Where to Check Out Comedy Shows, Improv, and Open Mic Nights in Minneapolis
Your guide to enjoying comedy in Minneapolis, from national stand-up comedy headliners and (literally) underground clubs to hilarious improv and open mic nights at neighborhood saloons, where you never know who’ll show up.
Love comedy? Minneapolis’s top comedy clubs and stand-up comedy stages are constantly offering new reasons to laugh out loud. National and local comedians have flocked to the Twin Cities for decades, drawn by renowned theater stages, weekly improv comedy shows, and indie open mike comedy nights. Read on for the inside scoop on Minneapolis’ hilarious comedy scene.
Did you know several big-hitter comedians were born in or got their start in Minnesota? You betcha! Local favorites include Maria Bamford, Mitch Hedberg, Louie Anderson, Dan Bakkedahl, Mo Collins, and Craig Kilborn.
The Top Independent Comedy Clubs in Minneapolis
Comedy Corner Underground: This “weird little punk rock comedy club” located in the basement of the Corner Bar hosts fresh shows and open mic nights. The small stage offers maximum laughs—be sure to check out the wallpaper of comedy fliers as you go down the stairs for a taste of the space’s past shows. (Good to know: All showtimes 8pm or earlier are 18+ and 10pm or later are 21+.)
Acme Comedy Company: Located in the basement of the historic Itasca Building in North Loop, this nationally lauded comedy club has been entertaining Minneapolis with national comedy headliners and local up-and-comers since 1991. Lewis Black, Patton Oswalt, Jim Gaffigan, and Dana Gould have all been featured on the intimate stage. The club features food and drinks from Sticks Restaurant, including a “dinner and a show” special. Have a birthday coming up? Bring up to three friends to any show for free during your birthday month.
The Parkway Theater: This retro movie theater in Southwest Minneapolis features live comedy and music events, as well as cult classic films (often projected using original 35mm film). The theater features a full bar, real buttered popcorn, classic 1980s arcade games, and a very Instagrammable Art Deco interior.
Cedar Cultural Center: This non-profit, all-ages venue in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood has championed global sounds, dance, singer-songwriters, film, and comedy shows since 1989. The intimate venue gets you up-close and personal with performers, as if you were a guest in their living room. (Shows are offered both seated and standing, but the Cedar goes above and beyond to offer accessible seating and save dedicated space for wheelchair users, as well as free tickets to aids and companions of folks who need assistance to attend a show.)
Varsity Theater: Once an Art Deco movie theater, this storied Dinkytown venue near the University of Minnesota has become a local and regional favorite for live music and comedy. Shows are generally standing-room only, but ADA and VIP seating are available. (You’ve got to check out the restroom—really. It was once named the coolest public restroom in America.)
Where to Catch National Comedy Shows in Minneapolis
Hennepin Theatre Trust (Orpheum, State, Pantages): When the really big headliners come to Minneapolis, chances are they’ll be performing at one of the historic Hennepin Theatre Trust stages lighting up Hennepin Avenue in downtown. These large, ornate theaters harken back to the heyday of American entertainment, whether you’re watch the symphony, a touring Broadway show, or a national comedian like Hannah Gadsby, David Spade, Mike Birbiglia, Tig Notaro, Marc Maron, or Steve Martin and Martin Short.
Rick Bronson House of Comedy at the Mall of America: The House of Comedy, located on the top floor of the sprawling Mall of America, offers live standup comedy shows weekly from headliners like TJ Miller, Arsenio Hall, Nikki Glaser, Preacher Lawson, Brendan Schaub, Sarah Tiana, Bryan Callen, and Jeremy Piven. Note there is a two-item minimum for all performances (either food or beverages) so prepare to get dinner or drinks with your ticket!
Skyway Theater: Once a multiplex movie theater, the Skyway is now home to a cavernous, two-story live music and comedy venue featuring two bars and multiple VIP sections. Because of its history as a movie theater, the main floor slopes upward to the rear of the room, giving every spot a great view of the stage. In addition to the main stage, the Skyway is home to several more intimate spaces and lounges.
Where to Watch Improv Comedy in Minneapolis
HUGE Improv Theater: Founded in 2005, HUGE is ground zero for legendary longform improv comedy in Minneapolis. The nonprofit venue runs scheduled nightly improv comedy shows performances, and hosts national groups at its annual improv festivals.
Strike Theater: Dedicated to Minneapolis sketch comedy, improv comedy, storytelling, and spoken word, Northeast Minneapolis’s Strike Theater was founded by SlamMaster of Poetry and SlamMN! Allison Broeren and longtime Improv artists, educators, and Brave New Workshop alumni Mike Fotis and Joe Bozic. Catch ComedySportz shows and Friday Night Stage Matches, plus special (funny) features every month.
Theater of Public Policy: Exploring big issues using improv comedy, this local troup specializes in turning politics, social issues, and other “hard thinky stuff” into humorous sketches and shows. (Theater of Public Policy was founded by Danger Boat Productions, who also host an Improv Comedy Meat Raffle at Finnegan’s Brew Co.) Find them at events and venues across the city including Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater and Finnegan's Brew Co.
Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre: Located in Chanhassen, MN, this comedy cabaret hosts clean, two-hour improv comedy shows every Friday and Saturday night. Full dinner can be added for just $20 per person. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate a special event like a birthday, anniversary, or graduation, tell the box office about it when you make your reservation and the troupe will work the guest of honor into the show!
Open Mic & Stand-Up Comedy in Minneapolis
Comedy Corner Underground
Open Mic Night—Fridays at 10pm
Every week, this totally free comedy open mic night draws comedy fans (21+) to Comedy Corner’s intimate underground stage for around 90 minutes of laughs. Arrive early, because the venue has a strict seating limit and often has to turn people away. Want to perform? Submit your request here. (99% of the time you will get on if it's your first time through the club with an amazing three minutes for your set.)
Acme Comedy Company
Open Mic Night—Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Free for all comedy lovers 18+ (ID required), this weekly open mic night is a great place to catch newcomers and veteran comedians trying out new material. Performers can sign up at the bar before the show between 6 and 7pm.
Roxy's Cabaret
Late Night Let Loose—Fridays at 11:00pm
Come to Roxy's Cabaret every Friday for bold, raucous, and original comedy from the stars of Twin Cities standup. Doors open at 10:30, and full food and craft cocktail menus are available during the show.
Rick Bronson's House of Comedy at the Mall Of America
Triple Threat Tuesdays at 7:30pm
This $5 pre-booked showcase of amateurs and pros offers 5 minutes of stage time for each performer. It's a great deal with food and drink specials of $5 on select beers and appetizers.
Sisyphus Brewing
Amateur Hour—Thursdays at 8pm
Located just north of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Sisyphus Brewing’s weekly Thursday Night Amateur hour features both open mic comedians and a headliner comic. Open mic sign up is onsite at the brewery from 6-7pm with the list posted at 7:15—put a star by your name if it’s your first time to guarantee stage time.
Sketch Comedy
Known for their satire takes on pop culture, Brave New Workshop puts on a show full of comedy sketches and parody songs. They've been entertaining audiences since 1958 and produce hilarious, thought-provoking original comedy, improv, and satire right in the heart of the Hennepin Theatre District.
