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 


No Name and a Bag o' Chips

  • Free

At Eric J. Vetter and Dawn J. Owens’s comedy show, everyone gets the aforementioned bag, cheap booze, baked goods and comic sets.

  1. Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
  2. Fri May 24
More info

No Name and a Bag o' Chips

  • Free

At Eric J. Vetter and Dawn J. Owens’s comedy show, everyone gets the aforementioned bag, cheap booze, baked goods and comic sets.

  1. Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
  2. Fri May 24
More info

On the Offensive

  • Free

Comics do their routines and are then asked to mock a YouTube video in front of the crowd. As the title indicates, host Mike Feeney and his cast like things a little rough.

  1. The Creek and the Cave 10-93 Jackson Ave, at 11th St, 11101
  2. Sat May 25
More info

Sunday Night Stand-Up

  • Free

The hardworking RG Daniels welcomes fellow stand-ups to this basement dive each week.

  1. Three of Cups 83 First Ave, at 5th St, 10003
  2. Sun May 26
More info

Beauty Bar Comedy

  • Free

Adam Sokol, Nate Fridson and Brad Austin welcome stand-up comedy from comics you know and others they think you should know.

  1. Beauty Bar 231 E 14th St , between Second and Third Aves, 10003
  2. Sun May 26
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 27
More info

Dive Comedy

  • Free

Brooke Van Poppelen and Giulia Rozzi host this stand-up showcase in the back room of a friendly Sunset Park bar.

  1. Freddy's Bar 627 Fifth Ave, between 17th and 18th Sts, 11215
  2. Mon May 27
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 27
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 28 - Mon May 27
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 28
More info
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