As the temps drop, laughter will warm your soul and body. Whether you’re craving side-splitting stand-up, wild improv, or the unpredictable fun of an open mic night, the local comedy scene has you covered, nearly every night of the week.
From cozy comedy clubs to theaters hosting some of the biggest names, you’ll find laughs around every corner. While we couldn’t possibly cram all the hilarity into one list (there’s just too much!), think of this as your backstage pass to the funniest spots, surprise shows, and rising talent right here in West Michigan.
Comedy Clubs
Dr. Grins Comedy Club
(inside The B.O.B.) 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, grinstix.com
The heart of the West Michigan comedy scene, located right in the heart of Grand Rapids, Dr. Grins has done it all, from debuting rising stars, to hosting legendary comics, and giving newcomers their first shot. An absolute mainstay since 1997, the club has served as a fixture for all things funny, with fresh faces and familiar favorites every week.
Sunday Night Funnies
Chicago Beef Joint, 822 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids
This weekly showcase of local and Midwest comedians (now hosted at Chicago Beef Joint, as of 2026) continues, with creator and longtime host Brian Borbot (aka Brian B.) bringing comics of all style and experience together.
Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, grcmc.org/theatre
A longtime location for LaughFest performers, as well as a regular spot for cult classic movie screenings, and more, the Wealthy Theatre hosts regular performances from local acts River City Improv, Pop Scholars, and Trino, the comedy magician.
Midtown
123 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, themidtowngr.com
Although specifically built for the intimacy of live music, the stage at Midtown has welcomed its share of comedians, with a monthly performance by River City Improv, and craft cocktails made for merriment.
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Dr. SW, Grand Rapids, pyramidschemebar.com
Better known as a cutting-edge, counter-culture live music hub, The Pyramid Scheme has had some of Grand Rapids’ most shocking standup moments with pop-up sets from the legendary Hannibal Burress this past summer, to truly one of a kind performances from area comedians and alt-theatre productions.
Shakespeares Lower Level
241 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, shakespearespub.com
After a long hiatus, comedy has returned to Shakespeares Lower Level. The popular bar and hang out is back to being one of the hottest spots for standup in Southwest Michigan.
Park Theatre
248 S. River Ave., Holland, parktheatreholland.org
Now a vibrant, multi-use venue, the historic Park Theatre welcomes all types of performers, serving as a community hub on the lakeshore, with an active open mic night every Tuesday, and regular tour stops from club comedians out on the road.
Improv & Sketch Comedy
The Comedy Project
540 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, thecomedyproject.com
The area’s only full-time professional improv and sketch comedy venue, The Comedy Project puts on shows in its 5,000 square foot theater and bar every Friday and Saturday nights. Also offering classes to the community, there’s nothing else like it in the region, with its $5 experimental Comedy Outlet Mondays (COM), special Thursday night performances, and more.
River City Improv
1330 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, rivercityimprov.com
Now celebrating their 30th season, River City Improv is made up of all local members of the West Michigan community who put an emphasis on clean, clever comedy based on audience suggestions. Think of it like an unscripted movie, with real-time feedback, and you’ll jump right in on the fun.
Pop Scholars
Popscholars.com
Describing themselves as “real smart, and stupid funny,” this fast-paced four-man improv team has done it all, from holiday galas to Halloween parties. They’ve taken the stage as part of LaughFest and perform monthly at the Wealthy Theatre.
Crawlspace Comedy Theatre
315 West Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo (Inside First Baptist Church), crawlspacecomedy.com
Kalamazoo’s home for improv and sketch comedy, Crawlspace Comedy Theatre aims to build community through scene-based comedy. The flagship team, Crawlspace Eviction, has delivered laughs for over 20 years, while also offering classes for all ages.
RJN Comedy
https://www.facebook.com/RJNcomedy/
Area comedy promoter RJN Comedy puts together super rad stand-up shows along the lakeshore year-round, at spots like Unruly Brewing and Pub One Eleven.
Open Mics
Brewery Outré
567 E. Ransom St., Kalamazoo, breweryoutre.com
Downtown Kalamazoo’s youngest microbrewery hosts one of the area’s newest open mics with its twice monthly “Outrégously” funny event. Running on select Friday nights, the free event frequently features comics from near and far.
The Garage Bar & Grill Comedy Night
819 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, garagebargr.com
Hosted by Abbie Lemke, this free, weekly comedy open mic takes place every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Sunday Night Heat Stand Up Comedy at Mulligans Pub
1508 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, mulliganspubgr.com
Open to those 21 and older, this no cover open mic hosted by Make It Spicy Comedy since 2018, turns up the temperature on comics and audiences every Sunday from 9-11 p.m.
River City Saloon
1152 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, rivercityrocks.net
A longtime regular on the GR open mic circuit, River City hosts a weekly comedy night every Wednesday at 9 p.m.
Tip Top Tuesday Comedy
760 Butterworth SW, Grand Rapids
One of the longest running local comedy nights in Grand Rapids, this free show takes place almost every Tuesday, with booking done in advance monthly.
Theatres
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Devosperformancehall.com
Frauenthal Center
425 W. Western Ave. STE 200, Muskegon, Frauenthal.org
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, glcliveat20monroe.com
Kalamazoo State Theatre
404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, kazoostate.com
Van Andel Arena
130 Fulton St. NW, Grand Rapids, Vanandelarena.com
