Comedy in Portland
Check out plenty of in-demand comedians in a classic format for sidesplitting humor — live and in person.
Eric Gold
From stand-up comedy to improv comedy to sketch comedy Portland has any kind of comedy you may be looking for. Portland is known as the place up-and-coming comedians can cut their teeth and boasts many stages to bring you fresh, and very funny comedians, with plentiful open mic nights across the city to choose from, along with hilarious annual comedy festivals. There’s always something funny happening in Portland. Read on to learn more about the city’s vibrant comedy scene, then check out our events calendar to discover even more things to do on your next trip to Portland.
Helium
In the Central Eastside district, Helium delivers big-name talent like Saturday Night Live alumni Kevin Nealon and Jon Lovitz, other comedians you’ve seen on TV like Whitney Cummings, Chelsea Peretti, Patton Oswalt, Marc Maron, Neal Brennan, Nicole Byer, and many others. The venue, which features two full bars in addition to the main showroom, is known for its intimate setting. (Spectators are no more than 60 feet from performers.) No wonder Helium cultivates a respectful audience that is often rewarded with post-show meet-and-greets with the comics.
More Fun & Laughs
Free Live Music and Comedy in Portland
Discover a new favorite comic or musician at Portland's free concerts and comedy nights, scattered across the city and scheduled throughout the week.
Live Wire Radio
Enjoy original comedy, local music and captivating interviews at live tapings of this weekly variety show.
Niche Live Music Venues in Portland
These hidden gems are havens for jazz, punk, bluegrass, funk and more.
Kickstand Comedy
Nonprofit Kickstand Comedy got its start in the basement of a bike shop, then spent some time tucked above the Siren Theater before taking over the former home of the Brody Theater in 2019. Recognized by Paste Magazine as one of the “Country’s Best Improv Theaters,” Kickstand produces all-ages, community-based shows, flagship weekend showcases, community events and comedy classes.
ComedySportz
Looking to participate? Head to ComedySportz in Northwest Portland, which has been a longtime favorite of local comedy-lovers.
Curious Comedy Theater
The not-for-profit, volunteer-managed Curious Comedy Theater in Northeast Portland hosts community events to “improve the lives of kids, adults and seniors through the art of comedy.”
Funhouse Lounge
Head to Southeast Portland and you’ll find Funhouse Lounge, where cocktails, comedy, theater and improv converge against a background of clown-themed decor.
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Upcoming Comedy Shows
Get your laugh on with these upcoming comedy acts in Portland.
Darcelle XV’s Weekend Drag Show
Darcelle XV and Company have been entertaining audiences from all walks of life for over 50 years with Las Vegas-style cabaret revues of Glitz, Glamour and Comedy. Stop by when you are in Portland and you will be glad that you did! We have traveled the United States presenting a show that you have to…
Portland Sketch Comedy Festival
The Portland Sketch Comedy Festival began in the summer of 2017, and each year showcased Portland's bright and beautiful sketch comedy scene and brought the smartest and freshest sketch comedy performances from all over the country to Portland. The Siren Theater is thrilled to return to the festival for its sixth year. This year brings…
Anna Akana
After a stalking incident forced Anna into retirement for 6 years, she's back — and armed with a restraining order and a plethora of new stories to tell. Anna Akana is a comedian, actress and writer. As an actress, she can be seen in Marvel's Ant-Man, Comedy Central's Corporate, Netflix's Jupiter's Legacy and the Emmy-nominated…
Ashland by Isabel Estelle
After a young woman is unexpectedly diagnosed with a terminal illness and chooses to pursue Death with Dignity, she and her new partner must navigate the beginning and end of their relationship simultaneously. As the young woman’s health rapidly declines, her partner and her two siblings grapple with the absurdity and hilarity of death, what…
Bangerz Comedy
Portland comics Bjorn RG and Eliza Butler host this weekly show at Neighbors Taproom with curated lineups of local and nationally touring comedians. 21+
Jordan Jensen
Jordan Jensen started comedy in upstate NY before moving to Nashville TN, where she spent a year working for clubs and taking her comedy on the road in her pickup truck. Jordan now co hosts the podcast "Bein' Ian with Jordan" with comedian Ian Fidance and her first half hour special, presented by GaS Digital…
Showdown
The Hunger Games of Comedy. Six players enter the stage. Only one will survive. Curious Comedy Showdown pits Portland’s finest comedians against one another in competitive improv comedy cage matches that will make you laugh until you cry. Armed with only razor-sharp wit and your suggestions, the players must create fast-paced and hilarious scenes on the…
Ralph Barbosa
One of the shyest attention hogs to ever do comedy, Ralph Barbosa’s disarming and laid-back style has made him a stand-out on stage, on TV and online. On October 31, Ralph premiered his first worldwide Netflix stand-up special, Ralph Barbosa: Cowabunga. The hour-long special was shot in August 2023 at The Kessler Theater in Ralph’s…
No Filter Improv
Fuse Theater's New Year's Resolution for 2024 is to DO MORE IMPROV. What's yours? Join No Filter at the Back Door Theater every fourth Saturday of the month for some late-night laughs featuring rotating themes and cast members. Have requests? Just @ us on the socials. Big thanks to Fuse Theatre Ensemble for ensuring no Resolution…
Alfred Robles
After getting kicked out of the police academy, Alfred Robles became one of the country's hottest young comedians. Two years into his comedy career, Alfred was featured in the hit show "Loco Comedy Jam" and the Latino Laugh Festival. He was the only comedian featured on all three seasons of Stand Up Revolution on Comedy…
Friendly Feuds w/ Imani Denae
Everybody's favorite knockoff gameshow is back and ready to party! Join one of Portland's Funniest People (Willamette Week) Imani Denae for another rendition of her profoundly popular, hugely hilarious FRIENDLY FEUDS, now at Funhouse Lounge. Standup comics take on the audience for a one of a kind night of trivia and laughs.
It's Gonna Be Okay
It's Gonna Be Okay is a free WEEKLY stand-up comedy show EVERY Monday. The show showcases the best comedians in Portland, along with national acts. Every Monday at 8 pm in the Tap Room 21 and up only
Comedy Darlings
Comedy Darlings is a FREE comedy show every Monday located in North Portland at Bar Salut Cherie hosted by Danelle Porter and Erica Figueroa with some of the funniest comedians around. Make sure to follow on Instagram and Facebook @comedydarlings to stay current on all upcoming lineups.
Angelo Colina
Angelo Colina is a Venezuelan comedian who emigrated from Colombia to the United States in 2018. He started doing stand-up at Wiseguys Comedy Club (Salt Lake City, Utah) and now resides in New York, where he co-founded Español Please (the which was part of the New York Comedy Festival 2021) and Gente Funny (the first…
Jamie Lissow
Actor and comedian Jamie Lissow is currently a regular weekly guest on the #1 rated late-night talk show, Gutfeld! on Fox. Jamie is best known for his starring role in two seasons of the Netflix Original Series “Real Rob”, alongside SNL alums Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Norm MacDonald and David Spade; a show Jamie co-wrote…
Rip City Comedy Festival
A 3-day celebration in support of the vibrant and diverse Portland comedy scene. Featuring national headliners, including Steve Agee, Natalie Palamides, AJ Wilkerson and more. Please visit the website for links to tickets, schedules, and updated performance listings.
Aries Spears
A true comedic heavyweight, "MADtv" standout Aries Spears always comes loaded with the best impressions in the game and a unique take on everything from sports to current events. Spears released his latest special, "Aries Spears: Comedy Blueprint," in 2016.
Ali Siddiq
Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker from Houston, TX. Ali’s unique stand-up style began behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. In 2022, Ali released two new hour specials… "The Domino Effect" on YouTube and "Unprotected Sets" on EPIX. "The Domino Effect" has over 9 million…
Goodness the Comedy Show
Goodness is a show that brings the best stand-up comedy in Portland to the incredible Laurelhurst Club. Tickets are only $10, with even more affordable drinks. (21+)
The Murder Mystery Co. Presents: Death of a Gangster
Prepare to unravel the secrets of a thrilling murder mystery, where every twist and turn leads you closer to uncovering the truth. Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you examine clues and mingle with suspects, all while enjoying a delectable three-course meal. But beware — you might find yourself a suspect in this…
Roy Wood Jr.
Whether or not the name and music of Redwood Son has yet hit the big radar, this year's "Best New Artist" of the Portland Music Awards is on the rise. Their 20 Song double-disc debut, The Lion's Inside, boasts a dynamic versatility that crosses the borders of their West Coast Americana with hook-laden roots-rock and…
Leave Your Troubles at The Door
Leave Your Troubles at The Door is a completely improvised stand-up comedy showcase where the audience’s problems are the topics of the jokes on stage. Audience members write their problems/troubles down on a piece of paper and put it in a box before the show. Then, many of the best comedians from the Pacific Northwest…
Qabaret Quesa
Join Fuse every First Friday at 10 p.m. for Qabaret Quesa — a monthly live musical drag cabaret featuring and hosted by the cheesy, breezy, bleutiful Quesa D’Mondays. Enjoy the Back Door Theatre’s newly renovated living room space as Quesa serenades and slays with 70-musical minutes of show tunes, parodies, comedy, and more. Sit back, enjoy…
The Transplants
The Transplants welcomes comedians from all over the country for the Rip City Comedy Festival. Catch one of the premiere shows of the fest in an early matinee setting. The Transplants is a unique showcase created by Texas native James Bosquez that features comedians from across the globe currently making Portland their home. In this…
Ben Schwartz
Ben can be seen starring in the Universal Pictures’ upcoming horror comedy RENFIELD, set for release in April. You can also catch him starring opposite Kevin Hart and John Cena in DIE HART 2: DIE HARTER, the second season of Roku’s hit action comedy. Ben has leading roles in Lord & Miller’s AppleTV+ miniseries THE…
MeatEater
MeatEater is hitting the road again this spring for another round of MeatEater Live. Join Steven Rinella and friends for a fun night celebrating the outdoor lifestyle. The MeatEater crew will deliver laughs, trivia, news, and opinions from across the worlds of hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation, and wild foods. All ages are welcome.
Sunday Funday
Sunday Funday is BACK this May for another round of hysterical improvisational performances. Come and support students — both new and seasoned improvisers — as well as other notable Portland performers as they show you all kinds of talents, skills, and abilities. The show will feature demos and sets from all three levels of classes,…
Closet Cases
A Queer Comedy Storytelling Showcase. Comedians take the stage and share personal stories that don't fit into a classic tight fives. Come laugh, cry, cringe, and cheer with these funny and often heartwarming stories from within the LGBTQ+ community
Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of Unscripted Shakespeare. Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan based on your suggestions. Each show is an unpredictable tribute to Shakespeare's comedy, filled with ridiculous twists and spontaneous delights. Follow a merry band of players — former buddies of…
Matt Rife
Matthew Steven Rife is an American comedian and actor. Rife is best known for his self-produced comedy specials, Only Fans, Matthew Steven Rife and Walking Red Flag, as well as his 2023 Netflix special Natural Selection and previous recurring role on the sketch improv comedy and rap show Wild 'n Out.
Live Wire with Luke Burbank
Join Emmy award-winning host Luke Burbank for the taping of Live Wire, the fastest-growing entertainment show on public radio. With a late-night stride, an Oscar Wilde wit, and the charisma of Ferris Bueller grand marshaling a parade. Music, comedy, and conversation live and packed with surprises.
Conner O'Malley
Conner O'Malley presents new research on Comedy products. He showcases newly developed Comedy technologies, including sustainable comedy technology that will innovate the global digital comedy maker space with new videos, stand-up, and much much more. Conner O'Malley is a comedian originally from Chicago, Illinois. He has written for HBO’s "How to with John Wilson" and…
Michelle Wolf
Wolf has quickly become one of the most influential voices in the comedy landscape, with the Village Voice calling her “the voice comedy needs right now” and The Daily Beast declaring, “Michelle Wolf is the future of stand-up comedy.” Her most recent Netflix special, MICHELLE WOLF: JOKE SHOW, received high praise and her first hour-long…
Triple D
Calling all adventurers. Join Dungeon Master Sin Cere as he leads a cast of drag performers through an exciting one-shot Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Part drag show, part improv, all fun, you won't want to miss Triple D.
Mommie Dearest with Donatella Nobody
“No wire hangers!” celebrate Mother’s Day with a screening of this often unhinged and highly quotable camp classic. Hosted by Portland’s fabulous Donatella Nobody, get ready to clutch your pearls and pay homage to the ultimate portrayal of maternal complexity. ON STAGE: Donatella Nobody Donatella Nobody (the drag alter ego of local theater designer and…
Celeste Barber
Hailed as the “Australian Queen of Comedy”, Celeste’s original celebrity parody Instagram account has attracted over 8.1 million followers. In 2019 she released her best-selling book Challenge Accepted and she was also seen on the 2019 Showtime special of the same name. In 2020, she won the AACTA (The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television…
Brad Upton
Brad Upton is Dry Bar Comedy’s most popular act with over 160 million views. He used to tour with the late, great Joan Rivers and is a past winner of the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. Don’t miss this show!!!
Remembering Gene Wilder with Clancy Kramer
Sometimes the best cure for sadness is a good laugh. Remember the comedy genius and wicked talent of beloved actor Gene Wilder with this new documentary. Portland comedienne Clancy Kramer will introduce the film with a short comedy set.
That's So 90s Variety Show
BOOYAH. Bust out the butterfly clips and bucket hats because the 90s are back, baby. Join this fun-filled variety show featuring talented acts showcasing the music, movies, celebrities, and pop culture from this bomb diggity decade. Throughout the show, there will be trivia contests, a 90’s fashion show, top 10 lists, a costume contest, and…
Young Frankenstein with Clancy Kramer // 50th Anniversary
Join a monstrously marvelous evening and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Young Frankenstein. Dust off your lab coats, grab your Igor-inspired hump, and get ready to electrify your funny bone. Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder are at the top of their comedic game in this tale of the madcap antics of Dr. Frankenstein and his hilariously dysfunctional…
Drag Brunch at The Pharmacy
Join hostess Devlin Lynn Phoenixx and her cast of talented queens for a Sunday brunch experience you won’t soon forget. Your ticket includes admission to the show, your meal, AND your first mimosa. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. So grab your friends and get down to The Pharmacy for a spectacularly fun time.
Magic Tea Party
In this live Dungeons & Dragons show, comedians and performers take to the stage to play some theatre games, share some jokes, and play some D&D.
ALOK
ALOK (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed poet, comedian, public speaker, and actor. ALOK’s literary works “Beyond the Gender Binary,” “Femme in Public,” and “Your Wound, My Garden,” have garnered global recognition. Their dynamic presence has captivated audiences in over 40 countries, with sold-out shows at venues including Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Kennedy Center for…
Martin Amini
Martin Amini is a stand-up comic based in Los Angeles, California, born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. Martin’s stand-up material touches on what its like growing up mixed in America coming from a Bolivian and Iranian background. After making his tv debut on Laff Tracks on TruTv, Martin filmed his stand up special “Son…
Party Girl Bingo hosted by Violet Hex
ON SCREEN: Party Girl 1995. Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer. Runtime: 94 minutes. Rated R. Mary (Parker Posey) is a hip 20-something and hostess extraordinaire known for organizing the most trendy and outrageous parties on the New York club scene. When her roommate moves out, she stages an illegal rave to cover her rent,…
Brincos Dieras
Brincos Dieras is “the most irreverent clown in all of Latin America”. Dressed in his signature clown costume, complete with makeup and a flamboyant suit, he draws thousands of fans to his engaging live performances. An international sensation, the comic hails from El Paso, Texas, and performs on stages across the United States and Mexico….
DINOSAUR
An electrifying ensemble of improv comedy's brightest stars, including Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel, and Jason Mantzoukas, to cities nationwide for a must-see show where every performance promises an explosion of unscripted hilarity and genius. Catch "DINOSAUR," the improv phenomenon that's captivating audiences from Los Angeles to cities all over the United States for a special…
Josh Wolf
Josh Wolf is a comedian, actor, and NY Times Bestselling author best known for his work as a round table guest and writer on E!’s “Chelsea Lately” and “After Lately.” Throughout 2013-2014, Wolf hosted “Shark After Dark” which aired during the ultra-popular “Shark Week” on The Discovery Channel. Josh was then cast as the host…
Leanne Morgan
After discovering her passion for stand-up comedy later in life and finding the time and confidence to pursue her dream, Leanne Morgan has cemented herself as a must-watch comedian. Leanne was feeling the lure of Hollywood after graduating high school, yet the idea of moving there was unheard of and too daunting for a country…
Shane Gillis
Shane Gillis is a stand-up comic, actor, and writer from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. After winning Philly’s Funniest at Helium Comedy Club in 2016 Shane was named an “Up-Next” Comic at Comedy Central’s 2019 Clusterfest in San Francisco and a “New Face” at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. In 2021, Gillis released his…
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