Want to go out after dark? Here are my top nightlife picks for this week:

Tuesday: Got a case of the winter blues? Well, laughter is the best medicine, and what better way to medicate than to go to an open mic comedy night, such as Taboo Tuesday at Crown Station Pub and Coffee House (1425 Elizabeth Ave.). Whether you're laughing at them or with them, you'll be laughing. And it's way more fun than laying around on the couch watching bad TV on DVR. 9 p.m. $2. 980-224-8020.

Thursday: Buckhead Saloon got a makeover, and a kitchen. The Charlotte nightlife staple has transformed into Fitzgerald's Irish Pub (201 E. 5th St.). They're having a Soft Opening, as opposed to a hard or grand one. They will be offering a low-key sneak peak of the new pub, with the official grand opening coming March 9. Fitzgerald's will have 80 beers on tap, and unlike Buckhead they'll be serving food to absorb it all. 704-900-8808.

Friday: The band Karmin, the king and queen of remixes, will be broadcasting live from the EpiCentre Kiss Studios (210 E. Trade St.), with a small acoustic performance of their new song to follow at Blackfinn. Free to the first 95 people. 6 p.m. 704-570-9595.

Saturday: Go see Saturday Night Live, really live. Well, kind of. Robot Johnson Sketch Comedy group is Charlotte's own SNL, and actually funny. They'll be performing at Roux in NoDa (3306 A N. Davidson St.). Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. $10. 704-331-9898.

Sunday: Go fast and turn left to a Daytona 500 watch party in the heart of NASCAR country. WFNZ sports talk radio is having a watch party for NASCAR's biggest race at the new Patty's Pour House at the lake (20930 Torrence Chapel Rd. in Cornelius). Party flag waves at 12:30 p.m. with beer specials, ticket giveaways, and WFNZ and 103.7 personalities Taylor Zarzour and Tanner. Shake and Bake! 704-895-7170.