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

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 


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

  1. Peoples Improv Theater 123 E 24th St, between Park Ave South and Lexington Ave
  2. Wed Jun 19 - Thu Jun 20
More info

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.

  1. 2A 25 Ave A, at 2nd St, 10009
  2. Wed Jun 19
More info

Big Terrific

  • Critics choice
  • Free

Though Gabe Liedman and Jenny Slate have moved to L.A., remaining Big Terrific host Max Silvestri carries on the warm tradition of this Brooklyn mainstay. Each week, he welcomes both great locals and

  1. Cameo 93 North 6th St, between Berry St and Wythe Ave, 11211
  2. Wed Jun 19
More info

Comedy School Dropout

  • Free

The trio of Negin Farsad, Amy Albert and Beth McGregor presents this showcase featuring comics and music.

  1. Beauty Bar 231 E 14th St , between Second and Third Aves, 10003
  2. Wed Jun 19
More info

Comedy Punch

  • Free

Stand-up Jessimae Peluso appeals to the penniless with this weekly showcase.

  1. Opal 251 E 52nd St, at Second Ave, 10022
  2. Wed Jun 19
More info

The Show

  • Free

Stand-up Chris Laker doesn't just ask guests to bring their jokes to his weekly show; after they're finished with their acts, all of the comics will sit down to solve the world's problems in a brief

  1. The Creek and the Cave 10-93 Jackson Ave, at 11th St, 11101
  2. Wed Jun 19
More info

Gandhi, Is That You?

  • Free

Brendan Fitzgibbons and Lance Weiss invite comedy fans into the bar's basement each week for this friendly stand-up show.

  1. Lucky Jack’s 129 Orchard St, between Delancey and Rivington Sts
  2. Wed Jun 19
More info

Fat Baby Stand-Up Comedy

  • Free

The guys behind Fat Baby Comedy—Benny D and Giulio Gallarotti—host a different crew of comedians every Wednesday. They also produce an involved series of promos for the show on YouTube that are worth

  1. Fat Baby 112 Rivington St, between Essex and Ludlow Sts
  2. Wed Jun 19
More info

The Regulars

  • Critics choice
  • Free

Some of the best up-and-comers on the stand-up scene share the stage. Among the performers: Michael Che, Pat Dixon, Emily Heller, Mike Lawrence, Joe List, Jared Logan, Mark Normand, Barry Rothbart,

  1. The Creek and the Cave 10-93 Jackson Ave, at 11th St, 11101
  2. Wed Jun 19
More info

The Chris Gethard Show

  • Critics choice
  • Free

This beloved, bizarre talk show from improviser and storyteller Gethard moves its dares, roughhousing and general awkwardness to public access, with a live studio audience. Tickets for the live show

  1. Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) 537 W 59th St, between Tenth and Eleventh Aves
  2. Thu Jun 20 - Wed Jun 19
More info
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