When comedians hit the road for a tour, selecting the right venues is crucial for their success. The atmosphere, audience size, location, and technical setups all contribute to making or breaking a performance. Whether a comedian is just starting their career or is a seasoned pro, certain comedy venues across the country stand out for hosting fantastic comedy tours. Here are the best comedy venues for tours, offering incredible experiences for both performers and audiences alike.
1. The Comedy Store – Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is home to many world-famous comedy venues, but The Comedy Store stands out as one of the best. It’s known for its legendary history, launching the careers of comedy giants like Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, and David Letterman. The Comedy Store has multiple stages that cater to different audience sizes, making it an ideal venue for comedy tours of all kinds. The venue’s late-night shows are a must-see, offering both established comics and emerging talent a chance to perform. For comedians on tour, The Comedy Store offers an atmosphere that’s both supportive and full of energy, making it a prime location for any tour schedule.
2. The Laugh Factory – Los Angeles, California
Another top choice in Los Angeles is The Laugh Factory, one of the most recognized comedy clubs in the country. Known for its clean, high-energy performances, the venue hosts a wide variety of comedians, from local talent to big-name stars. Comedians on tour love performing at The Laugh Factory because of its great acoustics, excellent stage design, and diverse audience. The club also offers a friendly environment for both new and veteran comedians, making it a perfect stop for comedy tours. With several locations in LA and nationwide, The Laugh Factory is a reliable choice for top-notch comedy tours.
3. Comedy Cellar – New York City, New York
When it comes to comedy tours, The Comedy Cellar in New York is a must-visit venue. It’s one of the most iconic comedy spots in the world, known for its intimate atmosphere and legendary performances. The Comedy Cellar attracts world-class comedians, making it a top venue for tours. Performers on tour love the tight-knit setting, where they can connect with audiences in a personal way. The venue’s surprise appearances by comedy legends like Louis C.K. and Dave Chappelle keep audiences excited, and it’s the perfect place for any comedian to showcase their skills. The comedy club’s vibrant scene and enthusiastic crowd make it a go-to spot for comedy tours.
4. The Stand – New York City, New York
The Stand in New York City offers a unique combination of high-quality comedy and excellent dining, making it an ideal venue for comedians on tour. Located in the Gramercy neighbourhood, it features both intimate performances and large-scale shows. The venue is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where comedians can try out new material while interacting with a fun-loving crowd. With a great sound system, fantastic lighting, and a vibrant atmosphere, The Stand provides a top-tier experience for touring comics. It’s also a venue that often hosts surprise sets from well-known comedians, making it an exciting stop on any comedy tour.
5. The Improv – Various Locations
With multiple locations around the country, including Los Angeles, New York, and Houston, The Improv is a staple in the comedy world. The Improv has been a launching pad for many famous comedians, such as Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Jim Carrey. It’s a great choice for comedy tours due to its consistent reputation, large stages, and excellent technical support. The clubs typically feature a range of shows, from stand-up to improv, allowing for a variety of acts to perform. Touring comedians can rely on The Improv for packed shows and enthusiastic audiences, making it a top venue on the comedy tour circuit.
6. Punch Line Comedy Clubs – Various Locations
Punch Line Comedy Clubs have locations in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Sacramento, and are known for their intimate setting and outstanding comedy lineups. These venues are perfect for comedians on tour because they provide a close connection to the audience, creating a relaxed but energetic environment. Punch Line is famous for consistently bringing in top-tier talent, which makes it a popular spot for comedy tours. The venues have excellent sound systems and well-designed stages, and offer a great place for comedians to test out new material during a tour.
7. Zanies Comedy Clubs – Various Locations
For touring comedians, Zanies Comedy Clubs in cities like Chicago, Nashville, and St. Charles are highly regarded. With its long history of showcasing top comedians, Zanies offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for both new and seasoned comics. The intimate settings allow performers to connect closely with their audience, while the club’s technical staff ensures a flawless show every time. Zanies has consistently been a favourite on the comedy circuit, making it a great option for comedy tours across the United States.
8. The Laughing Skull Lounge – Atlanta, Georgia
Located in Atlanta, The Laughing Skull Lounge is a smaller venue with a big reputation. It’s known for its intimate, no-frills environment, where comics on tour can perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd that truly appreciates the art of comedy. The venue features shows ranging from open mics to full performances, making it a great spot for comedians to try out new material during a tour. The cosy atmosphere and excellent acoustics make it a fantastic venue for both established and up-and-coming comedians.
9. House of Blues – Various Locations
The House of Blues isn’t just for music—it’s also a great venue for comedy tours. With locations in cities like Chicago, New Orleans, and Los Angeles, the House of Blues provides a larger stage for comedians who want to perform for big crowds. The venue’s state-of-the-art sound system and fantastic lighting set the stage for incredible performances. House of Blues is especially popular for touring comedians who want to play in larger venues with a lively crowd. The combination of great food, atmosphere, and entertainment makes it an ideal venue for a successful comedy tour.
10. The Bell House – Brooklyn, New York
In Brooklyn, The Bell House is an excellent venue for comedy tours that blend comedy with other types of entertainment. This spacious venue offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere where comedians can showcase their material in front of a supportive crowd. Known for hosting unique events and live podcasts, The Bell House often includes comedy tours that feature some of the best up-and-coming comics in the industry. Its spacious interior and great acoustics make it a great stop on any comedian’s tour.
Conclusion
Choosing the right comedy venues for a tour is essential for both the performer and the audience. Venues like The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, The Laugh Factory, and The Comedy Cellar in New York City are known for their top-notch facilities, vibrant atmosphere, and loyal audiences. For a successful comedy tour, these venues provide the perfect stage for comedians to connect with audiences and create unforgettable performances. Whether you’re a comedian or a comedy fan, these spots are must-visit destinations on the comedy tour circuit.
