Open Mic Comedy in Wilmington
Wilmington has one of the most active open mic scenes on the East Coast. With free open mics available almost every night of the week, aspiring comedians can find plenty of stage time to develop their material.
Weekly Open Mic Schedule
| Day | Venue | Time | Sign-up |
|---|
| Monday | Barzarre (Castle St) | 6:30 PM | First come, first served |
| Tuesday | Port City Cheesesteak | 8:00 PM | Sign up at venue |
| Wednesday | Laws & Libations | 7:00 PM | Sign up at venue |
| Thursday | Dead Crow Comedy Room | 8:30 PM | Sign-up starts 7 PM |
| Thursday | Laws & Libations (Women of Wilmington) | 8:00 PM | Contact organizers |
Tips for Your First Open Mic
- Arrive early - Sign-up spots fill quickly, especially at Dead Crow
- Prepare 3-5 minutes of material - Most mics give new comics 3-5 minutes
- Bring a notebook - Write down what works and what doesn't
- Be supportive - Stay and watch other performers
- Have fun - Everyone bombs sometimes. It's part of learning!
The Best Open Mic for Beginners
If it's your first time, we recommend starting at Barzarre's Monday Open Mic. It's a supportive, low-pressure environment perfect for trying out new material. For a more club-like experience, Dead Crow's Thursday open mic is the place to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I do open mic comedy in Wilmington?
Wilmington has open mic comedy almost every night of the week. The most popular spots are Barzarre on Monday, Port City Cheesesteak on Tuesday, Laws & Libations on Wednesday, and Dead Crow Comedy Room on Thursday. All open mics are free to perform at and free to watch.
Is open mic comedy free in Wilmington?
Yes, all open mic comedy nights in Wilmington are completely free, both to perform and to attend as an audience member. There is no cover charge at any of the venues. Just show up, sign up, and you are on the list.
What time should I arrive for open mic at Dead Crow?
Sign-ups for Dead Crow's Thursday open mic start at 7:00 PM, with the show beginning at 8:30 PM. Arrive by 7:00 PM to guarantee your spot, as the list fills up quickly. Spots are limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
How long is an open mic set?
Most open mic sets in Wilmington are 3 to 5 minutes long. New comedians typically get 3 minutes, while more established performers may get up to 5. This is standard at open mics across the country and gives you enough time to try out a few jokes.
Do I need to be funny to do open mic?
Not at all! Open mics are specifically designed for people to practice and develop their material. Everyone starts somewhere, and even experienced comedians use open mics to test new jokes that might not land. The Wilmington comedy community is supportive and encouraging to newcomers.