Free comedy shows in NYC: Stand-up, improv and more
Laugh along to both budding and established local comedians at these free comedy shows in New York City.
Free comedy shows in NYC: Wyatt Cenac at Get It Out There Photograph: Etienne Frossard
Weknow; we’re biased. But for our money, NYC remains the best place to see live comedy on the planet. In addition to big-ticket gigs, you can catch fine free comedy shows here—be it a night of stand-up, improv, sketch or storytelling—without spending a dime.
RECOMMENDED: Full list of free things to do in NYC
Kelli Dunham's Freak of Nurture Release: In a Funeral Home, of Course
- Critics choice
- Free
Charming local comedian Kelli Dunham fetes the release of her new collection of humorous essays, Freak of Nurture, at a Brooklyn funeral home. Because why not, right? For more information, go to
- Sealy Cuyler Funeral Home 1084 Pacific St, between Classon and Franklin Aves, 11238
- Sat May 18
The Broken Comedy Show
- Free
Comics Nimesh Patel, Michael Che and Mike Denny host many more rising stand-ups each week at this Greenpoint spot.
- Bar Matchless 557 Manhattan Ave, at Driggs Ave, 11222
- Mon May 20
On the Road with Nore Davis and Andrew Short
- Free
Young comics Davis and Short run their comedy night like a touring show: They invite a pair of stand-ups looking for stage time to open for a seasoned headliner.
- The Creek and the Cave 10-93 Jackson Ave, at 11th St, 11101
- Mon May 20
Whiplash
- Critics choice
- Free
Leo Allen presents top local comics in the newest incarnation of the UCBT’s popular late-night Monday slot.
- Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre 307 W 26th St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Tue May 21 - Mon May 20
Moons Over My Hammy
- Free
This weekly showcase, hosted by Maribeth Mooney, presents both stand-ups and storytellers. It's not required to know the Denny's reference in order to get the rest of the jokes.
- Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
- Tue May 21
Crime & Punishment
- Free
Young stand-up Kate Berlant helms the ship here, setting the tone for her guests with any number of off-the-wall bons mots.
- Village Lantern 167 Bleecker St, between Sullivan and Thompson Sts, 10012
- Tue May 21
Comedy Show at Alligator Lounge
- Free
Sean Donnelly, Steve O'Brien, Kevin McCaffrey and Robert Dean pass the mike while hosting a weekly stand-up show, which provides its guests with free pizza.
- Alligator Lounge 600 Metropolitan Ave, between Leonard and Lorimer Sts
- Tue May 21
Superfree Wednesday
- Free
A free comedy show in five parts: At 7, 8, 9pm catch six house improv teams and, at 10pm, one house team and one group composing the PIT's teaching staff; at 11pm, hop on stage for Improdome, the
- Peoples Improv Theater 123 E 24th St, between Park Ave South and Lexington Ave
- Wed May 22 - Thu May 23
Big Effing Deal
- Free
Beth Hoyt and Trish Nelson mix together some impressions, dancing and a few stand-up pals in this weekly variety show.
