Throughout the years, Austin has played host to many renowned musicians, earning it the title of “Live Music Capital of the World”. But it isn’t just the fabulously famous singers and songwriters of the world that are welcome on the city’s illustrious stages. Amateur crooners and novice songbirds are also encouraged to grab a mic and show off what they got at karaoke bars and happy hours around Austin. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been guilty of belting out a tune or two in the the shower every now and again. So why not take those singing skills to the streets of Austin and let others join in on the fun? Even if you can’t carry a tune to save your life, you’ll enjoy watching – or partaking in – these outrageously fun karaoke nights in Austin.

Gothic Karaoke at Elysium

One of Austin’s more unusual after hours spots, Elysium is a night club and bar that ventures outside the ordinary and celebrates the deliciously weird side of the city. At this unconventional lounge, you can find everything from theatrical drag performances by Die Felicia to gender affirming fund raisers and Belle’s Haus of Fun. The all-inclusive Elysium has something for everyone including great drink specials, awesome entertainment and outrageous events. If you’re a fan of Marylin Manson and the ever-stylish goth genre, then head to Elysium for their once-a-month Gothic Karaoke. This dark sing and dance party is full of black nail polish, grungy vibes and a quintessential gothic song list to pick from. So put on your black garb and get ready to head bang the night away.

Karaoke Night at Radio Coffee Bar

Ranked among the city’s best coffee shops, Radio Coffee Bar is a super hip south Austin hub where jive java drinkers and beer lovers can congregate, window shop some local art and enjoy a refreshing beverage. Grab your drink and head out to the patio where you can find great live music and even a few tantalizing taco trucks that include the renowned Veracruz All Natural. The beer selection at Radio covers a wide range of flavors and styles from various local brewers like Eastciders, Hops and Grain and Live Oak. Radio is also home to an assortment of interactive and engaging weekly events such as Bluegrass Mondays, Trivia on Wednesdays and a totally off-the-wall karaoke night every week that is known as “Austin’s Original Queer Karaoke.” And this crazy karaoke night is just as queer as it promises to be!

OTB Karaoke at Giddy Ups

Hidden in a small inconspicuous spot in south Austin, Giddy Ups is a longtime local honkey tonk and watering hole full of friendly bartenders and down home country tunes. Folks have been going to Giddy Ups to break in their cowboy boots and work up a sweat on the dance floor to local performers for years. This swingin saloon hosts a handful of regular acts as well as a few touring ones. But they also give the regular guys a chance to take the stage at some of their monthly events like Open Mic Night and OTB karaoke. Short for “Only the Best”, this chart topping karaoke party features a massive collection of 40,000 classic and current songs that span all genres. So get yer cowboy gear and get ready to stomp your feet and clap your hands at an authentic Texas tavern.

Karaoke Underground at Nomad Bar

Tucked in the Mueller/Windsor Park neighborhood of north Austin, Nomad Bar is a beloved dive and after hours hangout that offers great daily drink specials, greasy bar grub and tasty slices from nearby Fire and Ice Pizza. Voted best neighborhood/dive bar by Austin Chronicle two years in a row, Nomad is the perfect place to grab a beer with friends and get away from the chaos of the city. The facade is extremely modest but undeniably charming. And locals love coming to Nomad for Sunday brunch to try their famous Nomad Bloody Mary cocktails. But if you’re looking for a punk rock infused anti-establishment artist party then head to Nomad Bar every first Saturday for their indie rock karaoke night. Hosted by the punk chic Karaoke Underground, this crowd-surfing sing along features over 1,000 punk and indie rock classics from the Pixies to the Dead Kennedys. So, in the immortal words of The Ramones: “Hey! Ho! Let’s Go!”

Martinis and Karaoke at Rain on 4th

Settled on the bustling intersection of Lavaca st and 4th Street, Rain is a fabulously fun gay bar and dance club with lots offriendly (and cute) bartenders and can’t-miss nightly specials. Throughout the week you can find everything from Will and Grace watch parties and DJ dance parties to Show Stopper Open Mic drag shows and Down and Dirty Strip Parties! Grab a friend and catch one of Austin’s craziest drag shows hosted by the scintillating seductresses of Sabel Scities, or pick your favorite diva and pay her homage at Rain on 4th’s Monday night Martinis and Karaoke. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of liquid courage at this colorful event to keep you singing and swaying all night!

Monday Night Karaoke at Hole in the Wall

Known as one of Austin’s oldest operating live music venues, Hole in the Wall is an iconic dive bar near the UT drag with an outdoor beer garden, scrumptious snacks from Michi Ramen and good vibes all around. Locals can’t stop raving about Hole in the Wall’s great service and amazing live shows that play nightly on their two stages. Many a music legend has graced the stages of Hole in the Wall, but on Monday nights, pseudo singers, bar patrons and dare devils alike are all welcome to put their music where their mouth is – so to speak – and sing it loud and proud at “Sweet Fu**en” Karaoke. This inebriated event is perfect for those of you who don’t give a damn about how you sound and just wanna sing! What do locals have to say? “It’s just as sh**ty as it promises to be.” And Austin loves it!

Tuesday Karaoke at Swan Dive

Centered in the heart of all the downtown action (and right above Barbarella), Swan Dive is a popular live music haunt with a wide array of music and intriguingly bizarre events that draw diverse crowds of young and old alike. With superb drink specials and live music most nights, it’s easy to see why this place is packed any night of the week. At Swan Dive you can also find all kinds of grown up fun in the form of costume balls, 80s cover nights and Jumpin Jumpin 90’s Nights. But if you’re looking for a nonstop party with drinks, dancing and slightly off-key singing, then check out Swan Dive’s Karaoke Tuesdays. Every week Austinites crowd this swanky dive to see all types of people – some who can sing and some who can’t – bring down the house by belting out all the songs we want to hear! So whether you’re there to sing or just to cringe, you’ll definitely have a great time!