Discover the Best Open Mic Comedy Nights in Austin This Week

Looking for a good laugh this week? Austin's got a bunch of places putting on open mic comedy nights. It's a great way to see new talent or even try it yourself if you've got a few jokes ready. We've rounded up some of the spots you can check out.

Key Takeaways

• The Creek and The Cave hosts multiple open mic comedy nights, including a Spanish-language one.

• Dunk Tank at The Creek and The Cave offers a free comedy show every Tuesday.

• Writers' Room is a free comedy development workshop focused on improving material and business skills.

• Rozco’s Comedy Club and East Austin Comedy Club have shows listed, though specific open mic details might vary.

• Black Rabbit ATX and The Velveeta Room are also mentioned as comedy venues with shows happening.

1. The Creek and The Cave Open Mic

Right then, let's talk about The Creek and The Cave. This place has been a bit of a cornerstone for Austin's comedy scene for ages, seriously, since way back in 2009. It's the sort of spot where you can catch both folks who are just starting out and some pretty big names trying out new jokes. You never quite know who's going to show up, which is part of the fun, isn't it?

They've got a few different nights going on, but the main open mic is usually on Sundays. It kicks off around 8 PM, and it's free to get in if you RSVP, though they do charge a fiver if you just turn up on the door. They also do an all-day happy hour, which is always a bonus, especially if you're planning on staying for a while.

If you fancy having a go yourself, signing up is a bit of a process. You need to email creekandcaveopenmic@gmail.com between Monday and Friday with your name. They pick people from those emails, and you get about three to four minutes on stage. If you don't get picked, don't despair – you can still show up and put your name in a bucket. They pull out four random names from that bucket for extra spots.

It's worth remembering that all their shows are for over 21s, and the line-ups can change at the last minute. So, always best to double-check their schedule if you're heading over.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Sign-up: Email creekandcaveopenmic@gmail.com Monday-Friday.

• Set Length: Typically 3-4 minutes.

• Cost: Free with RSVP, £5 at the door.

• Age Restriction: 21+

• Special Perks: All-day happy hour on Sundays.

2. Dunk Tank

Dunk Tank, hosted by The Creek and the Cave, is a weekly open mic night that happens every Tuesday evening. It kicks off at 6 PM, and the best part? It's completely free to get in. This is a great spot to catch a mix of comedians, from those just starting out to more experienced performers trying out new material. It's often described as a place where comics 'take the plunge' into uncharted comedic territory, which sounds like fun.

It's a pretty relaxed atmosphere, apparently, with a good selection of drinks available, making it a decent place to wind down after a day's work. You can bring your mates or even some colleagues. It's a good shout if you're looking for some laughs without spending any cash.

Here's a quick rundown:

• When: Every Tuesday

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Cost: Free

• Where: The Creek and the Cave

This show is a good opportunity to see raw talent and perhaps some unexpected moments. It's a chance to support local comedy and maybe even discover your next favourite comic.

3. Estando con Francisco – Micrófono Abierto

Fancy a bit of comedy, but only if it's in Spanish? Well, you're in luck. Estando con Francisco is a stand-up open mic night that's entirely in Spanish. It's hosted by Francisco Rincón himself and takes place at The Creek & The Cave. This is a fantastic opportunity to catch some authentic Latin comedy.

It happens every fourth Tuesday of the month. Both new and seasoned comedians get up on stage to try out their latest material. The atmosphere is usually pretty intimate, fun, and unfiltered, which is exactly what you want from an open mic, right?

Here's the lowdown on how it works:

• Sign-up: Get there before 10:00 pm to put your name down. Spots can fill up, so don't be late.

• Showtime: The show kicks off promptly at 10:00 pm.

• Language: It's all in Spanish, no translations or cultural explanations needed. Just pure stand-up and laughs.

It's a great spot for anyone who loves comedy or just fancies a good laugh in their native tongue. You can grab a drink and settle in for a night of genuine humour. It's a proper Austin open mic night experience, but with a Spanish twist. Entry is free, so there's really no excuse not to check it out if you're in the area and fancy something a bit different.

4. Writers’ Room

If you're looking to really hone your craft, the Writers' Room at The Creek and The Cave is the place to be. It's not exactly a typical open mic night where you just get up and tell jokes. Instead, it's more of a workshop, a place to develop new material and get feedback. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone serious about comedy writing.

Here's a rough idea of what goes down:

• Doors open at 3:00 PM: This is your chance to ask questions about the comedy business or get some career advice.

• Workshop from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Each week has a different focus, like joke structure, writing monologues, or even how to write for other comedians. They cover a lot of ground.

• Practice and Feedback: You'll get to try out new jokes, work on punchlines, and receive constructive comments from others.

It's a collaborative and friendly environment, open to everyone. You won't just leave with new jokes; you'll also get a clearer picture of the business side of comedy and how to potentially make some money from your writing. It's a great way to build a consistent writing routine and connect with other comedy enthusiasts. You can find more details about Austin's comedy scene here.

This session is all about development. It's fast-paced, fun, and designed to help you improve your writing and understand the industry better. Think of it as a working session to map out your path to getting paid for your comedy.

They usually run this every Sunday, so it's a good weekly commitment if you're looking to improve. It's a bit different from the usual stand-up mic, but for writers, it's a real gem. You can check out their schedule here.

5. Rozco’s Comedy Club

Rozco's Comedy Club is a bit of a staple for anyone looking for a laugh in Austin. They often have a few different shows running, so it's worth checking their schedule.

They're known for hosting a variety of comedy nights, from showcases of established talent to open mic opportunities. It’s a good spot if you’re not sure what kind of comedy you’re in the mood for, as they tend to have a bit of everything.

Here’s a look at what you might find:

• Best of Austin Comedy: This sounds like a curated show featuring some of the city's top comedic performers. It's usually on Thursdays.

• Friday Night Laughs: As the name suggests, this is their Friday offering, often with two showtimes to choose from, so you can plan your evening.

• Open Mic Nights: While not always explicitly advertised as 'open mic', many of their shows provide a platform for comedians to test new material. Keep an eye out for sign-up details if you fancy giving it a go yourself.

Getting a ticket in advance is usually a good idea, especially for the Friday and Saturday night shows. They can fill up pretty quickly, and you wouldn't want to miss out on the fun just because you waited too long. It’s a pretty relaxed atmosphere, so just turn up, grab a drink, and settle in for some jokes.

6. East Austin Comedy Club

Right then, let's talk about East Austin Comedy Club. This place is pretty special, honestly. It bills itself as Austin's most intimate comedy club, and they're not kidding. We're talking about a room with only 82 seats, so you're always going to be close to the action. Seriously, you'll feel like you're practically on stage with the comedians.

They've got shows pretty much every night of the week, which is brilliant. You can catch things starting as early as 6 PM, especially on weekends, and they run quite late too. It's a BYOB situation, which is always a bonus – no paying over the odds for a drink. They do have popcorn and a food truck out back if you fancy a bite.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Intimate Setting: With just 82 seats, it's a cosy experience.

• BYOB Friendly: Bring your own beer or wine.

• Frequent Shows: Comedy most nights, with early and late slots.

• Affordable: Tickets are generally in the $10-$15 range.

It's worth noting that they're quite strict about arrival times. Doors open 20 minutes before the show, but they close 15 minutes after it starts. If you're late, you might lose your seat, so plan accordingly. It's an 18+ venue, though you need to be 21+ to grab any alcoholic beverages.

This spot really focuses on making you feel part of the show. The setup with the dim lights and velvet curtains creates a proper atmosphere for some laughs. It’s a good shout if you want a more personal comedy night out.

7. East Austin Comedy

Right then, let's talk about East Austin Comedy. This place is a bit of a gem if you're after a more up-close-and-personal comedy experience. They really lean into the whole 'intimate' vibe, which is nice because you feel like you're right there with the performers. It's the sort of place where you can actually see the comedian's face, you know?

They've got shows pretty much every night of the week, which is handy. The Early Comedy Show kicks off around 6 PM, so it's perfect if you fancy catching some laughs before dinner or if you've got an early start the next day. It's a BYOB spot too, which is always a bonus – saves a few quid compared to some of the pricier bars.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Intimate Setting: With only about 82 seats, it's a cosy room. No matter where you sit, you're not too far from the stage.

• BYOB Policy: Bring your own beer or wine. They do have popcorn and a food truck out back if you get peckish.

• Regular Shows: Comedy happens most nights, with weekend shows running later into the evening.

• Affordable: Tickets are generally in the £10-£15 range, which is pretty reasonable for a night out.

They're pretty strict about arrival times. Doors open just twenty minutes before the show starts, and they close fifteen minutes after. If you're late, you might lose your seat, so definitely aim to get there on time. It's an 18+ venue, but obviously, you need to be 21 to grab any alcoholic drinks.

8. Black Rabbit ATX

Right then, if you're after a bit of a more intimate comedy experience, Black Rabbit ATX might be your spot. It's described as a speakeasy comedy club, which sounds rather intriguing, doesn't it? They usually have shows running at both 8 PM and 10 PM, so you've got options depending on your evening plans. It's a BYOB venue, so remember to bring your own drinks to enjoy during the show.

Getting tickets is typically done through Eventbrite, so it's worth checking that out in advance to avoid disappointment. Doors usually open around 7:45 PM for the earlier show, giving you a bit of time to settle in.

Here's what you might want to know:

• Type of Venue: Speakeasy Comedy Club

• Location: Downtown Austin

• Drinks Policy: Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB)

• Booking: Usually via Eventbrite

This place offers a different vibe compared to some of the larger clubs. It's the sort of place where you feel a bit more connected to the comedians and the other audience members. Definitely worth a look if you fancy something a bit different.

It's a good idea to keep an eye on their Eventbrite page for the most up-to-date show times and any specific details for the week.

9. The Velveeta Room

The Velveeta Room has been a staple in the Austin comedy scene for ages, and for good reason. It’s one of those places that just feels right for stand-up. You’ll often find a mix of established local comics trying out new material and up-and-comers getting their first taste of the stage.

It’s a proper comedy club experience, so expect a dedicated audience ready to laugh. They usually have a few different shows running throughout the week, often featuring a variety of hosts and themes. It’s worth checking their schedule because you never quite know who might show up.

Here’s a general idea of what you might find:

• Show Times: Typically starts around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM, with later shows sometimes available.

• Atmosphere: Intimate and focused on the comedy, making it easy to connect with the performers.

• Talent: A good blend of local favourites and new faces trying to make their mark.

This venue has a reputation for being a place where comedians hone their craft. It’s not just about a quick laugh; it’s about the art of stand-up itself. You can feel the history in the room, and it’s exciting to be part of that energy.

10. Comedy Accelerator Workshop

If you're serious about making a career out of comedy, the Comedy Accelerator Workshop is the place to be. Hosted every Sunday at The Creek and The Cave, this isn't your typical open mic night. It's a dedicated space for comedians and writers to really hone their craft and figure out how to get paid for their jokes.

The workshop focuses on practical skills and industry insights. You'll learn about joke structure, writing for different formats, and even how to craft late-night monologue jokes. It’s a collaborative environment where you can share new material and get constructive feedback. They cover everything from punch-up practice to topical humour, aiming to help you develop a consistent writing routine and a clearer path to monetising your talent.

Here’s a rough idea of what happens:

• Industry Q&A: Get advice on the business side of comedy.

• Skill Development: Focus on specific writing techniques each week.

• Material Sharing: Try out new jokes and get feedback.

• Networking: Connect with other like-minded comedy enthusiasts.

Led by Emmy-nominated writer Dan French, who's worked with big names in late-night television, this workshop offers a unique chance to learn from someone with serious industry experience. It’s a great opportunity to get practical direction on where your comedy skills can earn you real income, whether that's stand-up, writing, or digital content. You can find more details about their upcoming events and how to join the community online.

Want to get funnier? Our Comedy Accelerator Workshop is the place to be! It's a great chance to boost your comedy skills and learn new tricks. Come join us and see how much you can improve. Visit our website today to find out more and sign up!

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Right then, that's a quick look at some of the comedy nights happening around Austin this week. Whether you're keen to catch some established names trying out new jokes or perhaps even spot the next big thing before they hit the telly, there's usually something on. It's a proper good way to spend an evening, you know? Grab a drink, have a laugh, and support the local scene. Don't just sit at home – get out there and see some live comedy. You never know what you might discover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are open mic comedy nights?

Open mic nights are events where anyone can get on stage and perform, usually for a few minutes. It's a chance for new comedians to try out their jokes and for experienced ones to test new material. Think of it as a testing ground for funny ideas!

How do I sign up for an open mic night?

Each place has its own way of signing up. Some let you sign up online beforehand, others have you put your name in a hat on the night. It's best to check the specific venue's details, but often arriving a bit early is a good idea.

Do I need to be a comedian to go?

Not at all! Open mic nights are super fun for everyone. You get to see a wide range of comedy, from brilliant bits to jokes that don't quite land – and that's part of the fun. It's a great way to discover new talent and just have a laugh.

How much does it cost to attend?

Many open mic nights are completely free to watch! Some might have a small cover charge, but it's usually quite affordable. It's definitely a budget-friendly way to enjoy some live entertainment.

What kind of comedy can I expect?

You can expect anything and everything! Comedians try out all sorts of styles, from observational humour and storytelling to political jokes and silly one-liners. It's a real mix, which keeps things interesting.

Are these shows suitable for students?

Absolutely! Open mic nights are a fantastic and cheap way for students to have a fun night out. You'll get to see raw talent and experience the buzz of live comedy without spending a fortune.