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.

Sundays

PALACE OF WONDERS in H St. Corridor, DC. Every other Sunday (check the web site for exact dates). Hosted by Kyle Martin and Michael Foody. Sign-up is on-site starting at 8:40. The show runs from 9 to 11. For more information e-mail: districtstandup@gmail.com or check out the Facebook profile *District Stand-up*.
Address: 1210 H St. NE Washington, DC 20002
Online: Palace of Wonders site

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 - tbrad@tbradhudson.com (DO NOT CALL THE VENUE). Shows start March 22."
Address: 2306 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Online: Hightops site

TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT in Alexandria, Virginia. A booked open mic format run by First Laugh Entertainment. No cover, and the show runs from 7:30 to 9. If you have any questions, try michaelsmartcomedy@live.com or biggpate@yahoo.com.
Address: 219 King Street Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Online: 219 site

Mondays

11TH ST. LOUNGE in Clarendon, Virginia. This open mic is organized by Lou Giglio. It's in the downstairs room. As of fall 2009, it's every week! To sign up, you can message lougiglio (at) verizon.net. 8 pm showtime; roll call at 7:30. Show generally books 1-2 weeks in advance.
Address: 1041 N. Highland St., Arlington, VA 22201

LOOKING GLASS LOUNGE in Petworth, DC. Every other Monday (1/18, 2/1 ...) "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 $25 gift certificate to be used at The Looking Glass Lounge or The Wonderland Ballroom."
Address: 3634 Georgia Ave NW, Washington DC 20010

Tuesdays

THE SPEAKEASY, Station 9, 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: 1438 U Street NW
Online: Speakeasy info

SOLLY'S TAVERN in U St., DC. "Open Mic Mouth" is held at this dive bar (PBR in a can!), and we gather it will be on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Hosted by Mike Gabaly. Sign up for artists starts at 8:30 p.m. and the show goes on at 9. $3 PBR, $4 High Life, Bud Lite, Miller Lite. No cover charge.
Address: 1942 11th St. NW, Washington, DC
Online: Solly's site

WEYONES in Alexandria, Virginia. Doors at 7:30, show from 8-9:30. "Build your comedy resume at Weyones. Here you can move up the comedy ranks. Start out with open mic 5-7 mins. Move up to the paid slots MC, featuring and headliner. First Class comedy hosted by Travis Spencer. Sign up on line by emailing Travfg@hotmail.com. Show starts at 8 p.m."
Address: 5801 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA, 22304

NOTTINGHAM'S TAVERN in Columbia, Maryland. The first three Tuesdays of each month. Not sure on the specifics here but it's run by Sean Savoy. Here's the Facebook group, or you can try e-mailing nottyinfo@nottinghams.net for more.
Address: 8850 Stanford Blvd., Suite 1100, Columbia, MD 21045
Online: Nottingham's site

ELLIE'S PLACE in Millersville, Maryland. Every other Tuesday starting February 9, 2010. 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

MARYGOLDS in Lanham, Maryland. "Spoon Fed Tuesdays" hosted by ... Tony Spoon. $5 drink specials all night. No cover charge. If you have questions you can e-mail tony_stewart74@yahoo.com for more information.
Address: 8827 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD
Online: Marygolds site

PADONIA STATION in Timonium, Maryland. Hosted by Ayanna Dookie, every week at 9 p.m. To get a spot or more information, e-mail booking@ayannadookie.com.
Address: 63 E. Padonia Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Online: Padonia Station 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! Free beer for comics. $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

THE MADHATTER in Dupont Circle, DC. NOVEMBER 2009 UPDATE: Madhatter is moving locations, over to Connecticut Ave. After Nov. 25 this will be on hiatus for awhile, until the new location opens and show details can be worked out. If you're interested in more info, Contact Ben Long at benlong10@yahoo.com.
Online: Madhatter site

HALFTIME in White Plains, Maryland Show runs from 9 p.m. to 11:30, organized by the Hossman. Sign-up is on-site no later than 8:30. There are two paid spots, and guest spots are welcome. This venues is in Waldorf, located 10 minutes down street from St. Charles Mall. For more info call the Hossman at (240) 605-8972.
Address: 4560 Crain Highway (301 South), White Plains, MD 20695

THE SIDEBAR TAVERN in Baltimore, Maryland Starting at 9 p.m. "Located minutes away from Baltimore's red light district, the Sidebar Tavern will now have monthly comedy shows. The first show is Feb. 25. Comics interested in performing should contact Justin Jones. The only way to get a spot on this show is to e-mail Justin Jones; his e-mail address is thejustinjones@gmail.com. Please do not contact The Sidebar Tavern.
Address: 218 E. Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Online: Sidebar Tavern site

RECESSIONS in Downtown DC. "Comedy x 10" starts 1/13/10. The show runs 8-10 and sign-up is in advance through the organizer, Wayne Manigo (wmanigo@gmail.com, www.waynemancomedy.com).
Address: 1823 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20038
Online: Recessions site

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

NADDS in Baltimore, Maryland. Show starts at 9. Sign-up starts at 8, but the best way to guarantee a spot is to e-mail Justin Jones at BallsOutComedy@hotmail.com. All styles of comedy are welcome.
Address: 227 West Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Online: Nadds of Baltimore site

HOUSE OF CHANG in Fort Washington, Maryland. Show starts at 8. Tipping for Laughs open mic comedy showcase. Free for ladies, $5 for men. This is organized by Gee Gee the Beautician; for more info (including sign-up procedure) e-mail thebeauticiangg@yahoo.com.
Address: 9400 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744

THE SOUNDRY in Vienna, Virginia. A converted auto shop that now hosts all kinds of performance events. This comedy-only open mic starts March 3, 2010, and is every week. The show stars at 8 p.m. You can sign up in advance through the Web site (link below) or e-mail soundrycomedy@gmail.com.
Address: 316 Dominion Road, Vienna, VA 22180
Online: The Soundry site

Thursdays

TOPAZ HOTEL in Dupont Circle, DC. Shows run 8 - 10. Lower Level Enlightenment Room. 3 to 10 minutes stage time. Newbies welcome! Free beer for comics. $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

LAUGH OUT LOUD in Temple Hills, Maryland. "DC's Only Urban Comedy Club" has this listed on their web site as being every Thursday at 9 p.m., with a rotating host. $5 admission for guys, and women get in free. There's no indication on their site how to sign up for the open mic, but you can always try to e-mail LaughOutLoudComedy (at) yahoo.com for more information.
Address: 3285 Brinkley Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748
Online: Laugh Out Loud site

MAGOOBY'S JOKE HOUSE in Parkville, Maryland. This "New Talent Night" is once a month; you can get the details at the Magooby's site.
Address: 9306 Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234
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. "Join us every Thursday night at 8:30 for FREE Open Mic Comedy @ Brittany's!!" If you're interested in performing you can contact the First Laugh guys through their web site.
Address: 12449 Dillingham Square, Woodbridge, VA
Online: Brittany's site

FELICITAS in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Presented by Kaleidoscope Comedy. Starting 12/3/09 and running every Thursday at 8 p.m. For more info or for comics to sign up you can e-mail kaleidoscopecomedy@yahoo.com. Walk-ins will be limited. Show is free, and drink specials for each show.
Address: 608 Quince Orchard Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (Quince Orchard shopping center)

MR. SMITH'S in Georgetown, DC. First and third Thursdays of the month, from 8:30 to 10. Presented by Metro Comedy Connection, in the upstairs room. 10 acts a night with 5 minute sets. E-mail metrocomedygtown@hotmail.com least a week in advance -- room books quickly. Do not contact Mr. Smith's.
Address: 3104 M Street NW, Washington DC
Online: Facebook page

CAPITOL SKYLINE HOTEL on Capitol Hill, DC. Starting 3/4/10. Greg Brown is running this show, which starts at 8 p.m. each week. To sign up, e-mail Greg at capitalskylinecomedy@gmail.com.
Address: 10 I St. SW, Washington, DC 20024
Online: Capitol Skyline site

AUSTIN GRILL in Alexandria, Virginia. Every other Thursday at 9 p.m. (April 1, 15, 29 ...) hosted by Rob Maher. E-mail Rob (robmaher@gmail.com) to get a spot or more information. And have a burrito, they're delicious.
Address: 801 King Street, Alexandria, VA
Online: Austin Grill site

Fridays

THE SOUNDRY in Vienna, Virginia. A converted auto shop that now hosts all kinds of performance events. This open mic is for all kinds of performers, and it runs from 8-11 every week. You can sign up in advance at this web site.
Address: 316 Dominion Road, Vienna, VA 22180
Online: The Soundry site

SABORES LOUNGE in Cleveland Park, DC. Every other week from 9 to 11. The show runs from 8:45 to 10:30. To sign up e-mail districtstandup@gmail.com. For more information check out the Facebook profile *District Stand-up*.
Address: 3433 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC

ELEMENTS 24 in Forestville, Maryland. "The Giggle Zone" is a combination showcase and amateur night each Friday from 9 to 11, hosted by Tony Spoon. Admission is $10, and amateurs must sign in by 9 p.m. BYOL, mature audiences only.
Address: 7828 Parston Drive, Forestville, MD
Online: Elements 24 web site

CARIBOU COFFEE in downtown DC. Starting 1/7/10, "Comedy and Treats" organized by Royce Wynn. The show runs from 9 to 11 and is hosted by Royce. For info on sign-up, e-mail Royce at royce117@aol.com.
Address: 1400 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005

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

EJ'S LANDING in College Park, Maryland. Shows starts at 9. Open mic is first Saturday of month. Stage time is between 8 and 10 minutes for those signed up in advance. Second Saturday is the monthly contest. and the final two Saturdays are paid feature shows. You can check the schedule on Kaleidoscope's MySpace page. To sign up e-mail Kaleidoscopecomedy (at) yahoo.com or call 301-518-9145.
Address: 8601 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740 (in the College Park Inn)
Online: MySpace page

THE RED LOUNGE in DC. First Saturday of every month, from 7 to 10. Contest with prizes. For more info call 202-232-5188. Hosted by Dingbat.
Address: 2013 14th St. NW, Washington, DC
Online: Red Lounge site, and the Go-Go Non-Stop site