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 


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

  1. Sealy Cuyler Funeral Home 1084 Pacific St, between Classon and Franklin Aves, 11238
  2. Sat May 18
More info

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.

  1. Bar Matchless 557 Manhattan Ave, at Driggs Ave, 11222
  2. Mon May 20
More info

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.

  1. The Creek and the Cave 10-93 Jackson Ave, at 11th St, 11101
  2. Mon May 20
More info

Whiplash

  • Critics choice
  • Free

Leo Allen presents top local comics in the newest incarnation of the UCBT’s popular late-night Monday slot.

  1. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre 307 W 26th St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
  2. Tue May 21 - Mon May 20
More info

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.

  1. Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
  2. Tue May 21
More info

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.

  1. Cake Shop 152 Ludlow St, between Rivington and Stanton Sts
  2. Tue May 21
More info

Comedy Punch

  • Free

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

  1. Village Lantern 167 Bleecker St, between Sullivan and Thompson Sts, 10012
  2. Tue May 21
More info

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.

  1. Alligator Lounge 600 Metropolitan Ave, between Leonard and Lorimer Sts
  2. Tue May 21
More info

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 May 22 - Thu May 23
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 May 22
More info
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