New Mexico’s comedy scene is a vibrant and growing hub, known for its unique blend of local culture, southwestern charm, and diverse talent. The state’s comedy culture is characterized by a laid-back yet witty style, often infused with the distinct flavors of New Mexican humor, which embraces storytelling, regional quirks, and a love for satire.
Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and other cities host numerous open mics, comedy clubs, and festivals that showcase both emerging talents and nationally recognized comedians. Many comedians in New Mexico use their performances to touch on topics ranging from everyday life to cultural experiences, drawing from the state’s rich Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions.
Local comedy venues offer intimate settings for both stand-up acts and improv shows, ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience for audiences. The comedy scene continues to evolve, making New Mexico a must-visit spot for comedy enthusiasts.
Albuquerque’s comedy scene hums with a dynamic blend of local warmth and bold originality. Small, intimate venues—like quirky brewpubs, art-focused performance spaces, and offbeat downtown bars—set the stage for stand-up showcases, improv nights, and sketch comedy experiments that thrive on spontaneity and character-rich storytelling.
Local improv troupes often host short-form game nights and sketch showcases in these relaxed settings, engaging audiences with pop-culture riffs and regional humor that nods to Southwestern life. The University of New Mexico adds youthful energy through comedy events and student-led performances, enriching the scene with new voices and fresh perspectives.
Touring comedians occasionally drop into mid-size clubs, contributing polished flair and widening the comedic palette. What ties it all together is community: friendly crowds, supportive hosts, and creative cross-talk between stand-up, improv, and sketch worlds. In Albuquerque, comedy unfolds not as a spectacle, but as a living, breathing gathering—funny, unexpected, and rooted in local spirit.
Hyena’s Comedy Club in Albuquerque is a lively, intimate venue that brings top-tier stand-up comedy to New Mexico. Known for its dynamic atmosphere, the club features a variety of performers, from rising stars to seasoned comedians, ensuring a diverse and exciting lineup every week.
Whether you’re enjoying a drink from the bar or savoring gourmet snacks, the club offers a full-service experience that complements the laughs. With a focus on both local talent and national acts, Hyena’s creates a welcoming environment for comedy lovers of all kinds.
Special events, open mic nights, and celebrity performances make it a hub for laughter in Albuquerque, offering an unforgettable night out. Whether you’re coming for a casual evening or a fun night with friends, Hyena’s Comedy Club is the place to be for an entertaining and memorable experience.
Address: 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE #434, Albuquerque, NM 87110
Phone: (505) 216-6009
Website: Hyena’s Albuquerque
Hours: Contact the club to confirm.
Quezada’s Comedy Club & Cantina, located in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, offers a unique combination of hilarious performances, delicious food, and craft drinks. Known for its cozy yet lively atmosphere, the club features an impressive lineup of nationally recognized comedians, with past performers including Bobcat Goldthwait, Russell Peters, and Margaret Cho.
Every Thursday through Saturday, guests can enjoy live comedy alongside a menu of flavorful dishes like carne asada tacos, New Mexico smash burgers, and margaritas. The club’s intimate setting ensures an up-close comedy experience, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a casual date.
Whether you’re coming for the laughs or the food, Quezada’s provides an unforgettable entertainment experience in the heart of New Mexico.
Address: 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd, Bernalillo, NM 87004
Phone: (505) 771-7153
Website: Quezada’s Comedy Club & Cantina
Hours: Contact the club to confirm.
New Mexico’s improv and sketch comedy scene is a vibrant, community-driven mix of creativity, culture, and collaboration. In cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe, intimate black-box theaters, cafes, and art spaces host regular improv shows and sketch comedy nights, often blending local flavor with inventive, offbeat humor.
Troupes experiment with both long-form narratives and short-form games, pulling from the region’s unique character—its desert landscapes, diverse voices, and rich storytelling traditions. Sketch groups in the state tend to favor DIY production styles, creating smart, edgy content that’s deeply rooted in local experiences and often tinged with political or cultural satire.
Festivals, pop-up showcases, and community workshops help grow the scene organically, welcoming newcomers and fostering collaboration between performers from different disciplines. Whether it’s a surreal sketch set or a fast-paced improv jam, New Mexico’s comedy scene delivers an experience that’s inclusive, experimental, and unmistakably Southwestern in spirit.

