America’s #1 Comedy Club Guide
America’s #1 Comedy Club Guide
Michigan has a vibrant and diverse comedy culture, with a strong presence of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy. Cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor have established themselves as key comedy hubs, fostering a variety of comedic styles.
Detroit is home to renowned comedy clubs which showcase a blend of local talent and nationally touring comedians. Ann Arbor’s Comedy Showcase is a longtime staple, offering both local and visiting acts. Michigan also has a thriving improv scene which helps to shape the state’s comedic landscape.
Many festivals, such as the Detroit Improv Festival, bring comedians from all over the country to showcase their craft. The state is known for producing talented comedians who often go on to national fame, like Tim Allen and Lily Tomlin, further cementing Michigan’s comedy legacy.
Ann Arbor, Michigan has a comedy scene that’s as smart, quirky, and energetic as the city itself. With its strong university presence and creative community, Ann Arbor nurtures both emerging and experienced comedians across stand-up, improv, and sketch.
The vibe is inclusive and experimental, making it a great place for performers to try bold, original material in front of thoughtful, engaged audiences. Improv thrives in intimate theaters and campus venues, often blending sharp timing with intellectual humor. Sketch comedy adds another layer, drawing from the city’s love for satire, storytelling, and clever cultural commentary.
Stand-up showcases and open mics are a regular part of the nightlife, bringing together students, locals, and visiting comics. Whether it’s a high-energy group show or a one-person act full of nuance, Ann Arbor’s comedy scene is rooted in authenticity, community, and a shared love of laughter that keeps audiences coming back for more.
The Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase is a renowned comedy venue in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Established as a cornerstone of the local comedy scene, it features a range of performances from rising stars to established comedians.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it offers stand-up shows, workshops, and open mic events, providing a platform for both new and experienced talent. The club hosts a variety of acts, including national tours and local performances, and has been recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the best clubs between the coasts.
Visitors can enjoy a full entertainment experience with a bar, food, and special birthday offers. With a welcoming space and consistently top-tier performances, the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase stands out as a premier destination for comedy lovers.
Address: 212 S. 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 996-9080
Website: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Hours: Contact the club to confirm.
Detroit’s comedy scene is bold, unfiltered, and powered by the city’s deep well of resilience and creativity. Known for its raw authenticity, the scene blends street-smart humor with sharp social commentary, reflecting the real-life grit and heart of Detroit itself. Stand-up takes center stage, with local comedians bringing fresh voices and fearless material to bars, clubs, and independent venues across the city.
Improv and sketch comedy also have strong footholds, fueled by a growing number of troupes and collectives who thrive in collaborative, DIY spaces. From underground showcases to polished theater productions, Detroit’s comedy community embraces experimentation while staying grounded in real-world experiences.
The audience is loyal, vocal, and quick to reward originality, making Detroit both a proving ground and a home for comedians. Whether you’re catching a rising star or a seasoned pro, the laughs in Detroit are real, hard-earned, and delivered with unmistakable Motor City soul.
The Detroit House of Comedy in Detroit, Michigan, offers an exciting venue for comedy enthusiasts. The club hosts top-tier stand-up comedy performances, featuring a mix of nationally recognized comedians and local talent.
Visitors can enjoy a full entertainment experience with a selection of drinks and food in a lively atmosphere. The venue is known for hosting regular events like “Tune Up Tuesdays,” open mics, and special shows with headliners from popular comedy circuits. In addition to stand-up, Detroit House of Comedy offers group events, private bookings, and team-building activities.
It’s a premier destination for comedy lovers in the Detroit area, with discounted parking and easy access to downtown attractions. Whether you’re looking for a night of laughs or a unique event space, the Detroit House of Comedy delivers an unforgettable experience.
Address: 2301 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: (313) 312-4965
Website: Detroit House of Comedy
Hours: Contact the club to confirm.
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, located in Royal Oak, Michigan, is a nationally recognized comedy venue offering a mix of top-notch stand-up comedy. Established in 1979, it has become a staple in the Detroit comedy scene, featuring a diverse lineup of performances from both established headliners and up-and-coming comedians.
The club provides an intimate setting for comedy lovers to enjoy world-class entertainment, with a full bar and a delicious menu. It also offers a variety of events, including comedy classes, open mic nights, and special showcases.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle is the perfect destination for a night of laughter, whether you’re attending a casual show or a special event. With regular appearances from national touring comics, it stands out as a premier comedy venue in Michigan.
Address: 310 S. Troy St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 542-9900
Website: Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle
Hours: Contact club to confirm.
Grand Rapids, Michigan has a comedy scene that’s lively, approachable, and steadily on the rise. Known for its vibrant arts culture, the city offers a welcoming space for comedians of all styles—whether it’s sharp stand-up, fast-paced improv, or clever sketch performances.
Local clubs, breweries, and community theaters regularly host comedy nights, giving both up-and-coming talent and touring acts a chance to connect with enthusiastic, engaged audiences. The stand-up scene is especially active, fueled by open mics and showcase events that encourage experimentation and growth.
Improv troupes bring energy and unpredictability, often performing in intimate venues where audience interaction adds to the fun. Sketch comedy is gaining ground too, offering fresh takes on everyday life and local culture. With a strong DIY spirit and a community that values creativity, Grand Rapids delivers a comedy experience that’s genuine, diverse, and full of potential for anyone looking to laugh—or step on stage.
Dr. Grins Comedy Club, located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, inside The B.O.B. (Big Old Building), is a popular destination for comedy lovers. Known for its intimate, vibrant atmosphere, Dr. Grins features a diverse lineup of stand-up comedy performances, showcasing both national headliners and local talent.
The club offers a full entertainment experience with a full-service bar, food options, and a lively environment perfect for a night out. It hosts regular shows Thursday through Saturday, including open mic nights, comedy competitions, and special events.
As part of The B.O.B., guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, making it a great spot for dinner and a show. Dr. Grins stands out as a prime venue for those seeking a night of laughs, offering a mix of hilarious performances and an engaging, energetic vibe. It’s a key part of Grand Rapids’ dynamic comedy scene.
Address: 20 Monroe Ave NW #3f, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 356-2000
Website: Dr. Grins Comedy Club
Hours: Contact club to confirm.
Traverse City, Michigan may be best known for its natural beauty and wine country charm, but its comedy scene is quietly thriving with a blend of local talent, visiting performers, and a growing appetite for live entertainment. Stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy all have a presence, often showcased in intimate venues like breweries, community theaters, and seasonal festivals.
The scene is close-knit and welcoming, with comedians and audiences alike embracing a laid-back, come-as-you-are vibe. Improv groups bring spontaneous energy to the stage, while stand-up comics mix personal storytelling with Midwest wit and humor that often draws on the quirks of small-town life.
Sketch comedy appears in pop-up shows and special events, offering smart, often playful takes on local culture. Traverse City’s comedy community may be small, but it’s passionate and creative—offering a unique blend of laughs in a picturesque setting that makes every show feel like a one-of-a-kind experience.
Traverse City Comedy Club in Traverse City, Michigan, is a premier comedy venue offering an exceptional entertainment experience. With a focus on both national headliners and local talent, the club showcases stand-up comedy in a welcoming, intimate setting.
It features regular shows Thursday through Saturday, with an inviting atmosphere perfect for a night of laughs. Guests can enjoy a variety of food and drinks while watching performances, creating a full night out. Traverse City Comedy Club is committed to building a strong comedy community, offering opportunities for both seasoned performers and newcomers.
The club also welcomes aspiring comedians to perform or attend open mic events. Whether you’re looking for a fun evening with friends or a special event to remember, Traverse City Comedy Club is the ideal destination for comedy lovers in the area.
Address: 738 S. Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: (231) 421-1880
Website: Traverse City Comedy Club
Hours: Contact club to confirm.
Michigan’s improv and sketch comedy scene is diverse, grassroots-driven, and full of creative energy. From Detroit’s bold and raw performances to Ann Arbor’s intellectual and quirky style, each city brings its own flavor to the stage. Improv thrives in college towns and urban centers alike, with troupes performing everything from quick-witted games to experimental long-form pieces.
Sketch comedy is equally vibrant, fueled by performers who blend satire, character work, and local humor into tightly written, high-energy shows. Communities like Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo are home to a growing number of collectives, workshops, and pop-up performances that make live comedy accessible and inclusive.
Many performers jump between improv and sketch, building strong collaborative networks across the state. Whether it’s a polished theater show or a scrappy DIY production, Michigan’s improv and sketch scene reflects the state’s creative spirit—smart, unpredictable, and always ready to turn everyday moments into something hilariously memorable.
