If you've ever belted out Queen at the top of your lungs or if you secretly enjoy getting stuck in traffic because it means you can blast the radio and sing to Journey, then it's no secret that you belong at a karaoke bar.

We all know that going out to bars and nightclubs can cost a lot of money, and if you're trying to save money and you simply want to avoid the downtown hustle and bustle, then singing might be a viable alternative.

Just make sure that you are fine with making a fool out of yourself and let the joy of karaoke consume you.

Every Wednesday night at Bennigan's you will find yourself amongst other similar people who sing in the shower with extraordinary talent.

And in the spirit of exploring affordable summer activities in Austin, here's a short trek downtown that is sure to leave you singing.

From downtown, take Congress Avenue and, across the bridge turn right at the BAT and onto Barton Springs. Bennigan's is on the left across the street from ZAX.

Whitney Francis and Chris Larkin are entrepreneurs of fun and are the founders of the National Karaoke League.

"We had been in a lot of competitive sports before. We loved the social aspect of those sports and we also loved going to the karaoke bar and singing off key, having a few drinks and just having a good time with our friends," Francis said.

Their flare for competition and sports, combined with a penchant for karaoke resulted in the culmination of the off-key all-fun league of singing.

"We formed a karaoke league and what do you know? People love it," Francis said.

No pitch? No problem! Off key? Stay on stage. This is not American Idol. Around here, presentation wins the spotlight.

"Stage presence matters so much more. If you can get up there and put on a great show, your voice can just be mediocre at best and you're going to end up winning," Jason Vines said.

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Whether it's a prop, an elaborate costume or you're showcasing your amazing air guitar skills while singing, if you get the crowd rocking, they will stay behind your performance.

"If you commit 100 percent to a song, you could get every single note wrong and everyone can still have a great time and you could place first in the evening," Francis said.

The National Karaoke League is not just for the performers. Anyone can get involved.

If you're not a fan of getting up in front of people and you're a little shy on stage, then be the judge and jury.

"You can decide who gets to move on and who gets to go home," Larkin said.

If you're new to Austin, this is a great way to meet folks who keep it weird.

"It was just a wonderful opportunity to meet new people who were into the same sort of things that I was and they just had a great sense of humor," karaoke member Nicole Pritchard said.

Members get food and drink specials and taking part in the fun is already cheap to begin with. Not to state the obvious, but it sounds like it's well worth the $25 fee.

You also receive a free T-shirt, tons of new friends and get to have fun every Wednesday of every week this summer.

The trip is about a four mile round trip to get to the Bennigan's from the News 8 studios at 17th and Colorado Streets.

The National Karaoke League also has a north division and they compete on Thursday nights at Merkaba Lounge just off Interstate 35 and Wells Branch.

For more information, visit their Web site and don't forget to sing or die.

Click here to learn more about registration for the league.