Last Updated: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 12:08 PM by Lauren Saizan
In New Orleans, comedy isn’t hard to come by. Weekly shows make for a dedicated fan base at some of the city’s most iconic venues. Open mic nights and national comedy tours allow for a variety of options when seeking out a show. Whether you’d like to kick back with a drink and a meal or be a part of the show yourself, here’s where to see comedy in New Orleans.
New to the New Orleans comedy scene, Comedy House NOLA is the city’s only full-time stand-up comedy venue. Conveniently located at 609 Fulton Street, Comedy House NOLA is your gateway to a night on the town in the nearby French Quarter - or perhaps a nightcap away from the hustle and bustle. Locally owned and operated by New Orleans natives, the club features a variety of diverse entertainment from nationally touring and local talent. They host an open mic stand-up show called House Party every Wednesday at 8 p.m., with sign-ups beginning at 7:30 p.m. Shows from Thursday-Sunday feature comedy showcases from local and touring comedians.
Enjoy New Orleans-style BBQ and new talent at the Ugly Dog Saloon. Every Friday night is Raw Dog Comedy night, with open mic sign ups starting at 7:30 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m. hosted by Ryan Rogers. Check out up and coming talent while keeping your eyes peeled for an allstar comedian - you never know who’s going to drop in at the kennel.
Enjoy an open mic night at Twelve Mile Limit on Mondays with sign up at 7 p.m. and the show at 7:30 p.m., hosted by Lauren Malara. Grab a beer and some comfort food, and come ready to laugh.
Enjoy cheap drinks, good food, and even better comedy at the Hi-Ho Lounge. Home to Proving Ground Comedy, stop in on Sundays at 8 p.m. for a stand-up open-mic + comedy showcase with a rotating set of featured performers.
Tucked away in a corner of Uptown New Orleans, this watering hole offers TVs to watch the game and weeknight activities like trivia and a comedy night. Held on Wednesdays, sign up is at 8 p.m. and the show begins at “9ish” for the “Think You’re Funny?!” open mic.
Hosted by Pickle, this open mic night has 7:30 p.m. sign up with an 8 p.m. show at Another Bar located at 5039 Freret St. Open mic nights are Tuesdays.
Not far from the Ugly Dog Saloon is the Howlin’ Wolf, a venue known for live music that also happens to have two different weekly comedy nights. Tuesdays at 8 p.m. is the Comedy Beast, hosted by Allison Hotard & Amanda G, while Thursdays at 8 p.m. is Comedy Gumbeaux, hosted by Red Bean, Nature Boy, and Carrey B. Check out the shows featuring local and touring comedians. Comedy Gumbeaux has been running for over a decade and hosted the likes of Tiffany Haddish and Hannibal Buress in the Den.
Produced by Jorge Velazquez, Craft Comedy hosts free stand up comedy shows every Wednesday at local breweries featuring NOLA's top comedians. Breweries include Skeeta Hawk Brewery, NOLA Brewing, Zony Mash, and more. Find the full schedule here.
The Orpheum hosts many musicians and entertainers throughout the year, but some of the country’s most well-known comedians also stop on tour there. 2022 alone is bringing in Chelsea Handler, Tig Notaro, Iliza Shlesinger, Andrew Schulz, and Nate Bargatze.
Lauren Saizan is a New Orleans native raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. In addition to being the editorial and online content manager for New Orleans & Company, she is also a member of Mélange Dance Company. Lauren has performed professionally in many venues across the city, including the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and Marigny Opera House. When not writing or dancing, she can be spotted sipping the Blue Eyes tea at French Truck, attending a concert downtown, or visiting a local library.
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