Looking for an active, engaging and entertaining venue most any night of the week? Downtown Renton’s Luther’s Table seems to be drawing a regular crowd to their weekly live music and activity nights.

The restaurant and pub’s “Open Mic” night every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., is this week’s Cheap Date idea.

Gretchen Mertes, Luther’s Table community developer, said that themed night, “has become one of the most popular events and the place to see fresh local talent in Renton.”

“The environment is lively and fun, combining the best of both worlds—artists who take the opportunity seriously and put their best talent out there and an audience that is encouraging to newcomers and those trying out new things,” she said.

The music varies from indie to old-school bluegrass to modern pop and original songs by the artists. Some regulars are invited back to perform full sets for special events at the café, said Mertes.

Performers are asked to sign up by 6 p.m. and play up to three songs or for 15 minutes, whichever comes first.

Mertes even performs herself with the bands “Nina and the Big Boys” and “Between Here & There,” at least once a month.

Luther’s Table draws a wide mix of people.

“Pretty much every age group is represented,” Mertes said. “The high school crowd can often be found hanging out before and after school, and our ‘Open Mic’ night skews to the teens and 20s, although older adults are there too. Dinnertime and weekend lunch sees lots of families, carrying over into the live music events. Later in the evening we’ll have adults of all ages. During the week, you’ll often see folks on their laptops doing work as a break from the office as well as seniors relaxing with coffee.”

Luther’s Table is a non-tipping house and does not charge a cover for music events. Sometimes there is a fee for special events, but generally in lieu of tips the accept donations for a different local charity every month.

For more information and the event calendar, visit Luther’s website.