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Open mic night · First Wednesdays

Walk up. Sign the list. Plug in.

Lake Wales Open Mic Night is a laid-back community gathering for musicians, singers, poets, bands, and anyone who loves live music. No auditions. No tickets. No cover charge. Just show up and be part of something real.

Polk County Open Mic · First Wednesday monthly

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET · Old Man Franks — 1005 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880

Walk-up sign-in opens at the door. Free, all-ages, every first Wednesday of the month.

Also on the calendar

  • Wednesday, September 2, 2026
  • Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • Wednesday, November 4, 2026
  • Wednesday, December 2, 2026

Countdown to the next night

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Share the night

Invite friends to Open Mic Night

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Old Man Franks — 1005 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880

Polk County Open Mic Night · August 5 · Mojo Maniacs at Old Man Frank's, Winter Haven

Next night

Open Mic Night

Date
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Old Man Franks — 1005 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880

Polk County Open Mic Night moves lakeside to Old Man Franks in Winter Haven — a seafood bar and restaurant on Lake Howard with sunset views. Featuring Mojo Maniacs. Walk-up sign-in, house drums on site, bring your own instrument and amp when you can. All-ages, free and open to the public. Presented by BackTier.com — contact Jason (jason@backtier.com).

This month · lakeside

Old Man Franks — on Lake Howard.

1005 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880 · (863) 294-9179. Seafood bar & restaurant with sunset views. Walk-up sign-in, house drums, all-ages, free to the public.

Questions or want to perform? Contact Jason: jason@backtier.com

Old Man Franks · (863) 294-9179 · 1005 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven

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Presented by BackTier.com and hosted by Jason Wade. Learn more at JasonWade.com.

About the event

Live & local, always free.

  • Live & Local — Original songs, covers, spoken word, and everything in between. All styles welcome.
  • Always Free — No cover charge, no entry fee. Come as a performer or just a fan.
  • Lakeside setting — Old Man Franks sits right on Lake Howard in Winter Haven — sunset views, seafood, cold drinks, and a stage under the sky. Questions? Contact Jason: jason@backtier.com.
Open Mic Night poster featuring Mojo Maniacs, Aug 5 at Old Man Frank's
Field notes · open mic

Did you know?

Lake Wales: Florida's Music City.

Within 25 miles of downtown Lake Wales, four nationally significant music artists were born or raised — making this stretch of Central Florida a real cradle of American music. Every open mic night here carries on that legacy.

Bobby Braddock

Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter; wrote "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (George Jones) and "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" (Tammy Wynette).

Gram Parsons

Pioneer of "cosmic American music," the fusion of country, rock, and soul that shaped Americana; played with The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers.

Jim Stafford

Hitmaker behind "Spiders and Snakes" and "My Girl Bill"; appeared on The Tonight Show and hosted his own TV special.

Lobo (Kent LaVoie)

Topped the charts with "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo" and "I'd Love You to Want Me."

Lake Wales also hosts the Orange Blossom Revue, an annual Americana and roots music festival, and is home to the ACE District (Arts, Culture & Entertainment) — anchored by the Lake Wales Arts Center.

How it works

No advance sign-up. Just show up.

There is no online registration, no audition, and no complicated process. Performer slots are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Arrive early, add your name to the list, and get ready to play. Whether you have performed for years or this is your first time stepping up to a microphone, the stage is open to you.

Music runs 6:00–9:00 PM. Arrive early to add your name to the list.

For performers

What to know before you play.

Drums Are Available

A drum kit will be on site. Bring your own instruments, amps, and PA equipment when possible — the more useful gear on hand, the easier it is to keep music moving.

Bring Your Instrument

Bring your guitar, bass, keyboard, harmonica, saxophone, ukulele, or whatever else you play.

Two Songs Per Performer

Each performer gets two songs. Jason gets three because he's sponsoring the event. Those are the rules. :)

Be Ready to Jam

Keep it friendly and flexible. Musicians are encouraged to meet each other, sit in when invited, and jam together when the moment is right.

Every first Wednesday

Downtown comes alive.

The goal is simple: create a regular place for local musicians and music fans to gather, play, listen, and build something together. No tickets. No cover charge. No advance RSVP. Just live music in downtown Lake Wales.

Who should come?

  • Singer-Songwriters — Play an original song or put your own spin on a favorite.
  • Spoken Word & Poets — The microphone is open to more than music.
  • Bands and Duos — Small groups welcome. Keep setup simple to keep the night moving.
  • Music Fans — You don't need to perform. Come downtown, listen, meet people, and support local talent.

FAQ

Open Mic Night questions, answered.

How does the sign-up process work?

Sign-up is first come, first served. There is no online registration and no audition. When you arrive at Old Man Franks, find the performer sign-up sheet near the stage, write your name and instrument, then take a seat. The host calls names in the order they appear. Arrive early — the list fills up fast.

What is the two-song rule?

Every performer gets two songs per night. This keeps the evening moving and gives as many people as possible a turn. Jason, the host and event sponsor, gets three songs. Keep songs reasonably timed so the night stays on schedule.

What should I bring?

Bring your own instrument — guitar, bass, keyboard, harmonica, ukulele, saxophone, or whatever you play. A drum kit is provided. Bring your amp, pedals, tuner, cables, picks, capos, and any backing tracks on a phone with a cable or Bluetooth if needed. Lyric sheets and a set list help. Most importantly, bring a good attitude and be ready to listen.

Is there a cover charge?

No. The event is free to attend and free to perform. A voluntary tip jar may be available to help cover future costs and shared musician gear, but contributing is completely optional.

Can bands perform?

Yes. Duos, trios, and small bands are welcome. Keep setup simple and quick, and coordinate with the host when your name is called.

Is it all ages?

Yes. Performers and audiences of all ages are welcome. Younger musicians are encouraged to sign up and play.

What styles of music are allowed?

All styles are welcome — originals, covers, acoustic, electric, folk, country, blues, rock, jazz, spoken word, and poetry. Keep content family-friendly and respectful.

What time should I arrive?

Music runs 6:00–9:00 PM. Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to sign up, settle in, and catch a good spot. The earlier you arrive, the better your place on the list.

Location

Old Man Franks — Lake Howard, Winter Haven.

Lakeside seafood bar & restaurant on Lake Howard — sunset views, cold drinks, fresh seafood, and room for a proper open mic. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 · 6:00–9:00 PM. Featuring Mojo Maniacs. Walk-up, all-ages, free and open to the public.

Address: 1005 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880 · (863) 294-9179

Questions or want to perform? Contact Jason: jason@backtier.com · 321-946-5569

Get in touch

Questions? Ready to perform?

Have a question about the event or just want to stay in the loop? Reach out to Jason directly — he's happy to help.

  • Call or Text: 321-946-5569 — Jason is reachable by phone or text.
  • Email: jason@backtier.com
  • Website: JasonWade.com — event updates, Jason's music, and more.
  • Host a night: Venues welcome to reach out about hosting the next Open Mic Night.

Next up: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 · 6:00–9:00 PM · Old Man Franks · 1005 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven · featuring Mojo Maniacs.

Free to attend

Optional tip jar.

Lake Wales Open Mic Night is free for performers and listeners. There is no cover charge, no entry fee, and no obligation to contribute anything.

A voluntary tip jar will be available for anyone who wants to help keep the event going. Contributions are reserved for future event costs — such as permits or insurance if they become necessary — and shared equipment musicians can use at future open mic nights.

Don't feel obligated. Come play, listen, and enjoy the evening. If you do contribute, the money goes back into making future events easier, better equipped, and sustainable.

Open mic contact list

The performers powering the room.

A working roster of Lake Wales / Winter Haven musicians, bands, choirs, and sound crews — including players actively looking for a band.

Musicians / Performers

Bands / Groups

Musicians Looking for Bands

Choirs / Music Education

Production / Sound / DJs