New York City has always been a haven for underground comedy. Many of comedy’s greatest personalities – from Jerry Seinfeld to Joan Rivers – spent years honing their skills in the city’s bars, basements, and back rooms. To make it as a comic in NYC, you have to stand up in front of some of the most critical audiences in the world – only the cream of the crop rise to the top here. In the past decade, the comedy scene has exploded with new venues popping up all around the city, and schools like The Upright Citizens Brigade cultivating an immense amount of great new talent. Here’s a list of some of our favorite shows:
5. Woke AF: A Mind-Opening Variety Show
Woke AF is an all-inclusive comedy variety show hosted by Nicole Pasquale, where artists share and perform comedy about social issues that they’re passionate about. This comedy show will open your mind! Friends. Family. Strangers. Prepare to get WOKE!
Date: First Thursday of every month (next show Thursday, August 3rd at 11)
Time: 11pm
Address: UCBT East Village (153 East 3rd St, New York, NY 10009)
Tickets: $5 at http://bit.ly/2urBdLH
4. Bacon Bits
What could possibly be better than brunch? How about brunch with hilarious comedy and FREE bacon!!! Join Remy Kassimir every Sunday as she hosts expert comedians while you enjoy fantastic brunch specials. $20 bottomless mimosas/bloody marys & a priceless good time!
Date: Every Sunday
Time: 3pm
Address: The Stand (239 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003)
Tickets: $15 at http://bit.ly/2gYqt2F
3. Wanderfest
Wanderfest is NYC’s only monthly traveling comedy festival. Hosts Kelsey Caine, Jack Comstock, and Martin Urbano tour NYC with an incredible variety of comedians. No two shows are alike, and you won’t want to miss any!
Date: August 25th
Time: 8pm
Address: Houdini Kitchen Laboratory (1563 Decatur St, Ridgewood, NY 11385)
Tickets: FREE
2. Milk & Cookies: The World’s Sweetest Comedy Show
Every month, Milk & Cookies hosts Charlie Landsman and David Fried bring some of the best acts from stand-up, improv, musical comedy, and everything in between into one hilarious fresh-baked show. Performers have been seen on The Tonight Show, Conan, Comedy Central, and more. Throw in free milk and cookies and a beer raffle and this is one show you don’t want to miss!
Date: August 2nd, September 11th, October 4th
Time: 8pm
Address: The PIT Loft (154 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001)
Tickets: $7 at http://bit.ly/2toalJy
1 . Comedy at the Knitting Factory
Founded by Hannibal Buress, the Knitting Factory opens its door every Sunday night to the hottest stand-up acts in New York City. Hosts Will Miles, Kenny DeForest, and Clark Jones create an atmosphere of unpredictability where comedy is king. You never know who’ll stop in and blow the audience away.
Date: Every Sunday
Time: 9pm
Address: The Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211)
Tickets: Free, first come first served (http://bit.ly/2tqg7yi)
