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.

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 others. 

Get ready to enjoy improv, open mic, stand up comics, ensembles, and more!

Top photo: Comedy club; Photo credit: istock.com/AntonioSolano

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Wilbur Theatre

Wilbur Theatre - Boston comedy club and concert venue in the Theatre District
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

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246 Tremont Street, Theatre District |  617-931-2000  |  thewilbur.com


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Improv Asylum

Improv Asylum comedy club in Boston
ImprovAsylum

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


Dick Doherty's Comedy Den

A Boston fixture on the comedy scene since the late '80s, Dick Doherty's Comedy Den features beginning and established local comedians on weeknights, Friday, and Saturday nights.  Sundays are reserved for open mic.  This is an 18+ club.

Tickets, drinks, and food are relatively inexpensive (Friday and Saturday tickets cost a little more), and this popular Boston comedy club showcases a variety well-regarded stand-up comedians as well as Dick Doherty himself.

Tickets typically about $20-$30/person.

This is Boston's only full-service comedy club, with table seating and serving appetizers, bar food, and drinks during and after the shows.

184 High Street (below Howl at the Moon) - across from Rowes Wharf; Financial District, Downtown Boston  | Blue Line/Aquarium; Red Line/South Station | (800) 401-2221  | www.dickdoherty.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.

Validated parking when you park at the Westin (get your ticket stamped at the Laugh Boston Box Office), but there is often 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

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See all shows at Laugh Boston

246 Tremont Street, Theatre District |  617-931-2000  |  thewilbur.com


More Comedy Shows in Boston

Other Boston venues also feature comedy shows, at least at times.

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse in the Theatre District is a perennial favorite, with multiple shows each week:

Shows & Tickets

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On occasion, venues such as Berklee Performance Center, the Orpheum Theatre, TD Garden, and Wang Theatre also host comedy shows and comedians. 

Shows & Tickets

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See all shows at other Boston venues



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