This guy gets it...Saya Meads slaying at Dragons Den (photo by Vincent Zambon)
N.O.:Laughing Matters
The city’s thriving comedy scene sometimes tends to be eclipsed by the music scene, but there are whip-smart, funny shows across New Orleans. The line ups are diverse, and many of the shows are free or just have nominal cover charges. Check out these highlights, starring the funniest people in the city - a great chance to catch some of them before they ascend to much bigger things. I’d like to shout out 504comedy.com as a go-to for the city’s current show roster - it’s a valuable resource with full weekly listings if you’re out and about and looking for shows at short notice, or planning a trip from out of town (polite note: the shows below are stand-up shows only, not improvised comedy - we’ll likely round up those shows at a later date).
MONDAY
8pm
Bear With Me @ Twelve Mile Limit. Free.
One of the longer-running open mic nights in town and always a great atmosphere in this neighborhood bar. Co-hosted by Amanda G., Laura Sanders and Lauren Malara. Expect short sets as new and experienced comics hit the intimate stage for a few minutes each - there’s always a high quotient of respected comedians working on new material and I’ve always had a really good time here. There’s often even free food and a weekly competition where the comics are given a subject up top, and that night’s best joke on theme wins.
TUESDAY
8pm
Comedy Beast @ Howlin’ Wolf. $5
Another long-running show, but this time a curated showcase in the great smaller room of this CBD bar. It’s a respected show, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a high-profile comedian drop in a do a set (previously the likes of Hannibal Buress, Kyle Kinane and many others have passed though spontaneously).
8pm
Wits End Comedy Showcase and Open Mic @ The Wit’s End. Free
One of the relatively few shows that combines open mic and showcase elements. The showcase happens up front at 8pm (a good tactic, I think), with the open mic-er’s taking to the stage at 9.30, when presumably everyone has had a few drinks to ease into things.
9pm
Monarch Open Mic @ The Domino. Free.
There’s a little more diversity at this open mic encompassing as it does, comedians, musicians, poets, and whoever else can make 5 minutes on stage somewhat entertaining.
WEDNESDAY
9pm
Think You’re Funny? @ Carrollton Station. Free
The original and best open mic in the city. It’s been established for well over a decade and hosts Mickey and Cassidy Henehan are everyman royalty when it comes to the local comedy scene. Its reputation and the Henehen’s talents mean that they also get their fair share of big name acts passing through for time on this Uptown Stage, especially local-guys-done-good such as Sean Patton.
THURSDAY
7.30pm
Comedy Gumbo @ Howlin’ Wolf. $5
Another night that’s a decade into showcasing the finest in local and regional comedy every week. Veteran New Orleans’ funnyman Red Bean hosts, and it’s a varied and well-curated line-up, again in the CBD.
8pm
It’s Good Comedy Open Mic @ Dragon’s Den. Free
A nice, recently-relaunched midweek mic hosted by local scene stalwarts and very funny people, Jade Bronte and Anthony Scontrino. Expect the unexpected, plus established local talents working out new gags.
8pm
Queers of Comedy @ Oz. Free.
One of the lower-key but still worthwhile shows in town, produced at the Oz (one of the city’s best-loved gay bars) and foregrounding queer comedians.
FRIDAY
8pm
Raw Dog Comedy @Ugly Dog Saloon and BBQ. Free
One of the only stand-up comedy showcases in the city. Head to the CBD for some laughs and a decent BBQ selection.
8.30pm
Comedy F@#k Yeah @ The Dragon’s Den. $12-$15
A raucous show that regularly has sold-out rooms and boasts a ton of medium-to high-level famous comics passing through (often unannounced). I once went and Craig Robinson from The Office was casually knocking out a set. Really well worth checking out. Host and producer Vincent Zambon is one of the hardest-working, nicest, and funniest dudes in town.
SATURDAY
8pm
Jokes on Oak @ Oak St Brewery. Free
Well-curated showcase with the addition of in-house brewed beer and local food pop ups.
8.30pm
Comedy F@#k Yeah @ The Dragon’s Den. $12-$15
Saturday night version of Friday’s show (featuring different comics, so you should see both).
SUNDAY
8pm
Proving Ground @ The Hi-Ho Lounge. Free
Some of the city’s top-tier talent co-produce and host this Sunday night institution, born from its predecessor, the long-running NOLA Comedy Hour. Open mic portions are mixed with longer-form sets by booked comics, and again, it’s a magnet for touring comedians that are passing through town.
Monthly, occasional and formatted shows
Damn That’s Funny
First Monday of the month @ Bar Redux
KeedawithaQ and Akeyla bring you a cute, intimate show down in the Bywater - the bar has a great kitchen so chow down and enjoy the excellent free laughs.
Comedy Rent Party
Every 4th Thursday @ The AllWays Lounge. $5
Geneva Joy is one of the city’s most beloved and impressive comedy performers, and she brings her impressive talents to what is one of New Orleans’ loveliest comedy venues.
Moral Panic
Every 3rd Friday of the month @ Junk Drawer Coffee
A fantastic local showcase with an truly excellent line-up of hosts (I produced shows with MP's Benjamin Hoffman and he's a top-tier host) for ten years and and an equally exciting booking roster. Check out their Instagram for show dates and line-ups
What, What? Comedy Drinking Game
Regular dates - see their IG for details
Comedians perform their sets and every time they do something or say something on the list, you take a drink! Hostd by Geoffrey Gauchet and Isaac Kozell
Stoned vs Drunk vs Sober
Usually once a month @ The Hi-Ho Lounge - check 504comedy.com for details
Monthly-ish competition show that asks the question: "What if comics got stoned, drunk, or sober and gave their all to win your laughter and your vote?” A really fun format that makes for a memorable (for the audience and sober comics at least) stand-up show.
Negligee
Regular dates - follow Saya Meads' IG for details of upcoming shows
The most seductive comedy night in town as comics take to the stage in lingerie to deliver their sets. Hosted by the wonderful Saya Meads, easily one of the best comics in town. Check out our interview with Saya here!
504comedy.com - your best resource for up to date, weekly and monthly comedy listings in New Orleans.
The city’s thriving comedy scene sometimes tends to be eclipsed by the music scene, but there are whip-smart, funny shows across New Orleans. The line ups are diverse, and many of the shows are free or just have nominal cover charges. Check out these highlights, starring the funniest people in the city - a great chance to catch some of them before they ascend to much bigger things. I’d like to shout out 504comedy.com as a go-to for the city’s current show roster - it’s a valuable resource with full weekly listings if you’re out and about and looking for shows at short notice, or planning a trip from out of town (polite note: the shows below are stand-up shows only, not improvised comedy - we’ll likely round up those shows at a later date).
MONDAY
8pm
Bear With Me @ Twelve Mile Limit. Free.
One of the longer-running open mic nights in town and always a great atmosphere in this neighborhood bar. Co-hosted by Amanda G., Laura Sanders and Lauren Malara. Expect short sets as new and experienced comics hit the intimate stage for a few minutes each - there’s always a high quotient of respected comedians working on new material and I’ve always had a really good time here. There’s often even free food and a weekly competition where the comics are given a subject up top, and that night’s best joke on theme wins.
TUESDAY
8pm
Comedy Beast @ Howlin’ Wolf. $5
Another long-running show, but this time a curated showcase in the great smaller room of this CBD bar. It’s a respected show, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a high-profile comedian drop in a do a set (previously the likes of Hannibal Buress, Kyle Kinane and many others have passed though spontaneously).
8pm
Wits End Comedy Showcase and Open Mic @ The Wit’s End. Free
One of the relatively few shows that combines open mic and showcase elements. The showcase happens up front at 8pm (a good tactic, I think), with the open mic-er’s taking to the stage at 9.30, when presumably everyone has had a few drinks to ease into things.
9pm
Monarch Open Mic @ The Domino. Free.
There’s a little more diversity at this open mic encompassing as it does, comedians, musicians, poets, and whoever else can make 5 minutes on stage somewhat entertaining.
WEDNESDAY
9pm
Think You’re Funny? @ Carrollton Station. Free
The original and best open mic in the city. It’s been established for well over a decade and hosts Mickey and Cassidy Henehan are everyman royalty when it comes to the local comedy scene. Its reputation and the Henehen’s talents mean that they also get their fair share of big name acts passing through for time on this Uptown Stage, especially local-guys-done-good such as Sean Patton.
THURSDAY
7.30pm
Comedy Gumbo @ Howlin’ Wolf. $5
Another night that’s a decade into showcasing the finest in local and regional comedy every week. Veteran New Orleans’ funnyman Red Bean hosts, and it’s a varied and well-curated line-up, again in the CBD.
8pm
It’s Good Comedy Open Mic @ Dragon’s Den. Free
A nice, recently-relaunched midweek mic hosted by local scene stalwarts and very funny people, Jade Bronte and Anthony Scontrino. Expect the unexpected, plus established local talents working out new gags.
8pm
Queers of Comedy @ Oz. Free.
One of the lower-key but still worthwhile shows in town, produced at the Oz (one of the city’s best-loved gay bars) and foregrounding queer comedians.
FRIDAY
8pm
Raw Dog Comedy @Ugly Dog Saloon and BBQ. Free
One of the only stand-up comedy showcases in the city. Head to the CBD for some laughs and a decent BBQ selection.
8.30pm
Comedy F@#k Yeah @ The Dragon’s Den. $12-$15
A raucous show that regularly has sold-out rooms and boasts a ton of medium-to high-level famous comics passing through (often unannounced). I once went and Craig Robinson from The Office was casually knocking out a set. Really well worth checking out. Host and producer Vincent Zambon is one of the hardest-working, nicest, and funniest dudes in town.
SATURDAY
8pm
Jokes on Oak @ Oak St Brewery. Free
Well-curated showcase with the addition of in-house brewed beer and local food pop ups.
8.30pm
Comedy F@#k Yeah @ The Dragon’s Den. $12-$15
Saturday night version of Friday’s show (featuring different comics, so you should see both).
SUNDAY
8pm
Proving Ground @ The Hi-Ho Lounge. Free
Some of the city’s top-tier talent co-produce and host this Sunday night institution, born from its predecessor, the long-running NOLA Comedy Hour. Open mic portions are mixed with longer-form sets by booked comics, and again, it’s a magnet for touring comedians that are passing through town.
Monthly, occasional and formatted shows
Damn That’s Funny
First Monday of the month @ Bar Redux
KeedawithaQ and Akeyla bring you a cute, intimate show down in the Bywater - the bar has a great kitchen so chow down and enjoy the excellent free laughs.
Comedy Rent Party
Every 4th Thursday @ The AllWays Lounge. $5
Geneva Joy is one of the city’s most beloved and impressive comedy performers, and she brings her impressive talents to what is one of New Orleans’ loveliest comedy venues.
Moral Panic
Every 3rd Friday of the month @ Junk Drawer Coffee
A fantastic local showcase with an truly excellent line-up of hosts (I produced shows with MP's Benjamin Hoffman and he's a top-tier host) for ten years and and an equally exciting booking roster. Check out their Instagram for show dates and line-ups
What, What? Comedy Drinking Game
Regular dates - see their IG for details
Comedians perform their sets and every time they do something or say something on the list, you take a drink! Hostd by Geoffrey Gauchet and Isaac Kozell
Stoned vs Drunk vs Sober
Usually once a month @ The Hi-Ho Lounge - check 504comedy.com for details
Monthly-ish competition show that asks the question: "What if comics got stoned, drunk, or sober and gave their all to win your laughter and your vote?” A really fun format that makes for a memorable (for the audience and sober comics at least) stand-up show.
Negligee
Regular dates - follow Saya Meads' IG for details of upcoming shows
The most seductive comedy night in town as comics take to the stage in lingerie to deliver their sets. Hosted by the wonderful Saya Meads, easily one of the best comics in town. Check out our interview with Saya here!
504comedy.com - your best resource for up to date, weekly and monthly comedy listings in New Orleans.
