Laugh until your sides hurt at these comedy clubs in Baltimore.
There are so many things to do in Baltimore but one of my absolute favorites is to catch a show at one of the city’s many comedy clubs.
These clubs have been graced with the presence of comedic greats such as Jerry Seinfeld, Marlon Wayans, Robin Williams, Bernie Mac, Katt Williams, and more. The great thing is that they also share the stage with local and upcoming comedians who are just starting to make a name for themselves.
Be sure to catch a performance at one of these wonderful comedy clubs the next time you’re in Baltimore.
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Baltimore Comedy Factory
- Address: 5625 O’Donnell St, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Website
The Baltimore Comedy Factory has been making the DMV laugh for over 35 years. They’ve hosted some of the most well-known comedians in the country such as Bill Bellamy and Mark Curry. Often open only on weekends, you can check out their calendar of events for upcoming shows.
Tickets are usually $25 upward and there is a two-drink minimum. Also keep in mind that seating is first-come, first-serve and it fills up quickly so get there early if you want seats close to the stage.
Baltimore Whiskey Company presents Gin and Jokes at Downsquares – Joe Squared
- Address: 33A W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website
Joe Squared is a restaurant and bar often frequented by Baltimoreans. Their basement is used as a performance venue called Downsquares which hosts comedy shows, concerts, and more. The Baltimore Whiskey Company takes over on the first Thursday of each month to host their stand-up comedy showcase, Gin and Jokes.
Baltimore-based comedian Umar Khan introduces an impressive lineup of comedians from all over the country while guests can feast on delicious pizza and towers of gin shots – a great combination!
Baltimore Improv Group (BIG)
- Address: 1727 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website
The Baltimore Improv Group started in 2004 with only four members. They soon grew to over sixty performers who are dedicated to teaching improv, hosting workshops, and performing for the community. Their theater hosts multiple shows a week with opportunities for people to get on the stage during open mic nights.
BIG also hosts several annual comedy festivals such as XFest and the Baltimore Improv Festival. Shows are around $5, which is easy on the pocket for nights you don’t want to spend too much but still want to have a fun time.
Magooby’s Joke House
- Address: 9603 Deereco Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093 | Website
Magooby’s is recognized as one of the best comedy clubs across the US – and is surely one of the largest in the area with over 350 seats. They always have a great line-up of experienced, well-known comics as well as amateurs who are just starting. They’ve had headliners such as Rich Vos, George Lopez, Tom Green, Tracie Morgan, and Ralphie May. Check out their open-mic comedy nights which are held at least twice a month.
Sully’s Comedy Cellar
- Address: 9306 Harford Rd, Parkville, MD 21234 | Website
One of the more intimate comedy clubs in Baltimore, Sully’s Comedy Cellar has built a reputation for themselves which attracts established comedians who’ve performed on Comedy Central and HBO. Comedians come from all over the country, and you can enjoy yourself while feasting from their pub and restaurant.
Shows run around $15 or so and are usually held on Friday and Saturday. This is one of my favorite comedy spots and it doesn’t hurt that parking is free – it can be really hard to find parking in Baltimore on a Friday night!
Platform Arts Center
- Address: 116 W. Mulberry Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website
Twice a month the Platform Arts Center converts into a comedic hot spot with performances by at least nine local and national comedians from everywhere. It’s a wonderful place to see emerging artists display their talents. The shows are usually scheduled on a Friday but check out their event calendar to book tickets in advance. Admission is often free for their comedy event and there are even free drinks on some nights.
The Sidebar
- Address: 218 E. Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Website
The Sidebar Tavern is a laidback pub that’s popular with Baltimoreans for both, their beer on tap as well as their schedule of music and comedy shows. Comedy nights are usually on Monday and is hosted by comedian Mark Joyner. The bar is a great spot for up-and-coming comedians, and you can sign up for the open-mic night around 8 PM before the show.
The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
- Address: 12 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website
Famous comedians such as Milton Berle and Bob Hope once graced the stage of the Hippodrome Theatre. These comedic greats paved the way for modern comedians such as Trevor Noah, Kevin James, and John Oliver.
The theater hosts several events so keep an eye out on their event calendar for their comedy shows which are often one-night-only performances. While it’s not very often that they do host comedians, the nights that they do are always memorable.
Charm City Comedy Project
- Address: 1023 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211 | Website
The Charm City Comedy Project was founded in 2014 as a way for different types of comedians to display their talents. They host sketch comedy troupes and improv groups throughout the week, while also scheduling performances and open mic nights every weekend at the Lou Costello Room in Zissimos Bar.
They are also really popular for their Charm City Comedy Festival which is held every May and attracts improv groups, sketch troupes, and stand-up comedians from all over the country
Baltimore Comedy Groups
Big Timing Comedy
Another way of enjoying comedy in Baltimore is through comedy production groups and comedy nights hosted at local bars and venues such as Power Plant Live or Ottobar. Big Timing Comedy is one such group that brings locals and national comedians to local venues in Charm City.
Willard & Wood
Willard & Wood is a unique style of comedy that seamlessly integrates humor with magic. Their side-splitting performance can be seen once a month at The Grand and other venues randomly. They’re also one of the few comedy shows that are suitable for an underage audience.
Baltimore Comedy Festival
Be sure to check out the Baltimore Comedy Festival which is a five-day event that is full of celebratory ceremonies and performances by talented comedians in several venues across the city.
Most of the events are free or cost $5 or less and there are also opportunities for panel discussions, podcast recordings, and meet and greets.
