Stand-up comedy shows spring 2013 and the Thrilling Adventure Hour

Those hoping to see Ron Swanson curse Tammys One and Two to hell likely won’t be disappointed: Offerman’s man’s-man persona reflects his real life (he’s got a carpentry business) and his stage act. His show, American Ham, offers practical tips about living more successfully, with the sort of dry and laconic delivery that comes through on Parks and Recreation.

The Bammer is a tumult of cheery weirdness, winning hearts with a childlike whisper as she presents her idiosyncratic vision of the world. She drops comedic bits—unexpected impressions, goony faces, far-flung metaphors—like bread crumbs, keeping the audience intrigued regardless of how bizarre things may seem. In Bamford’s amazing 2012 release, Special Special Special, she performed an entire set in her living room for an audience comprising her parents; get excited for whatever oddball stroke of genius she might have in store.

BAM and IFC team up, working with comedy producer Caroline Creaghead to put together a free stand-up showcase of bold locals in BAM's atrium café. Tonight's all-lady lineup will satisfy audience members of both sexes. Emily Heller hosts Nikki Glaser, Marina Franklin, Kendra Cunningham, Naomi Ekperigin and the great Heather Lawless, who we've missed since she moved across the country.

The foulmouthed, confessional Australian stand-up delights in slaying sacred cows in a devilishly unapologetic manner. Though Jefferies’s sitcom, Legit, recently premiered on FX, those who have seen his specials (I Swear to God, Alcoholocaust, Fully Functional) know that his live show can’t be beat.

The West Coast comics—both of whom have performed on many late-night shows, including Chelsea Lately—pair up for a weekend of gigs. Kasher, whose 2012 memoir, Kasher in the Rye, candidly told tales of mental institutions and drug addiction, has an onstage force as dark and bawdy as it is wily. Leggero plays with languor, dismissing the peons beneath her—that is, pretty much everybody—while batting her eyes and swiping the hair from her face with a pair of silken evening gloves.

Though Jenny Slate and Gabe Liedman have moved to L.A., Big Terrific cohost Max Silvestri happily welcomes them back for this stand-up celebration. There's no lineup announced as of yet, but expect the trio to bring along some of the best up-and-comers around as they perform their own bits.

Bryan Cook's L.A. comedy show gives the crowd something it never knew it wanted: sexy literature written by comics about favorite characters—say, Theo Huxtable or Bilbo Baggins—or extant fictional universes. After reading a prepared piece, each winner goes on to create a new work on the spot, based on audience suggestions.

Two teams of comics and comic writers face off in a debate competition meant to settle age-old arguments, including whether pirates or ninjas would win in a brawl. As the performers take shots at each other and do untested material, the room gets charged (in the silliest way possible).

Improvisers from around the country take part in a weekend of performances, workshops and panels, though this festival, now in its second year, also has plenty of New Yorkers (many of whom are regular PIT performers) on the bill. This year's big tickets include a reunited Threat, a set from Centralia and a visit from Toronto’s physical, frenetic 2-Man No-Show.

That low, liquidy sound you hear is comedy nerds across the city frothing at the maw. One of New York’s comedy heroes sits down to talk about everything: The Ben Stiller Show, Mr. Show, Arrested Development, Modern Family, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret—and that list doesn't even include stand-up or film. He'll chat with that other George Michael, Michael Cera.