Going out · Cafés and small venues

Laugh at a stand-up or open mic

Q: How do I perform at an open mic in Kathmandu?

Sign up with the organiser, on the night or through their page beforehand. Slots are usually around five minutes.

Stand-up in Nepali and English, poetry and music open mics. They're cheap or free, and a good way to meet people.

Best time

Weeknight and weekend evenings; open mics are often midweek.

How long

One and a half to two hours for most shows.

Getting there

Most nights are in cafés in Thamel, Jhamsikhel and around, a short taxi from anywhere central.

A young, growing scene

Stand-up comedy in Kathmandu has grown fast. There are regular open mics, headline shows from the city's better-known comics, and the occasional touring act. Sets switch between Nepali and English, often in the same joke.

Open mics are also where poets, storytellers and singer-songwriters try new work. The rooms are small and friendly, and the crowd is usually rooting for whoever is on stage.

Getting on stage yourself

Most open mics take sign-ups, either on the night or through the organiser's page a few days before. Five minutes is the usual slot. If you have something to try, this is a good city to start in.

Kata Jaam lists the open mics and comedy nights coming up below, with the venue and how to get in.

What to expect on the night

Shows usually start a little after the listed time, once the room has filled. An open mic is a mix: some sets land, some do not, and that is part of the fun. A headline show is tighter, with a few support acts before the main comic.

Most rooms are small, so you are close to the stage. Comics may talk to the front row; sit further back if you would rather not be part of the act.

Tips

Arrive early: seats in small cafés go fast, and late arrivals end up standing at the back.
Check the language note on the listing if you only follow English or only Nepali.
Order something from the venue. Cafés host these nights because people buy drinks and food.
Phones on silent; comics notice.