If you want a stage time option that doesn’t cost anything and runs later than most rooms in Austin, ColdTowne Theater’s Monday night open mic is worth knowing about. It’s also one of the more alt-comedy-friendly rooms in the city, which changes what tends to work on that stage.
Quick Facts
- Night: Mondays, 10 PM – midnight
- Cost: Free
- Drinks: BYOB
- Location: 1700 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702
- Venue focus: Alternative comedy — improv, sketch, and stand-up all share the building
Why the Late Start Time Matters
A 10 PM start on a Monday is unusual, but it means ColdTowne’s mic doesn’t compete for the same night-of window as most other Austin rooms. If your day job or another mic keeps you busy earlier in the evening, this is one of the few options that’s still open to you afterward.
What Kind of Room It Is
ColdTowne built its reputation on improv and sketch, not just stand-up, so the crowd and the other comics on a given night tend to be more receptive to weirder, more experimental material than a straight comedy-club room. If Cap City is where you tighten a set, ColdTowne is often where you find out if a stranger idea actually works in front of people. The venue also runs a “Live at ColdTowne Showcase” on Fridays featuring some of the stronger local acts, so it’s worth watching even on nights you’re not performing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ColdTowne Theater’s open mic really free?
Yes — no cover, and it’s BYOB, so there’s no drink minimum to worry about either.
What time does it start and end?
10 PM to midnight every Monday, later than most Austin mics.
Is this mic a good fit for traditional stand-up?
Stand-up is welcome, but the room’s roots are in improv and sketch, so material that leans a little weirder or more experimental tends to land well here.
Find ColdTowne alongside every other Austin room — including start times, cost, and format — in the full Austin open mic directory.
