Why it's here: Karaoke every Wednesday with the Mad Hatter, plus some of Marin's best tequila cocktails.
Legendary bartender Johnny Love's tequila-focused bar sits a short walk from the San Rafael SMART station, and Wednesday is its liveliest weeknight. Karaoke Night runs from 8pm to midnight, hosted by the Mad Hatter, and there's no cover charge, so it's an easy midweek plan.
Warm up your vocal cords with the bar's namesake Ranch Water or a High Plains Drifter. Rather listen than sing? Come back Thursday or Saturday for live bands, or Friday for a DJ.
Insider tip: The crowd is supportive and loves to sing along, which makes Ranch Water a great first stop for karaoke rookies.
Why it's here: Thursday-night karaoke with drink specials and no cover in the heart of downtown San Rafael.
This B Street sports bar has been a downtown fixture since 1986, with 22 beers on tap, plenty of TVs and arcade games. Every Thursday from 10pm, the Mad Hatter takes over for Karaoke Night, with drink specials and no cover charge.
Come hungry: the upscale pub grub is the perfect pre-show fuel, and the kitchen stays open late on weekends.
Insider tip: Can't wait until Thursday? Tuesday is trivia and taco night at Flatiron.
Why it's here: Karaoke Wednesdays with a contest twist at Fairfax's speakeasy-style cocktail lounge.
Mac's at 19 Broadway is best known for live music, comedy and Prohibition-style cocktails, and its Karaoke Fun & Kontest brings the mic back every Wednesday at 8pm. Entry is free, so round up your crew and sign up to sing.
Order a Manhattan, an Executive Gin & Tonic or the Mezcallica, settle into the luxe lounge and cheer on Fairfax's next big voice.
Insider tip: Reserve your free spot on Mac's Eventbrite page, and ask about the VIP room if you're planning a birthday karaoke night.
Why it's here: Monthly "Larry-oke" at a West Marin saloon that's been pouring drinks since 1851.
Smiley's Schooner Saloon is said to be the oldest continuously operating saloon in California (legend has it the bar kept serving during Prohibition behind a barbershop front). On the second Thursday of every month, local karaoke DJ Larry hosts Larry-oke inside from 8:30pm to 11pm, with no cover charge.
Indoor evening shows are 21+ and standing room only, so expect a packed, eclectic room of locals singing along with every song.
Insider tip: The kitchen closes at 8pm, so eat first. The next Larry-oke nights are November 12 and December 10.
Why it's here: Saturday-night karaoke with a pint and proper pub grub in downtown San Rafael.
The Mayflower is downtown San Rafael's go-to British pub, with soccer on the TVs and a menu of English comfort classics. Every Saturday from 7pm, the pub hands over the mic for Karaoke Saturdays, and there's no cover charge.
Fuel up with fish and chips, bangers and mash or shepherd's pie, and pair your set with a Black and Tan.
Insider tip: Can't make Saturday? The Mayflower's happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2pm to 5pm.
Why it's here: Viernes de Karaoke with DJ La Chiquis, plus margaritas and handmade tortillas.
The Patiño family's Old Town Novato cantina gets loud (in the best way) on Fridays, when Karaoke Night with DJ La Chiquis runs from 9pm to midnight. Expect everything from Paquita del Barrio ballads to your own go-to anthem.
Come early for dinner: the kitchen turns out home-style dishes from across Mexico on handmade tortillas, and the molcajete is a house favorite. Then grab a margarita and take the mic.
Insider tip: El Rey posts upcoming karaoke nights on Instagram and TikTok, so check before you go.
Why it's here: Twice-monthly Friday karaoke with Richardson Bay views.
Tucked inside the Club at Harbor Point in Strawberry, the Lighthouse Bar & Grill hosts Karaoke Night on the first and third Friday of every month from 7:30pm to 10pm, with free admission. The song list runs to thousands of tracks in every genre, from Sinatra to Madonna.
Make an evening of it with dinner overlooking the water, and lean on the full bar for a little liquid courage.
Insider tip: The next karaoke nights are November 6 and November 20.
Why it's here: First-Monday karaoke at Sausalito's favorite locals' bar, pouring since 1938.
Smitty's on Caledonia Street is the last bar in Sausalito that still has its original 1938 construction, and it's where locals go to escape the tourist crowds. On the first Monday of every month, karaoke kicks off at 9pm.
Between songs, claim one of the four pool tables, challenge someone to shuffleboard or darts, or load up the jukebox.
Insider tip: The next karaoke night is Monday, November 2.
Why it's here: A monthly karaoke night at Tiburon's cozy, community-minded wine bar.
Sommelier Fedric D'Costa and his wife, Emily Lund, set out to make Mog Asu the Tiburon Peninsula's living room, and that includes karaoke, typically the last Wednesday of the month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. It's an early, easygoing session, which makes it a nice alternative to the late-night bar scene.
Pick your liquid courage from an internationally focused list of wines by the glass or bottle, or go for one of D'Costa's spritzes, a local microbrew or a sake. A cheese board or Hog Island oysters make good between-song snacks.
Insider tip: Can't make karaoke? Trivia is the second Wednesday of every month.
