If the state of your wretched soul isn't enough to make you laugh out loud on a daily basis, you might need some comedic stimulation to help you along.
And you're in luck: Austin has some killer comedy venues to see rising local talent and visiting out-of-town comedians alike. Whether your cup of comedy tea is best enjoyed in the musky, dank basement of a college co-op or a world-class, 1200-capacity venue in the heart of downtown Austin, we have you covered for where to laugh until you cry, get sore in the cheeks, or pee your favorite pair of overpriced Levi's.
Check out this list of Where to See Comedy in Austin..
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Photo via paramount
713 Congress Ave
Paramount is the big ol' hot-shot of this list with the biggest names in comedy regularly dropping by this huge venue on weekends to provide laughs for 1,000+ people. Paramount has hosted everybody from Broad City co-creator Ilana Glazer to beloved podcast host Marc Maron. Make sure you check out their upcoming shows and the yearly Moontower Comedy Festival!
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1400 E 38th 1/2 St
This beloved neighborhood spot hosts comedy showcases every Tuesday at 8 PM. These shows tend to fill up so get there early for a night of laughing like 2020 never happened (or that it did).
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1500 E 6th St
This bar duo has upped their patio game substantially during COVID-19, offering patrons a safe outdoor experience whether you're looking for a stiff drink or a bite to eat. They've also recently added comedy back into their toolbox, with shows like Ground Floor.
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Photo via Coldtowne Theater
NEW LOCATION: 1700 East 2nd St
Coldtowne is back open with their in-person events we grew to love (like QueerTowne). They offer livestreams, improv classes, and live shows, so you can finally pause your 50th showing of The Office and try something a little funnier.
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Photo via Esther's Follies
525 E 6th St
Perhaps the most widely popular spot on the list, Esther's Follies is a theatrical comedy troupe that normally performs five nights on the corner of 6th Street and Red River. From political satire to musicals to live magic shows, Esther's Follies keeps audiences entertained in a truly Austin way: eccentrically, outrageously, and cleverly.
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Photo via Yelp
617 Congress Ave
The Hideout Theatre is the premier location in Austin for improv. All comedy is performed on-the-spot, so come prepared to guffaw not only at top-notch jokes but also at the intelligence and talent that it takes for these people to think of this stuff on the fly. The Hideout also conducts improv classes, so shows throughout the week and weekend range from newbies currently taking classes to maestros of improv excellence.
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418 E. 6th St
Since October 2020, Vulcan Gas Company went into overdrive bringing comedy to Austin during the pandemic. From local favorites to big name out-of-towners, their stages have been safely showcasing the best laugh-makers to audiences that need it the most.
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1910 E Cesar Chavez St
This East Side dive recently added comedy to their arsenal. Head over to East Cesar Chavez to the Long Play East, where you can see comedy shows featuring local favorites like Chris Tellez and Danny Goodwin.
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Photo via Instagram
310 E 3rd St
Nestled right across from the Austin Convention Center and a stone's throw from Dirty 6th, Sunset Strip Comedy Club is Austin's newest comedy venue. They've hit the ground running with various showcases highlighting Austin's favorite comedians. Bookmark this link for all the upcoming shows!
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Photo via Yelp
2906 Fruth St
Did you miss Spider House? We sure as hell did. We're thanking the comedy gods that this North Campus staple is having comedy shows again, with favorite recurring showcases like Shit's Golden! and Beamed Inn. The best part? Most of them will only cost you a whopping $5.
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Where do you go to laugh in Austin?
