Love to laugh?
Boston comedy clubs and larger venues feature national, international, and local talent.
You'll find affordable tickets for most shows, plus possibly discounts and half-price tickets. Take a look at what's on right now:
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.
Boston has a long history as an incubator for famous comedians. Jay Leno got his start here, as did Dane Cook, Denis Leary, Conan O'Brien, Paula Poundstone, Lenny Clarke, Janeane Garofalo, and a long list of other top comics.
In fact, they often return to put on shows in Boston's top comedy clubs - so don't miss the chance to see them in top local venues.
And don't overlook the shows in our smaller clubs and lounges, where you may catch a show by the next soon-to-be-famous talent.
Get ready to enjoy improv, open mic, stand up comics, ensembles, and more!
Top photo: Comedy club; Photo credit: istock.com/AntonioSolano
Boston Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you. Learn more
Wilbur Theatre
The Federal Revival-style 1,112-seat Wilbur Theatre, built in 1914 and splendidly renovated 10+ years ago, hosts top comedy and music events seven nights each week.
This is where you'll see top national stand-up comics as well as acclaimed musicians. There is a disabled lift to enable patrons to reach the disabled restroom on the building's lower level.
Because of the theater's historic status, it does not have an elevator to the mezzanine and balcony seating, which requires walking up several flights of stairs. Also, the building does not allow re-entry.
The Wilbur validates parking for the Archstone Boston Common Garage (660 Washington Street). Get your parking ticket stamped at the Wilbur's Box Office on the night of your performance to get a $5 discount.
Shows & Tickets
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.
See all shows at Wilbur Theatre
246 Tremont Street, Theatre District | 617-931-2000 | thewilbur.com
More Boston Nightlife & Entertainment
Improv Asylum
Improv Asylum in Boston's North End features improvisation and comic sketches delivered by a skilled ensemble group of funny and personable comedians.
Although the Improv serves drinks only to those 21 and older, you do not have to be 21 to attend many of the shows, although most are recommended for 17 and up.
If you're visiting Boston with older teens, the Improv is a great entertainment choice.
216 Hanover Street, Boston's North End | Orange Line/Haymarket | (617) 263-6887 | www.improvasylum.com
Nick's Comedy Stop
Nick's Comedy Stop, a popular favorite since the early '70s, is the longest running of the Boston comedy clubs.
Located near the Charles Playhouse, Comedy Stop's convenient Theatre District location makes it a popular destination with both locals and Boston tourists who enjoy seeing a variety of younger headliners.
All shows are 18+
The club has a full bar, but does not serve food. No outside food or drinks are allowed. A discount is available for Abby Lane, a popular nearby Theatre District restaurant.
100 Warrenton Street; Theatre District | 617-482-0930 | www.nickscomedystop.com
ImprovBoston
ImprovBoston has been around since the 1980s and keeps getting better and better.
The exuberant shows feature all forms of comedy, including satire, slapstick, you name it. Some, such as the popular Halloween Gorefest spectacle, return year after to year to appreciative fans.
An ensemble cast of 30+ members puts on multiple shows featuring improvisation and comic sketches 5 nights a week in ImprovBoston's 2 performance areas.
Although some shows are intended for older audiences, as though noted on Improv's website, most are family-friendly and tickets are affordably priced.
Improv recommends that audience members be 13 and older for the 10pm shows. Special family shows are designed for those with children 10 or younger.
ImprovBoston offers a beer and wine bar, along with soft drinks and snacks. The club's Central Square neighborhood offers numerous dining and drinking options.
40 Prospect Street, Central Square, Cambridge | Red Line/Central Square | 617- 263-6887 | www.improvboston.com
Laugh Boston
Laugh Boston, located at the Westin Boston Waterfront next to the Convention Center, brings top stand-up comedians to the South Boston Waterfront on Thursdays - Saturdays, and occasionally other evenings.
With seating for 300 plus standing room for 400 more, Laugh Boston offers a spacious and comfortable setting for the national and local acts.
The club serves drinks and light fare; no outside food or drinks allowed.
Tickets usually run about $25 ($35 for premium seating), although may be higher for some acts.
Normally no age restrictions - but the club cautions that much of the comedy is "R" rated and some people may find it offensive.
You can get validated parking when you park at the Westin (get your ticket stamped at the Laugh Boston Box Office), but there is sometimes street-side metered parking available along Summer and D Streets near the Westin.
Located in the lobby of Westin Waterfront Hotel at Summer and D Streets, South Boston Waterfront neighborhood | 617-482-0930 | www.laughboston.com
Shows & Tickets
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.
The Rockwell
Look for an eclectic but always interesting mix of comedy, music, and even theater at The Rockwell, an intimate 203-seat black-box space once occupied by Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway in the heart of Somerville's Davis Square.
Comedy offerings range from stand-up and improv to shows ("Sh*t-Faced Shakespeare" is a perennial favorite) to periodic comedy classes.
You will almost always find something interesting on offer here, so check out the weekly schedules on their website. Tickets for the most popular events sell out fairly quickly so don't wait until the last minute to book.
255 Elm Street, Somerville | Red Line/Davis | 617- 684-3553 | website
Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse
Blue Man Group, one of the funniest and most fascinating acts in town, has called the Theatre District's Charles Playhouse "home" since 1995, and the entertaining blue men (literally, men who are painted blue) are still going strong with year-round performances on most days of the week.
With numerous themes and subthemes, the shows constantly vary, so you're unlikely to see the same show twice - which is probably how they've maintained their popularity since they began in NYC almost 40 years ago.
Shows & Tickets
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.
See all Blue Man Group shows in Boston
RIP - Dick Doherty & His Comedy Den
A Boston fixture on the comedy scene since the late '80s, Dick Doherty's Comedy Den on High Street near the waterfront featured beginning and established local comedians on weeknights, Friday, and Saturday nights, with Sundays reserved for open mic.
As a bonus, tickets, drinks, and food were relatively inexpensive, and this popular Boston comedy club showcased a variety well-regarded stand-up comedians as well as Dick Doherty himself.
After the untimely passing of the club's owner, standup comedian Dick Doherty, the club closed in 2022. Doherty was known for giving stage time and encouragement to young comics, some of whom are now nationally known.
For those of us who love live comedy, Dick Doherty's Comedy Den offered the possibility of seeing the next yet-to-be-discovered great comic.
More Articles about Boston Nightlife
- Boston Theatre District Shows - Check out the schedule for performances
- Theatre District restaurants - Where to dine near the comedy clubs
- Boston Concerts - Find the complete schedule of top Boston concerts
- Theatre District Hotels - Stay in the city for the weekend
- Boston Common Parking Garage - The most convenient place to park near the Downtown Comedy Clubs
