As the temps drop, there’s no better way to warm up than with a night of laughs. 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.
Upcoming shows include: Kevin Bozeman Nov. 7-9, Pete Lee Nov. 14-16, Lil Sasquatch & Francis Ellis
Dec. 12-14
Golden Age at Creston Brewery
1505 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Saugatuckbrewing.com/location/golden-age-at-creston-brewery
Once re-branded as the Grand Rapids Comedy Club, Golden Age Events has always emphasized live comedy as part of the many offerings hosted at its unique upstairs space. That tradition continues with a steady mix of local lineups, improv, and club comics.
Upcoming shows include: Tiny Breakfast Improv Comedy Nov. 2, AJ Wilkerson Nov. 8-9
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.
Upcoming shows include: River City Improv Nov 16. and Dec. 28, Rene Vaca Dec. 11
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.
Upcoming shows include: Ben Bailey of “Cash Cab” Nov. 24, Samuel Comroe April 18
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.
Upcoming shows include: Tim Heidecker & the Very Good Band with Neil Hamburger Feb. 1, Reggie Watts Live April 2
Shakespeares Lower Level
241 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, shakespearespub.com
After a long hiatus, comedy has returned to Shakespeares Lower Level in Kalamazoo this fall. The popular bar and hang out has lots still in the works as it ramps back up to the level it once held as one of the hottest spots for standup in Southwest Michigan.
Upcoming shows include: Dave Stone Nov. 23
Slap Your Tail Comedy at Dormouse Theatre
1030 Portage St., Kalamazoo, dormousetheatre.com
Hosted by Slaptail Nation founder The Beaveman, an Army vet with a love for comedy and a long-running podcast, this monthly showcase features new comedians every show.
Upcoming shows include: Nov. 2, Dec. 7
Sunday Night Funnies
Spectrum Entertainment Complex, 5656 Clyde Park Ave. NW, Wyoming
Just wrapping up their annual Kingpin of Comedy competition, the six-month long competition to crown the funniest person in Wyoming, the weekly showcase of local and Midwest comedians continues, with creator and longtime host Brian Borbot (aka Brian B.) bringing comics of all style and experience together.
The Stage at The Corner
280 W. Muskegon Ave., Muskegon, facebook.com/thestagemkg
A brand new venue after the redevelopment and renovation of the former Muskegon Central United Methodist Church, The Stage hosted its first comedy night this past September, and aims to bring in more standup along with live theatre and other events.
Temple Lounge
116 S. Jackson St., Spring Lake
Formerly the beloved listening room Seven Steps Up, this new venue will host a comedy special and music fundraiser, featuring Muskegon native and L.A.-based comedian Benji The Light Lion. The first of its kind event will have all proceeds go towards the making of the documentary film, “The Next Fix,” which addresses healing, mental wellness and addiction.
Upcoming shows include: Benji The Light Lion Comedy Special Nov. 27
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.
Upcoming shows include: River City Improv Nov. 2, Tinder Live with Lane Moore Nov. 3, Pop Scholars Nov. 9, Amaze & Amuse with Noah Sonie Nov. 16, Christopher Titus Dec. 5
Improv 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.
Upcoming shows include: Wealthy Theatre Nov. 2 and Dec. 7, Midtown Nov. 16 and Dec. 28
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.
Upcoming shows include: Wealthy Theatre Nov. 9, Dec. 6
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.
Upcoming shows include: Kalamazoo Improv Fest Nov. 7-9, Joyce II Men Nov. 15, Canned Champagne Nov. 16, Crawlspace Eviction Nov. 22, Daddy’s Boys & Baby Steps Nov. 23, Blunder Bus Nov. 29, Riddled With English Nov. 30
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.
Upcoming shows include: Nov. 8, Nov. 22, Dec. 6, Dec. 20
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.
Scorpion Hearts Club
1035 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, scorpionheartsclub.com
Launched this past summer, this new, free monthly comedy show, hosted and curated by GR comedian and filmmaker Virginia Anzengruber – lovingly called Scorpion Farts Club – brings new perspectives and voices to the longtime Eastown coffee shop.
Upcoming shows include: Nov. 20, Dec. 18
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.
Unruly Brewing Company
360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, unrulybrewing.com
A new partnership between this lakeshore microbrewery and area comedy promoter RJN Comedy, this recurring event will follow up on this past summer’s Laughter on the Lakeshore Comedy Festival.
Theatres
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Devosperformancehall.com
Upcoming shows include: Dane Cook Nov. 7, Steve-O Nov. 20, Marlon Wayans Nov. 21
Frauenthal Center
425 W. Western Ave. STE 200, Muskegon, Frauenthal.org
Upcoming shows include: Rob Schneider Nov. 1, Joe Gatto Nov. 24, Larry Joe Campbell Dec. 27
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, glcliveat20monroe.com
Upcoming shows include: Andrew Santino Nov. 1, Nurse Blake Nov. 14, Charlie Berens Dec. 7, Jeff Arcuri Dec. 21
Kalamazoo State Theatre
404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, kazoostate.com
Upcoming shows include: Mark Normand Nov. 8, Joe Gatto March 14
Van Andel Arena
130 Fulton St. NW, Grand Rapids, Vanandelarena.com
Upcoming shows include: Theo Von Nov. 16, Gabriel Iglesias Nov. 23, Jeff Dunham Dec. 28, Sebastian Maniscalco March 23
