City Editor Shea here. As a former musical theater kid, one of my favorite ways to enjoy a night out on the town is with some good old-fashioned karaoke. I firmly believe that you don’t have to be good at singing to do karaoke — you just have to have fun (and maybe be a little tipsy).
In case you didn’t know, this week is National Karaoke Week. In honor of this momentous holiday, I’ve put together a karaoke guide that will have you singing every night of the week. You’re welcome, Indy.
Monday
If you love “Jeopardy!” almost as much as you love “American Idol,” this is the double hitter for you. The Mousetrap hosts trivia at 7 p.m. and karaoke at 9:30 p.m., so you can spend the whole night showing off your intelligence and your talent.
Tuesday
Serving the south side since 1912, Colonial Tavern has karaoke every night of the week. Each weekday features a different preceding event — Tuesday is also music bingo night.
Wednesday
Downtown Olly’s hands the mic over to karaoke performers every Wednesday and Saturday night. The venue is so popular that it won the Best Things 2023 award for karaoke bars.
Like your karaoke with a side of classic cocktails and bar games? Imbibe is the spot for you.
Photo by @davidvoxmullen
Thursday
Stop by Metro, one of Indy’s hottest gay bars, for “Queeraoke” from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursdays and Sundays. When you need a change of scenery, take a half mile walk down Mass Avenue to Burnside Inn, which also has Thursday night karaoke starting at 9:30 p.m.
Friday
Wild Beaver Saloon, the self-proclaimed “best dam karaoke bar in America,” has triple the karaoke with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights dedicated to the craft. On a busy night, the bar will stay open until 3 a.m. — so you better beef up your song list.
Saturday
Tilly’s Pub & Grill kicks off karaoke at 10 p.m. on Saturday nights (as well as Wednesdays and Fridays.) It’s a super relaxed and welcoming environment for karaoke beginners who just want to have fun and enjoy some well-priced drink specials.
Sunday
Order a specialty old fashioned cocktail as you take the stage at Imbibe Bar on Sunday nights starting at 9 p.m. In between songs, rest your vocal chords with a game of pool, ping pong, or pinball.
Want even more karaoke?
If you don’t want to travel out of your way on any specific day just for karaoke, you can book a private karaoke room at Punch Bowl Social or Maru Studio Karaoke.
Which karaoke spots did I miss? Let me know and we’ll add them to the list.
