Open Mic Nights

Pros and amateurs alike try out new material (and beat old material to death) at the area's open mic nights. Many of these listings do change suddenly, so be sure to call or e-mail to confirm that a show is still running before you go. If you would like to add a listing to this page, e-mail chris@dcstandup.com with the relevant information. Shows are listed by day of the week.

LAST UPDATE: 2/1/12

Sundays

HIGHTOPS BACKSTAGE GRILL in Timonium, Maryland. Every Sunday. "My new room is up and running. It's called 'Drink Till We're Funny.' I have a paid headliner spot, paid feature and 5-7 open mic slots every Sunday night. Comedians must email me in advance for a spot - booking@tbradhudson.com (DO NOT CALL THE VENUE)."
Address: 2306 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Online: Drink Till We're Funny site

PUBLIC TENLEY in Tenleytown. Starting 1/22/12. "Adrian Rodney and Stephen Nicks host 'Standing Up In Public,'every Sunday at 8 p.m. Located two blocks from the Tenelytown Metro. E-mail supcomedy@gmail.com to sign-up."
Address: 4611 41st St NW , Washington, DC 20016
Online: Public Tenley site

SUMMERS in Arlington, Virginia. Every Sunday beginning 2/19/12. "Show starts at 8 and is free. Organized by Sean Joyce, Nate Johnson, and Drey Dailey. To sign up e-mail summerscomedy@gmail.com. Do not contact the venue."
Address: 1520 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201
Online: Summers site

Mondays

LOOKING GLASS LOUNGE in Petworth, DC. Last Monday of the month. "Local comics Reggie Melbrough and Mike Curran host a comedy evening at The Looking Glass Lounge. Sign up is from 7pm to 7:45pm, or you can e-mail lgcomedyshow@gmail.com to sign up. Opening performances by the hosts last until 8pm at which time the rest of the show will kick off, ending at 10pm. Comics will have ten minute sets and yes, there are open mic opportunities for some of you looking for embarrassment! At the end of the show, three people will be selected from the crowd to try their hand at stand-up, one joke a piece. The best joke gets a $2 gift certificate to be used at The Looking Glass Lounge or The Wonderland Ballroom.
Address: 3634 Georgia Ave NW, Washington DC 20010

SONOMA'S BAR AND GRILLE in Columbia, Maryland. "Monday Night Comedy is every Monday at Sonoma's. FREE SHOW, 8pm - 10pm. 8 slots open to comics of all abilities. Funniest comic of the night gets a cash prize. Each show closed by a comedian who's appeared at/on: Magooby's Joke House, HBO Def Comedy Jam, BET's Comic View, Late Show with David Letterman. To sign-up, send an email to: uncledavecomedy@gmail.com."
Address: 7284 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
Online: Sonoma's site

THE MEETING PLACE in Downtown DC. NOTE: This is on hiatus until after football season. A comedy show every other week, hosted by Billy McCaleb. Show starts at 7:30. Advance sign-up is recommended, by e-mailing meetingplacemondays@gmail.com. There will be a headliner for each show. Starts 4/25/11.
Address: 1707 L St NW, Washington DC 20036
Online: Meeting Place site

SIDEBAR TAVERN in Baltimore. Starting 10/10/2011. Sign up starts at 8 and show starts at 8:30. Organized by Mike Finazzo. "If anyone has any questions or would like to sign up in advance, they can email me at finazzo.comedy@gmail.com. Comics of all experiences are welcome!"
Address: 218 E. Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Online: Sidebar Tavern site

HUNAN NUMBER ONE in Arlington, Virgina. "Every Monday beginning 2/6/12. Sign up is on-site starting at 7:30. Show starts at 8 and is free. New comics welcome. Parking available in rear – 1400 block of N. Garfield. Organized by Sean Joyce, Nate Johnson, and Drey Dailey. Do not contact the venue.
Address: 3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
Online: Hunan One site

Tuesdays

THE SPEAKEASY, Town Danceboutique, DC. "The Speakeasy" is the second Tuesday of every month, and it's a storytelling open mic with a theme. Doors open 6:30. Show runs 8-10 and admission is $10 at the door. There are two featured tellers and anyone with a story (i.e. not a series of jokes) can sign-up. Performers must use the theme and there is a strict 7-minute time limit (no exceptions). Stories are often funny, but not always, and never offensive (so, if you've got something to say that you wouldn't say in a room full of gays, blacks, jews, homeless people, muslims, women or whoever, don't bother saying it here). It's most important that stories are interesting and compelling. You must see one show before signing up, so you know what to expect. Then click here to find out more and fill out a form.
Address: Town Danceboutique at 2009 8th Street NW, Washington, DC
Online: Speakeasy info

ELLIE'S PLACE in Millersville, Maryland. Last Tuesday of the month. Hosted by Jay Miller. The show starts at 8:30pm. E-mail Jay (jaysmiller@yahoo.com) to get a spot or more information.
Address: 8421 Veterans Highway, Millersville, MD
Online: Ellie's Place Facebook page

TONIC in Foggy Bottom, DC. The first Tuesday of the month. Show begins at 9. Organized by Rob Maher. To sign up, e-mail robmaher@gmail.com.
Address: 2036 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Online: Tonic site

EPICURE CAFE in Fairfax, Virginia. Starting 5/24/11. Show starts at 8. "Epic Comedy Open Mic" is tri-hosted by Adam Belcher, Brandon Fisher and Timothy Trueheart. Sign up at 7:30. Five-minute sets, and material must be PG-13.
Address: 11213-A Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030 (behind the Chilis)
Online: Epicure Cafe site

SOLLY'S in U St. corridor, DC. "Quick and the Damned" open mic the first and last Tuesday of the month, starting July 5. Sign-up at 7:30; starts at 8. Brought to you by "You, Me, Them, Everybody" and "Live from the Lab." Hosted by Peter Heyneman, Brandon Wetherbee and Erik Zieger.
Address: 1942 11th Street NW, Washington, DC
Online: Solly's web site

RIOT ACT in Penn Quarter, DC. "Every Tuesday at 8:30 pm. Show features a mix of newbies as well as local and national pros. Comics enter free. Performing comics get 10 free guests. Additional guests: $5 cover. All others: $10 cover. Stage time: 5 minutes. Contact Paul Schorsch (paul@riotactcomedy.com) for booking."
Address: 801 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Online: Riot Act site

FINNEGAN'S SPORTS BAR in Herndon, Virginia. Starts 9/13/11. Tuesdays at 9, organized by Travis Miller. Interested comedians can call 571-471-9040. This is an open mic with a headliner, and it runs to 10:30.
Address: 2310 Woodland Crossing Drive, Herndon, VA 20171
Online: Finnegan's site

ALL STARS SPORTS BAR AND GRILL in Baltimore. "Show starts at 9 p.m., comedians arrive by 8:45. Organized by LeClerc Darguin. For more info or to sign up e-mail LeClercthejerk@gmail.com. All comics are welcome, even newbies! The show is completely free!"
Address: 34 South Eutaw St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Online: All Stars web site

BLUE BANANA in Petworth. Every other Tuesday. "On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, we will be opening a new comedy room at the Blue Banana in Petworth, right by the Georgia Avenue Metro Station. The show will be FREE to attend and in order to sign up for this show, or future shows there, email signup@districtcomedy.com."
Address: 3632 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC 20010
Online: Blue Banana site

MARRAKECH LOUNGE in Adams Morgan. Starting 11/8/11. "We're going to be doing an open mic at a great location in Adams Morgan, The Marrakech Lounge. It's going to be on Tuesday nights. If you'd like to perform, e-mail me at jillycohen@yahoo.com to sign up."
Address: 1817 Columbia Road NW
Online: Marrakesh Lounge site

19TH in Downtown DC. "A new open mic will be starting in January in DC at 19th (1900 I St NW). The time will be 8 p.m., every Tuesday night, hosted by Eric Sampson. People can email 19thcomedy@gmail.com to get time. Sign up is in advance via e-mail, sign-in is at 7:45 p.m."
Address: 1900 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Online: 19th site

Wednesdays

RI-RA IRISH PUB in Arlington, Virginia.
Starting in May 2008. Shows run 8 - 10. 3 to 10 minutes stage time. Newbies welcome! $25 cash prize joke contest for non-coms after the show! Metro friendly. Sign-up: e-mail CurtShackelford (at) verizon.net. DON'T CALL RI-RA. For more information, visit Standupcomedytogo.com.
Address: 2915 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Online: Ri-Ra site

POTOMAC GRILL in Rockville, Maryland. Show starts at 8:30. E-mail Rob Maher (robmaher@gmail.com) to get a spot. It's a seafood restaurant.
Address: 1093 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 (Talbott Shopping Center)
Online: The Potomac Grill site

CADDIES ON CORDELL in Bethesda, Maryland. The second Wednesday of each month. "Bellylaughs in Bethesda" is organized by Wayne Manigo (wmanigo@gmail.com). Booking is done in advance -- e-mail Wayne. The show runs from 8 to 10.
Address: 4922 Cordell Ave Bethesda, MD 20814
Online: Caddie's site

BIG MOUTH CLUB in Waldorf, Maryland. "Open Mic Comedy every Wednesday night. $100 weekly prize to best comedian (only one win per 12 weeks). $500 grand prize (with weekly winners as contestants) at our Laugh-A-Palooza. Sign up by 8:45pm."
Address: 2175 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601
Online: Big Mouth Club site

MORGAN'S SPORTS BAR AND LOUNGE in Woodbridge, Virginia. Every week at 10. Sign-up is on-site.
Address: 3081 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192

THE GLASS GRILL in Baltimore. No cover. E-mail glassgrillwednesday@yahoo.com to get on the list early -- first come, first served.
Address:6804 Eastern Ave., Baltimore MD 21224
Online: Glass Grill site

RED HOUSE TAVERN in Baltimore. No cover. Wednesdays at 8:30. Red House Tavern Presents: Red Hot Comedy, 6 slots available with performance times between 6 to 10 mins. Each show closed by a featured comedian. Guest host slots available on certain shows. To sign-up, send an email to: uncledavecomedy@gmail.com.
Address:2239 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21231

FRUIT BAT in Atlas District, DC. Every Wednesday from 8-10, hosted by Adrian Rodney. "Newbies who try out can win a chance at gaining a membership at Church and State (the bar upstairs). Membership may include drink specials and venue reservations. You can sign up by e-mailing: thelist@comedyonh.com. There will be no walk-ins." "
Address:1236 H St. NE, Washington, DC
Online: Fruit Bat site

OLD GLORY in Georgetown. Show runs from 8:30 to 10, sets are 3, 5, 7, and 10 minutes long. Sign up is on-site at 8. The show is located upstairs on the back patio. Do not call or e-mail Old Glory.
Address: 3139 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Online: Old Glory site

Thursdays

TOPAZ HOTEL in Dupont Circle, DC. Shows run 8 - 10. Lower Level Enlightenment Room. 3 to 10 minutes stage time. Newbies welcome! $25 cash prize joke contest for non-coms after the show! Metro friendly. Sign-up: e-mail CurtShackelford (at) verizon.net. DON'T CALL TOPAZ. For more information, visit Standupcomedytogo.com.
Address: 1733 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Online: Topaz Hotel Web site

MAGOOBY'S JOKE HOUSE in Parkville, Maryland. This "New Talent Night" is usually the second and last Thursday of the month; you can get the sign-up info at the Magooby's site. Twelve comics, followed by the weekend headliner. Winner gets $75 and a paid gig at the club. Admission is $7.
Address: 9603 Deereco Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Online: Magooby's site

THE COMEDY SPOT in Ballston, Virginia. Inside the Ballston Commons Mall, on the Spot's second stage. Sign-ups start at 7, show starts at 7:30. No cover. Pros, amateurs and newcomers are welcome! Sign-up is on site and not in advance. For any other info, e-mail arlingtoncomedy@gmail.com (do not contact the Comedy Spot).
Address: 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA
Online: Comedy Spot site

BRITTANY'S in Woodbridge, Virginia. Presented by First Laugh Entertainment. Thursday Night open mic at 9pm and monthly weekend showcases. Booked by Paul Simpson and Jim Pate with First Laugh Entertainment at BrittanysComedy@gmail.com
Address: 12449 Dillingham Square, Woodbridge, VA
Online: Brittany's site

RED LOUNGE in U St. Corridor, DC. "Slim's Comedy Show at The Red Lounge" is the first and third Thursday of each month. Doors open at 6:30, show begins at 8. For more information and to sign up, e-mail Toni at respectmyfunny@gmail.com.
Address: 2013 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Online: Red Lounge site

RFD in Chinatown, DC. Brad Ryan and Ralph Cooper are organizing this show in the back room of RFD every Thursday. Doors open at 7:30, and the show starts at 8:30. Comics get 5-7 minutes. E-mail Brad Ryan or Ralph Cooper at AwesomeThursdays@gmail.com.
Address: 810 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
Online: RFD site

AUSTIN GRILL in Rockville, Maryland. NOTE: This is on hiatus until after football season. First Thursday of the month, but subject to change based on availability. "Rock The Grill Comedy Showcase is a monthly pre-booked open mic with a paid headliner. Run by Matty Abrams and Pat Riley. Doors open at 8 and show starts promptly at 9. For more info or to sign up please e-mail RockTheGrill@gmail.com"
Address: 36 Maryland Avenue, Unit A, Rockville, MD

THE MILL STEAKHOUSE TAVERN in Baltimore. Every Thursday starting at 8, it's the Stiletto Show.
Address: 1520 Clipper Rd Baltimore MD 21211
Online: Mill site

TAYLOR MADE CAFE in Baltimore. "Last Comic Standing" open mic comedy. First and third Thursday of every month, from 8 to 11. $10 at the door. Interested comedians can contact Daryell at 443-877-0877 or Nick at 443-983-8325.
Address: 6 South Poppleton St., Baltimore, MD

Fridays

BUSBOYS AND POETS in Shirlington, Virginia. Last Friday of the month. "Offers a platform for ALL PERFORMERS - not just poets! Whether you are a musician, comedian, dancer, actor/actress, magician, or any other type of performer - we want to see what you've got. Come showcase your talent!" Sign-up list opens at 10 p.m., but you have to pay $5 to get on stage.
Address: 4251 South Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA 22206

MARCO POLO in Vienna, Virginia. "Starting 12/16/2011, this weekly pre-booked open mic is located in the Back Room at the Marco Polo restaurant in Vienna and will run from 8 to 10 pm. Comics will receive 4 to 10 minutes of stage time and will be notified ahead of time by e-mail. Hosted by Adam Belcher. Sign-up will be 1 to 2 weeks in advance via email at BackRoomComedy@gmail.com (don't call the venue)." Tickets are $5.
Address: 245 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA 22180
Online: Marco Polo site

THE DANCING CRAB in Tenley, DC. Petey Sugg is hosting this weekly open mic starting on 2/10/12. "All newbies and veterans can e-mail me for slots at petersugg21@yahoo.com. Sets will be 5-7 minutes long. Walk-ins allowed, but no guarantees."
Address: 4611 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
Online: Dancing Crab site

Saturdays

HYATT REGENCY in Bethesda, Maryland. Shows run 8 - 10 PM. 7-30 minutes stage time. Newbies welcome! $25 cash prize joke contest for non-coms after the show! ALL COMICS PAID. Metro friendly! Sign-up, e-mail CurtShackelford (at) verizon.net. DON'T CALL THE HYATT. For more information, visit Standupcomedytogo.com.
Address: 7400 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Online: Hyatt Web site

OLD ARLINGTON GRILL in Arlington, Virginia. Starting at 10:30, organized by Rob Maher, Andy Kline and Randolph T. This is a restaurant off the lobby of the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse. Each show features up to 15 comics and admission is free. You can sign up by e-mailing drafthousecomedy@gmail.com.
Address: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA
Online: Arlington Drafthouse site

VARSITY LOUNGE in College Park, Maryland. Shows starts at 9. Doors open at 8:30. Show is booked in advance, only four openings for guest spots. Booked Headliner each show. Stage time is between 8 and 10 minutes for those signed up in advance. You can check the schedule on Kaleidoscope's web site. To sign up e-mail Kaleidoscopecomedy (at) yahoo.com.
Address: 8601 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740 (in the College Park Inn)
Online: Kaleidoscope website

BIG BEAR CAFE in Eckington, DC. "Saturdays starting February 11th (with frequency TBD) organized by Chels Shorte. All experience levels welcome! Doors open at 7:30pm. Show runs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. No cover. Short walk from the Shaw-Howard Metro. For more info or to sign-up, email bigbearcomedy@gmail.com."
Address: 1700 1st Street NW, Washington, DC
Online: Big Bear site