Gaslamp Open Mic & $5 Happy Hour

The American Comedy Co. is hosting its Gaslamp Open Mic this Tuesday, October 13, starting at 8 PM. It's an open mic night, so the stage is open to anyone who wants to get up and do a set, which means you'll see a mix of local comics working through new material and people just trying out stand-up for the first time. That's the whole point of an open mic: it's where the new stuff gets tested out before it ever makes it into a polished show.

Along with the comedy, there's a $5 happy hour running, so you can grab a drink and settle in for the night. The club is located at 818 B 6th Ave, right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, so it's an easy spot to get to if you're already downtown. The American Comedy Co. describes itself as San Diego's only award-winning stand-up comedy club and restaurant, and it bills the best comedians and the best ticket prices in town. Since this is an open mic, you're seeing the raw side of that—the comedians in the middle of the process rather than the finished product.

If you've never been to an open mic, it's a bit different from a headliner show. You'll hear a variety of styles and experience levels in one night, and because it's an open call, the lineup can change based on who shows up. It's a good way to see who's active in the local scene and to catch new bits while they're still being worked on. The show starts at 8 PM, and entry is free.