An Evening with The Burkey’s at Kafe Kerouac. Photo by Natalie Burkey
If you love comedy, you’re in the right city for it. Columbus’ comedy scene continues to produce new, creative stand up comedians, improvisers and sketch comedians and you can find them in venues throughout the Arch City.
7 Comedy Clubs in Columbus You Don’t Want to Miss
But what’s really great about comedy clubs in Columbus is that they tend to reflect the creative and out-of-the-box vibe of the comedy scene itself. So while some venues feel like a traditional comedy club, others might be in a space you’d least expect to find your new favorite comedian.
Here are some of our favorite Columbus comedy clubs you don’t want to miss.
Up Front at Shadowbox Live
Many Columbus natives know about Shadowbox Live’s scripted main stage shows, but fewer know about their second, smaller stage in the front of the venue. The Up Front stage has been one of our regular homes for about five years, and it hosts tons of locally produced comedy shows every week. stand up, improv shows, sketch, live podcasts, roasts and music all find a home on the Up Front stage. Pricing is super affordable, too, with tickets typically ranging between $7-$10.
The Fort
This old fire engine making factory on Columbus’ south side (Steelton Village) is our headquarters for classes and rehearsals and we’re excited to begin hosting shows here, too. The vibe is unmistakably historic and quirky and students and audiences alike enjoy feeling like they’re a part of Columbus’ past.
Spacebar
You might know Spacebar in Columbus’ Old North as a bar for bands, but comedians often count this venue as one of their favorite places to perform. The stage is large and well-lit and adequately mic’ed and there’s plenty of space to enjoy the show. With the bar in the back, you can make sure you’re adequately refreshed throughout the evening as you listen to some of the funniest folks around lay down their best material.
Kafe Kerouac
Don’t sleep on this sleepy little coffee shop on North Campus. Kafe Kerouac is a long-standing favorite for students who want to get a few hours of studying in. But their tiny side room is the perfect intimate venue for all types of comedy, most notably on first Fridays with An Evening with the Burkey’s. This show is routinely standing room only, and for good reason…the lineups are some of the best in the region. Plus, since the venue is so intimate, you feel lucky to be there if you can grab a ticket before they sell out.
Two Dollar Radio Headquarters
This vegan cafe and book shop on Parson’s is one of those cute and cozy spaces you can browse quietly during the day. At night, the venue hosts many different events, comedy among them.
Ace of Cups
Another bar in Columbus’ Old North that’s better known for music, Ace of Cups books some of the most diverse and unique comedy shows in the city, including national and touring acts. But you won’t get any bread-and-butter comedy here. Whether it’s a rowdy charity showcase, a show by farce musicians Turquoise Jeep, or an appearance by cult comedians DJ Douggpound and Brent Weinbach, you’re going to get a show you’ll can lord over your friends with the line, “Should’ve been there to see it.”
Woodlands Tavern
Some of the biggest names in comedy (no really) have packed out the side room at Woodlands Tavern in Grandview. Chelsea Peretti, Rob Delaney and Michael Ian Black have played this stage (with local comedians opening for them). Surprised you haven’t heard of it? Don’t be…it’s typically a music venue, and these comedy acts are few and far between. But it’s worth a follow just to be ready when there’s the rare comedic visit.
Improv Shows in Columbus Ohio Comedy Clubs
Hashtag Comedy is a business born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. We are proud to produce improv shows at comedy clubs in Columbus, OH. We also offer improv classes and corporate improv training. Contact us today to learn more!