When searching for fun things to do in the Bay Area, it’s important not to overlook the importance of laughter. Locals and visitors roll in their seats with laughter on a regular basis, thanks to a variety of local comedy clubs showcasing the best talent around.
Join us on our tour of the best comedy shows in the region to find something that tickles your funny bone.
Alameda
Attending a stand-up comedy show is one of the best things to do in the Bay Area. Check out these comedy clubs in Alameda to find your perfect partner in laughter.
1. Grapes & Giggles
Grapes & Giggles comedy club has been hosting shows at Domenico Winery in San Carlos for several years. In February 2024, this successful group started bringing comedy events to Alameda, giving East Bay residents a chance to laugh in their local area.
The Alameda shows are hosted at Karibu wine bar, where you can grab a drink and relax before the laughter begins. They usually take place twice a month on alternate Thursdays. We always check the venue's website or social media pages to find out about upcoming shows.
You can look forward to a night of sidesplitting stand-up from comedians featured on late-night TV and Comedy Central. You might also recognize some of the local talent from SF Sketchfest or Bay Area Festivals.
2. Alameda Comedy Club
The well-established Alameda Comedy Club is a place where you can catch national headliners and rising Bay Area stars. You might see a seasoned veteran touring nationally or a local comic honing their craft. On Thursdays, the venue holds open mic nights, allowing aspiring comedians to share their material.
Shows usually take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Drag Brunch is also a regular feature at 12 p.m. on Sundays. This much-loved local comedy club serves shareable plates and craft cocktails. Nibble on charcuterie or sip a strawberry margarita while you let the stars of the comedy stage entertain you.
Financial District
Discover the lighter side of San Francisco’s Financial District with these incredible comedy shows.
3. Punch Line San Francisco
Punch Line San Francisco is one of the best clubs in the United States. The venue was founded in 1978 and has brought laughter to Bay Area residents for decades.
It offers a stage for established comic talent and up-and-coming performers. Many big names have graced its stage before hitting the mainstream. The intimate setting creates a close connection between the audience and comedians—but save your heckles to avoid jokes at your expense.
Fan favorites Emma Willmann, Helen Hong, and John Heffron are among the acts you can expect to see. Book tickets online to avoid missing out.
4. Best of SF Stand-Up Comedy
Best of SF Stand-Up Comedy is a long-running independent comedy show featuring a lineup of San Francisco’s best comics every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Friday night comedy events take place at Kell’s in North Beach. This classic Irish pub is the ideal place for comedians to get their audiences giggling. The show starts at 8 p.m., making it the perfect way to start your weekend.
On Saturdays, you can catch shows at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. On Sundays, wind down with a live-streamed virtual open mic, which is open to everyone. If your jokes make people laugh, you’ll get tips.
Mill Valley
Mill Valley residents benefit from having some of the best stand-up comedy in the Bay Area right on their doorstep.
Wow-Worthy Circus Acts!
Get ready to be amazed in Bay Area! Jaw-dropping Cirque du Soleil performances are just a click away.
5. Tuesday Night Comedy at 142 Throckmorton Theatre
Tuesday Night Comedy at 142 Throckmorton Theatre has been running for over 18 years. Plenty of big-name comedians stop by to try out new material before taking it on the road. You can expect to see performances from the likes of Pat Hazell, Chey Bell, Marc Yaffee, and other stars.
The comedy here is smart and sharp. Shows start at 8 p.m. It’s best to book in advance, although you can get tickets at the door if the show isn't sold out. Bring your children with you if you want, but not all shows are suitable for little ears. Kids aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
North Beach
North Beach is home to some of the best Bay Area comedy shows. Check out these laughter-packed options.
6. Cobb’s Comedy Club
Cobb’s Comedy Club in North Beach is a historic Bay Area venue with a reputation for great laughs. Founded in 1982, the 400-seat club offers an ideal setting for a fun night out. It has a full dinner menu and a full-service bar, so there’s no reason to go anywhere else.
It showcases a variety of comedic talent, from established acts seen on national TV to rising stars from the Bay Area. The venue offers shows most nights of the week. Check the website for upcoming events.
7. The Setup at The Lost Church
The Setup at The Lost Church is a recurring comedy show held at one of San Francisco’s most unique venues. Once a church, it’s now a multi-use space that hosts concerts, theater productions, and comedy events.
It's a popular underground comedy show that started in San Francisco in 2015. The venue features a lineup of up-and-coming comedians alongside established talent. You might even catch someone who has been on Comedy Central or late-night TV. Robin Williams, W. Kamau Bell, and Patton Oswalt got their start performing at these speakeasy shows.
The Setup comedy events are held at The Lost Church on the first Saturday of each month, from 8 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Occasionally, extra performances occur on other dates. Check the venue's website to find a performance that interests you.
Oakland
No tour of Bay Area comedy shows would be complete without a stop in Oakland, where you'll find plenty of fun things to do in the Bay Area.
8. Comedy Oakland
Comedy Oakland has been bringing laughs to the East Bay since 2009. This club hosts shows at various venues throughout the city, including Calabash, the Washington Inn, and Seawolf Pub. All venues serve food and drinks, but there’s no drink minimum.
Every venue that hosts the shows is wheelchair accessible, and street parking is nearby. The show is owned and run by comedians, whose goal is to put a smile on as many faces as possible. That's a mission we can get behind.
9. Critical Hit!
Are you a board game geek with a sense of humor? Then you’ll feel right at home at Critical Hit! On Saturdays, the It’s Your Move Games and Hobbies team rolls back the shelves and turns the venue into a cozy comedy club.
Give a warm welcome to smart, edgy comedians you may have seen on Funny or Die, Conan, or Comedy Central. Critical Hit! offers a great way to have a cheap night out in Oakland. Each show costs $10, and the venue has a BYOB policy.
Bring a friend or date or come solo and enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled evening.
Santa Rosa
Beautiful Santa Rosa is famous for its wine. Sip a local vintage while listening to some excellent comedy in the heart of Sonoma County.
11. Barrel Proof Lounge
Stand-up comedy comes to Barrel Proof Lounge every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. and on Fridays at 8 p.m. There’s even a Sunday afternoon show, starting at 2 p.m., for those looking for daytime laughs in a relaxed setting.
In addition to hilarious comedy acts, Barrel Proof Lounge offers an extensive selection of drinks. With 16 beers on tap, a range of red, white, and sparkling wines, and nonalcoholic IPAs, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale is the birthplace of the video game industry. It’s also where many big-name comedians honed their craft. Of all the venues in this area, one stands out.
12. Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club
Enjoy beloved comedy actors and up-and-coming funsters in a historic setting at Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club. The building was the first bus stop in Sunnyvale before it became a local tavern. After hosting successful comedy shows for years, the venue became a full-time comedy club.
You can see some big names at Rooster T. Feathers. Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Mark Normand, and Fortune Feimster have all performed here. If you're a regular viewer of The Late Show, Comedy Central, or The Tonight Show, you’ll likely see some names you recognize.
Book tickets, and don’t forget to bring your ID—the venue is strictly for adults aged 21 and older.
Mission District
The Mission District is one of the most trendy in the Bay Area. Comedy shows here are cutting-edge and not to be missed. Have some uproarious laughs, then why not check out our list of the Bay Area’s Halloween events?
13. SUBMISSION: Cocktails & Comedy
Kinksters looking for comedy offerings from people who understand the lifestyle will fit right in at SUBMISSION: Cocktails & Comedy. The shows take place in the basement of The San Francisco Armory.
Comedians perform material that's often as hard-hitting as it is hilarious. Relax with a craft cocktail and get ready to laugh until it hurts. Shows sell out quickly, but there are always 10 tickets held at the door for walk-ups. If you arrive early, you might be able to bag one.
Union Square
Union Square is home to fantastic restaurants and stores where you can shop until you drop. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the vibrant comedy scene.
14. Cheaper Than Therapy
Cheaper Than Therapy is an important part of the San Francisco comedy circuit. Its shows take place at Shelton Theater in Union Square. With shows every night from Wednesday through Sunday and two events on Saturdays, it’s a great place to source some laughs.
The bar serves everything from cocktails to craft beer, but no drink minimums are required. While the venue doesn't offer food service, some great restaurants are nearby.
Veteran comedians Scott Simpson and Jon Allen host every Cheaper Than Therapy show. They introduce a selection of other acts from the Bay Area and beyond. The shows, which last 70-90 minutes, get us laughing so hard that tears pour down our cheeks.
15. Secret Improv Society
It's no surprise that improv features in San Francisco’s vibrant comedy scene. Secret Improv Society performers put together the funniest comedy plays on the fly using suggestions from the audience. It’s an incredible process to watch. You'll be in awe of the performers’ quick wits and imaginations.
Shows are held every Friday and Saturday night in the historic Shelton Theater. The venue is air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and has great transport links, making it a convenient place to meet friends.
Discover the Unique Stand-Up Comedy Scene of the Bay Area
While the Bay Area comedy scene is certainly thriving, stand-up isn’t the only form of entertainment found here. Our shows in the Bay Area are equally popular, drawing in audiences with the promise of acrobatics, artistry, and awe.
Each performance is an unforgettable experience that will set your heart racing and leave you feeling inspired and exhilarated. We offer an evening of dazzling entertainment accompanied by thrilling musical scores and cutting-edge technology. Dream big with us in a world without limits.