The Westcott Theater

The Westcott Theater is a restored historic movie theater in Syracuse’s Westcott neighborhood, now operating as a live music venue in partnership with Fat Boy Pizza Co., which runs a full kitchen and bar inside the building. The pairing gives the theater a genuine neighborhood-hangout feel on show nights, with pizza and drinks flowing right up to the edge of the room.

Atmosphere and Setting

The theater retains much of its old cinema character — a proper stage, real sightlines and enough capacity to book regional and touring acts — while staying small enough to feel like a community room during its monthly open mic. It sits in the walkable Westcott neighborhood, a few blocks from the Westcott Street business strip.

Open Mic Wednesdays

On the first Wednesday of every month, the Westcott turns its stage over to the community for Open Mic Wednesdays. Sign-ups run on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6:00 PM, with the show beginning at 7:00 PM, giving performers — musicians, comedians, poets and anything else that fits the format — time to grab a slice from Fat Boy Pizza and settle in before their slot.

Other Programming

Outside the monthly open mic, The Westcott books a steady calendar of touring and regional acts spanning rock, hip hop, metal and indie music, making it one of Syracuse’s larger dedicated concert rooms outside of downtown proper.

For Performers

Because the open mic is monthly rather than weekly and has sold out in the past, arriving close to the 6:00 PM sign-up time is the best way to guarantee a slot.

Good to Know

The Westcott Theater is located at 524 Westcott St, Syracuse, NY 13210. Check the venue’s website for the exact date of the next Open Mic Wednesdays, since the schedule can shift around holidays and touring bookings.