If your idea of a fun Friday night consists of drinks and live music or comedy, then these venues have you covered. Enjoy small bites and cocktails alongside the stage at these open mics across the region. Alternatively, put the spotlight on yourself and step up to the plate to show off your own material, from a five-minute comedy set to a dazzling musical number.
The Crafted Kup
Poughkeepsie
Every Thursday, 7 p.m.
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One of Poughkeepsie’s favorite coffee houses, The Crafted Kup is the perfect spot for poets and performers alike. At the Raymond Avenue location, the café invites all acts to perform, whether the material be music, comedy, or poetry. Those who participate are asked to limit their act to two songs, or approximately eight minutes, and sign-up sheets are available at 6:30 p.m. with the open mic starting at 7 p.m. Spots are limited, so make sure to grab your latte and hit the stage!
Mahoney’s Irish Pub & Steakhouse
Poughkeepsie
Every Monday, 7–10 p.m.
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Voted the best comedy club, karaoke spot, and college bar in the Hudson Valley in 2023, Mahoney’s is an all-in-one entertainment location. The pub and steakhouse has a packed weekly schedule, from jazz jams to trivia nights, and Mondays are reserved for the open mics with Kirsten Lee. Order a pint and sit back to wait for your turn in the spotlight or take part in the darts league that starts shortly after the live entertainment while you wait.
Meadow Blues Coffee
Chester
Last Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m.
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This charming café nestled in Chester caters to your cravings for coffee, mixed drinks, and live music. The space prides itself on curating a vibrant and diverse music scene, with a full event calendar that showcases the best talents of each musical genre. Looking to sing yourself? On the last Wednesday of each month, Meadow Blues hosts an inclusive open mic night to welcome musicians, poets, and comedians to the stage.
Tapped Craft Beer & Restaurant
Middletown
First Thursday of every month, 7–9 p.m.
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In Middletown, Tapped showcases a variety of craft beers, specially crafted cocktails, wine, homemade food, and local talent. The restaurant recently celebrated six years of its monthly jam nights and open mics that occur on the first Thursday of every month. Come early to eat, drink, and be merry, and stick around until 6 p.m. to sign up for the 7 p.m. open mic, during which you can jam, belt, or make the crowd laugh.
Thai Golden
Carmel
First Wednesday of every month, 6–9 p.m.
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This vibrant lakeside venue in Carmel serves up some of the finest homestye Thai cuisine in the area, along with bubble teas and vegan desserts. The colorful hangout also hosts several entertainment events each week, from art parties to 2000s trivia nights. In an effort to support and celebrate local artists, poets, and musicians, Thai Golden has been hosting its open mic night on the first Wednesday of every month since 2016. Join others at this community event from 6 to 9 p.m.
Two Way Brewing Company
Beacon
Every Wednesday, 7–9 p.m.
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Two Way Brewing Company is passionate about creating delicious beers in-house and hosting events in its game room to bring the community together. Come share your own material every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the open mic. Hosted by comedian Kevin Ludlow, the event is open to artists of all kinds looking to showcase their comedy, music, poetry, and more.
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