Chicago is known for its legendary comedy scene.
One thing that makes Chicago an incredible place for the arts is its phenomenal comedy scene. Stars like John Mulaney, Jane Lynch, Bill Murray, and Hannibal Buress got their start right here in Chicago. One of the city’s best comedy spots is the famous Laugh Factory, a staple in the Chicago comedy scene with gut-busting laughter every day of the week.
Regular Shows
Chicago’s Best Stand-Up, Mondays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., and Sundays 9 p.m.
Laugh Factory has brought together the best comedians in the city to keep you laughing all night long! Every week these titans of comedy bring their all to the stage. It’s a different line-up every night so you can go back again and again and it never gets old. Come see what makes Chicago the funniest city on the planet! More information.
Jackpot Comedy, Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Jackpot is Laugh Factory’s weekly showcase of upcoming Chicago talent. What makes this show special is that every night lottery-picked, newbie stand up comedians are given a chance to tear the house down on one of the world’s biggest comedy stages. Feeling left out? Not to worry! The audience also has the chance to win fun prizes like gift cards, swag, and most importantly, laughs! More information.
News It (Or Lose It!), Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
Part comedy show, part news brief, this hilarious current events show is a light-hearted take on all the week’s most noteworthy news. Hosted by Adam Burke (NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me), this show features sets from three of Chicago’s finest comedians followed by a debate of their favorite news of the week. More information.
Drink, Date, Laugh, Fridays at 8 p.m.
A comedic take on dating game shows, “Drink, Date, Laugh” is an interactive, one-of-a-kind standup showcase. Before the show, audience members fill out short questionnaires about their dating history and love life. Chicago’s best comedians then use these to briefly interview selected audience members. At the end of the show, three people are picked to participate in a live game show. The prize? A $50 gift certificate to a local spot! More information.
The Nasty Show, Saturdays at 11:30 p.m.
This show is not for the faint of heart. Laugh Factory has compiled the best comics in Chicago and given them free rein. Jokes at this show are dirty, dark, and not likely to be politically correct. This is an in-your-face no-holds-barred comedy show where literally anything can happen. More information.
Three’s Company, Monthly
This monthly showcase hosted by Jonah Jurkens, Nate Burrows, and Dan Drees features extended sets of Chicago’s best stand-up. Never expect to see the same lineup twice; each week brings in fresh comedy to show all the best that Chicago has to offer. Join in the fun with laughs, drinks, and good company! More information.
Diamond Comedy Hour, Monthly
While comedy has long been a male-dominated field, female and gender non-conforming comics have taken the scene by storm with stars like Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Ali Wong, and Cameron Esposito. Diamond Comedy Hour is a monthly standup lineup that showcases premier female and GNC comedians. Enjoy an evening of Chicago’s wittiest femmes, bubbly beverages, and sidesplitting laughter at the world-famous Laugh Factory. More information.
Verified Laughs Comedy Show
A presence on social media seems to mean everything these days: followers, brands, constant streams of content; it takes a lot to get verified! Comedians at this fast-paced showcase go head to head for your vote of whose jokes get the most laughs. Winners from each night compete in a showdown at the end of the month for the ultimate, most verified title. Tickets are on sale now.
Upcoming One-Night-Only Shows
Felonious Munk, March 5
ABC’s For Life comedian Felonious Munk returns to the Laugh Factory stage for one night of hilarity with Rachel Hall, Zach Boog, and Skylar Higley, featuring sketch by Problem Magic Comedy. See why the Chicago Tribune named Munk 2017 Comedy Chicagoan of the Year during this hysterical night of comedy! Tickets are on sale now.
The Young Hustle Show, March 13
See the best local comedians alongside breakout stars from Comedy Central, HBO, and Conan. This hilarious show features St James Jackson, Clay Hurlbut, Nick Ogle, and Skyler Higley with more comedians to be announced soon. You’ll leave the theater clutching your belly from laughing and then crawl back for more. Tickets are on sale now.
Practical information
Feature Image: @daniel.j.kelly