.
Abbey Underground: Basically Basie Big Band, 8pm.
FRIDAYS
La Milpa Mexican Restaurant: Mariachi Quetzal, 7:30-9:30pm.
LSA Burger: Live music and rooftop seating, but get there before 5pm.
Plus, you'll probably just stumble upon some live music wherever. Google search the term "house shows + Denton" and we guarantee you'll find a few worthwhile free shows. Just be nice to their house.
SATURDAYS
Picker’s Circle: Historic Courthouse Lawn, 10am.
The Chestnut Tea Room: Live Jazz Brunch, 10a-2p.
Once again this is Denton on the weekend. There is bound to be plenty of live music EVERYWHERE! Heck, you can even join a drum circle on the square and get in on some of the action yourself.
SUNDAYS
Dan's Silverleaf: Patio tunes, 5pm.
Harvest House: Sunday Funk, 4-8pm.
The Abbey Underground, Bone Doggie open mic, 7pm sign-up.
And then there are always the free live music events that come. Twilight Tunes is one of said events and occurs during late spring on the Denton Courthouse lawn on Thursday evenings. Additionally, Taps and Caps just finished hosting live music every weekend night in July and we sure as heck hope they do that again soon! Until then, we'll just see y'all at karaoke at Crossroads.
Shaun Treat is a former professor at the University of North Texas and founder of the Denton Haunts historical ghost tour. Doc has written about numerous local places and personalities at his Denton Haunts blog, and is forever indebted to the great work of our local keepers of history like Mike Cochran and Laura Douglas at the Emily Fowler Library for their tireless work in helping preserve Denton’s intriguing past. Be sure to check out our local museums curated by the fine folks at the Denton County Office of History & Culture, and follow @Dentonaut on Twitter for local happenings.