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…
Summer Free For All
Portland Parks & Recreation offers over 400 free events including free movie screenings, concerts and rock climbing.
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…
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.
SAW The Musical
One of the most thought-provoking horror films of all time now is…a musical. SAW The Musical hilariously captures the events of the first movie parodying the Saw that started it all following from where Lawrence Gordon and Adam Stanheight find each other for the first time in the bathroom trap. Will they follow ''the rules''…
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…
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!!!
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…
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.
Shane Mauss
Journey into the mind of a psychedelic astronaut with a consciousness-expanding comedy experience. At the intersection of science, humor, and psychedelics comes "A Better Trip," the latest work from Shane Mauss. Originally a residency at AREA15 in Las Vegas — this hilariously heady event highlights Shane’s personal psychedelic experiences and examines the history, science, and culture…
Bard Bingo at Wonderwood Springs
Bard Bingo at Portland Artist Mike Bennett's Wonderwood Springs is a lively bingo event hosted by a traveling bard's musical musings. Held every Tuesday night, this event features four exciting rounds with cards priced at $5 each. It's cash-only, offering chances to win various prizes such as original artwork, stickers, gift cards, lawn signs,…
Portland's Funniest Person Competition
Join Helium Comedy Club for the Preliminary Rounds of the 2024 Portland's Funniest Person Competition. Preliminary Round winners are determined by audience vote, so come on out and help us crown this year's champ. The contest continues with the Semifinals from August 6th – 18th and the Final on August 25th.
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…
2 KIMS 1 POD
Standup comics and totally unrelated Koreans Peter S.Kim (Amazon, FOX) and Eunji Kim (Hulu, NBC), co-hosts of the critically acclaimed podcast: ‘2 Kims 1 Pod,' present an uproarious night of live comedy featuring their favorite local stand-ups. Peter S Kim is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He is one of the stars of the…
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+
Capacity Comedy Open Mic
Capacity Comedy presents a fun new Open mic with a special featured local comedian to close out the night. Capacity is a fun cocktail style bar that supports local musicians, comedians and DJ's.
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,…
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…
Godfrey
As one of the most dominant forces in the comedy circuit, Godfrey has been seen on stages from New York to Los Angeles to Dubai. Along with his own Comedy Central Special, his onscreen credits include "Zoolander," "30 Rock," and a recurring role on "Louie."
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…
Minority Retort: The Grande Finale
For nearly a decade, Minority Retort has been Portland's premier stand-up comedy showcase featuring Black and Brown comedians and a fixture on the Portland comedy scene. Now… it’s enough already. Join The Siren Theater and celebrate Minority Retort’s homegoing with an all-star lineup of some of the show’s favorites from over the years: Nathan Brannon,…
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…
Friendly Feuds w/ Imani Denae
Hold onto your butts, City of Roses, because everybody’s favorite, laugh-filled evening of comedy, trivia, and goofy fun, FRIENDLY FEUDS w/ Imani Denae, is making a triumphant return to Funhouse Lounge. This one and only, one of a kind knockoff game show is back and ready to party with an evening positively packed full of…
Chad & JT
Chad Kroeger and JT Parr are on a mission to boost stoke. The two gained recognition as activists in city hall meetings where they petitioned for noble causes such as erecting a statue for Paul Walker, saving house parties, and bleaching their hair for coral reefs. Catch them now in their upcoming Netflix series, "Chad and JT Go…
Jeremiah Coughlan
Jeremiah Coughlan is a comedian with a very distinct style. Dave Attell recently described him on stage as “someone who looks like he knows everything there is to know about parrots.” He might not know everything about colorful birds but he does have a pretty good idea about how to make folks laugh. He has…
Duncan Trussell
Duncan Trussell is an actor and stand-up comic, known for his podcast "The Duncan Trussell Family Hour." He appears on the Netflix series "The Midnight Gospel," as well as "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast and "Joe Rogan Questions Everything." He has written and appeared in sketches for two seasons of Fuel TV's "Stupidface," Showtime's "La…
Two Dykes and a Mic
“Two Dykes and a Mic” is a weekly comedy podcast and internationally touring live show. Comedians and IRL BFFs McKenzie Goodwin and Rachel Scanlon host the world’s greatest and gayest show of all time. Get your nose ready because you’re about to snort queer joy and laugh your gay cans off Hosts Rachel Scanlon and…
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…
Red Richardson
Red Richardson is a critically acclaimed standup comedian, writer and actor and is regarded as one of the most exciting and in-demand new faces of comedy. His ‘Stay Toxic’ videos have received over 80 million views on Instagram, and his stand-up comedy shows sell out theaters and comedy clubs across the UK. In 2023 his…
Christian Johnson
Christian Johnson is a clean comedian, a husband, and a father from Charlotte, NC. Since he started his standup comedy career he’s been traveling from city to city and using his comedic talents on social media growing his fan base. In his career Christian has had the pleasure of working with some of the biggest…
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
Laurie Kilmartin
Laurie Kilmartin is a comedian and WGA Award-winning writer for CONAN. She has also written for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, The Late Late Show, The Bonnie Hunt Show and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. She has performed standup on CONAN, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central and Showtime….
Are You Garbage: Thru the Roof Tour
Comedians H. Foley and Kevin Ryan interrogate fellow comedians to determine whether or not they are garbage people. Kevin Ryan and H. Foley bring you a night of Are You Garbage, featuring stand-up comedy and a chance for you to ask your Garbage questions.
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.
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…
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+)
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…
The Murder Mystery Company Presents: A Dance with Death
Two and a half-hour-long comedic murder mystery where you play alongside professional actors to solve the crime (or not). You are welcome to “A Dance with Death,” a 1950s sock hop with a killer twist. Prepare to unravel the secrets of a thrilling murder mystery, where every twist and turn leads you closer to uncovering…
Therapy Gecko
After embarking on a sold-out world tour last year, multi-platform internet sensation Lyle Forever brings his beloved Therapy Gecko live show on the road again in 2024. Fans will get to converse with Lyle live on stage as they share their hopes, dreams, and anything else in the recesses of their mind with the internet's…
The Broke Gravy Show
The weather is heating up and so is this show. Portland’s Undisputed Geniuses of Comedy Broke Gravy are here with their monthly blend of laughter and lunacy. Live from the NEW Kickstand Comedy — join Chris, Leon, and Eric for an hour of unfiltered conversation, idiosyncratic characters, and the joy of unknown possibilities. Come on down early, enjoy a drink,…
Beyond The Blinds
Beyond The Blinds is the love child of two pop culture lovers, Troy and Kelli. The two take you beyond the "celebrity blinds" and dive deeper into the dark side of Hollywood. This podcast is full of scandal, intrigue, and gossip surrounding your favorite celebrities. Beyond The Blinds is consistently in the top 10 under…
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…
Pearlmania500
Alex Pearlman has been delighting audiences with his three minute rants across social media as Pearlmania500. He has been featured on The Joe Rogan Experience, Hasan Piker’s twitch channel, and CNN.
Jim Norton
Jim Norton is a stand-up comedian, radio host, actor, and twice NY Times bestselling author. He is the co-host of “The Jim Norton & Sam Roberts Show” on SiriusXM satellite radio. He has toured in clubs and theaters worldwide for the last 30 years. His comedy specials are on Netflix, MAX, Hulu, and Amazon. In…
Colum Tyrrell
After beginning his career in his home country of Ireland, Colum Tyrrell moved to New York City and quickly became one of the fastest rising comics in the scene. He is a regular at The Comedy Cellar, The Stand Comedy Club and Stand Up New York. A staple in the New York Comedy Podcast scene…
Leah Rudick
Leah Rudick is an actor, writer and comedian based in Los Angeles. Her first standup special, “Everything is Fine!” is currently available on the streaming platform Seed & Spark. Recent festivals include SF Sketchfest, Laughing Skull, All Jane (Portland), and Flyover Fest (St. Louis). Her standup can be seen on Comedy Dynamics’ most recent season…
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