Austin is where laughter is the best medicine, and the comedy scene is alive and thriving.
From stand-up to improv, sketch comedy to comedy festivals, Austin has become a hub for emerging and established comedians.
You will find something that tickles your funny bone with various venues and shows.
This guide will take you on a tour of Austin’s comedy scene, showcasing the city’s best comedy clubs, performances, and festivals.
Get ready to laugh out loud and discover why Austin is becoming known as one of the country’s top comedy destinations. Sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy the best of Austin’s comedy scene!
Austin’s Comedy Scene: What You Need to Know
Austin’s comedy scene is one of the best in the country, with a variety of comedy clubs, performances, and festivals that showcase local and national talent. Here are some of the top spots to check out:
- The Velveeta Room
The Velveeta Room is one of Austin’s oldest comedy clubs, featuring local and national comedians in an intimate setting. This underground venue has a laid-back atmosphere and hosts show throughout the week.
- Cap City Comedy Club
Cap City Comedy Club is one of Austin’s most popular comedy clubs, hosting nationally recognized comedians like Dave Chappelle and Patton Oswalt. The club has a full bar and menu, and shows run Wednesday through Sunday.
- Esther’s Follies
Esther’s Follies is a comedy theater in downtown Austin’s heart. With a mix of sketch comedy, magic, and musical performances, this theater is a must-see for anyone seeking a unique comedy experience.
- ColdTowne Theater
ColdTowne Theater is a famous improv theater in Austin that hosts nightly shows featuring local improv troupes and stand-up comedians. The theater also offers classes and workshops for those looking to try their hand at improv.
- Moontower Comedy Festival
The Moontower Comedy Festival is an annual event that brings together some of the biggest names in comedy for four days of shows and performances. The festival takes place at various venues throughout the city and features over 100 comedians each year.
- Out of Bounds Comedy Festival
The Out of Bounds Comedy Festival is another annual event celebrating the best in improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy. The festival features performances by local and national comedians and occurs at multiple venues around Austin.
- Fallout Theater
Formerly known as The New Movement Theater, Fallout Theater is a comedy venue that features sketch and improv shows, stand-up comedy, and workshops. The theater is known for its supportive community and hosts show almost every night of the week.
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- The Institution Theater
The Institution Theater is another excellent improv and sketch comedy option in Austin. The theater offers classes, workshops, and shows featuring local and national talent.
- The Hideout Theater
The Hideout Theater is a famous improv theater that offers shows, classes, and corporate training. The theater is known for its supportive community and collaborative spirit.
- Stand-up Comedy Open Mics
Austin has a thriving open mic scene for stand-up comedy. Several bars and clubs offer regular open mic nights for up-and-coming comedians to try out their material, including The Buzz Mill, Kick Butt Coffee, and The Tavern.
- Sure Thing
Sure Thing is a weekly stand-up comedy showcase at the Austin Java Cafe. The showcase features local and national comedians and has been a staple of the Austin comedy scene for over seven years.
- ComedySportz
ComedySportz is a competitive improv show that takes place at The Institution Theater. The show pits two improv teams against each other in a series of games and challenges, with the audience choosing the winner.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Austin’s Comedy Clubs?
If you’re planning to visit one of Austin’s comedy clubs, here are some tips to help you maximize your experience:
- Research the Club – Before heading to a comedy club, take some time to research the venue and the comedians who will be performing. Check out the club’s website or social media pages to understand what to expect and who will take the stage.
- Arrive Early – It’s a good idea to arrive at the comedy club early to ensure you can find a good seat and order drinks or food before the show starts. Some clubs have open seating, so arriving early can also allow you to get a better spot in the audience.
- Follow the Rules – Each comedy club may have different rules regarding cell phone use, talking during the show, or other behaviors. Following these rules is essential to ensure you don’t disrupt the performance or the other audience members.
- Engage with the Comedians – Many comedians love interacting with the audience during their sets, so don’t be afraid to laugh, clap, or respond to their jokes. Be mindful of the comedian’s style and tone; some may prefer a quieter audience.
- Explore Different Clubs – Austin has a variety of comedy clubs, each with their unique atmosphere and lineup of comedians. Don’t be afraid to explore different clubs and shows to find the one that fits your sense of humor and style.
- Attend Comedy Festivals – Austin has several comedy festivals, like the Moontower Comedy Festival and the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival, which feature many comedians and performances. Attending these festivals can be a great way to see multiple shows and experience the best of Austin’s comedy scene.
- Have Fun – Remember to have fun and enjoy the show! Comedy clubs are a great way to laugh and unwind, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, improv, or sketch comedy, Austin’s comedy scene has something for everyone. You will find a night of laughs in this vibrant city with various clubs, performances, and festivals.
With so many options for comedy clubs and events in Austin, you can find a spot that fits your sense of humor and style. From stand-up to improv to sketch comedy, there’s always something new and exciting happening in Austin’s comedy scene.
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