Are you ready to laugh your ass off, San Francisco? There are some A-list comedians headed to the Bay Area this fall.
Ali Wong
As part of her meteoric rise to the top of the comedy world, a no-longer-pregnant Wong returns to her hometown for five raunchy nights at the Masonic. Expect the same brand of razor-sharp jokes—about everything from hooking up with Asian dudes to Sheryl Sandberg and contracting HPV—as those from her instant-hit Netflix special, Baby Cobra. No one is safe from Wong’s merciless tongue. The Masonic, 1111 California St (415-776-7457, sfmasonic.com). Aug 2–5, 19 at various times; $49–$65.
Marlon Wayans
Fresh off a tour with his three famous brothers, Wayans hits the road solo with slick routines about drinking, hip-hop and being a celebrity in the 21st century. Cobb’s Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave (415-928-4320, cobbscomedy.com). Aug 4, 5 at various times; $60.
Steve Martin & Martin Short
Martin meets Martin in A Very Stupid Conversation, a Q&A-style show with two of modern comedy’s greatest entertainers. Expect lots of audience participation and a musical twist. Concord Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord (concordamp.com). Aug 11 at 8pm; $70.
Wayne’s World
The legendary comedy starring Dana Carvey and Mike Myers turns 25 years old this year. Revisit Wayne and Garth as they try to promote their public-access cable show during this one-night-only film screening. Cobb’s Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave (415-928-4320, cobbscomedy.com). Aug 14 at 8pm; free.
Joel McHale
The former host of E! Entertainment’s The Soup brings his acerbic tongue to Cobb’s. Listen for hilarious attacks on pop culture, notes on the surreal sphere of celebrity worship and (surprisingly) tender accounts of his family life in McHale’s new routine. Cobb’s Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave (415-928-4320, cobbscomedy.com). Aug 18, 19 at various times; $65.
AND COMING THIS FALL:
Jim Gaffigan
The comedian’s new show, Noble Ape, delves into many of his favorite topics: family life, Catholicism and battles with food (Hot Pockets beware!). Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View (mountainviewamphitheater.com). Sept 17 at 7:30pm; $20.
John Mulaney
An air of vulnerability and self-deprecation are the hallmarks of Mulaney’s routines, which veer from lighthearted, youthful asides about hangovers and barhopping to much deeper stories concerning alcoholism and career mishaps. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave (sfsymphony.org). Oct 4 at 7pm; $135.