Vermont’s comedy culture is small but vibrant, fueled by a strong sense of community, creativity, and grassroots energy. With a mix of quirky charm and sharp wit, the local scene thrives in coffee shops, breweries, and intimate venues across the state.
Burlington acts as a central hub, hosting regular stand-up, improv, and storytelling shows that draw both loyal audiences and curious newcomers. Vermont comics often blend observational humor with regional flavor, touching on small-town life, weather woes, and local quirks in a way that’s both relatable and unique.
The state’s laid-back vibe encourages experimentation, collaboration, and support among performers, making it a welcoming place for new talent to grow. While the scene isn’t huge, its authenticity and originality make it stand out. Whether it’s a packed indie show or a casual open mic, Vermont’s comedy scene delivers laughs with heart, honesty, and a distinctly local voice.
Burlington, Vermont’s comedy scene is a tight‑knit, lively mix of stand‑up, sketch, and improv, anchored by the Vermont Comedy Club. Since its founding by Nathan Hartswick and Natalie Miller, this venue has become the go‑to spot for both local and touring acts. It offers an intimate atmosphere, a 140‑seat showroom (in a renovated old armory building), and a welcoming lounge and café.
There’s always something happening: open mics, family‑friendly improv, comedy classes, and a steady stream of headline shows. The local comedians are earnest, grounded, and collaborative, growing in presence and style. Rising names like Max Higgins, Meredith Gordon, Mike Thomas, and Jared Hall are frequently seen on Burlington’s stages.
Audiences tend to skew young, many tied to the college community, which shapes what comedy works well — witty observational pieces, lighter fare, even social satire. All told, Burlington offers more than occasional laughs: it feels like a community in bloom, where both audience and comedian share the same small‑town energy.
Vermont Comedy Club is a premier destination for stand-up and live comedy in the heart of downtown Burlington. Known for its polished yet welcoming atmosphere, the club offers a full calendar of performances featuring nationally touring headliners, local favorites, and fresh new voices.
With a stylish showroom, full bar, and cozy lounge, it’s the perfect setting for a fun night out, whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just looking to try something new. The club also hosts open mics, improv nights, and comedy classes, helping to grow and support the local scene.
Audiences can expect smart, high-quality entertainment in a relaxed, inclusive environment that encourages connection and creativity. From laugh-out-loud moments to unexpected discoveries, every show delivers something special. Vermont Comedy Club isn’t just a venue—it’s a community hub for comedy lovers, performers, and anyone who believes in the power of a good joke to bring people together.
Address: 101 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 859-0100
Website: Vermont Comedy Club
Hours: Contact the club to confirm.
Bridgewater, Vermont has a surprisingly vibrant comedy scene, anchored by the Woolen Mill Comedy Club. What began as casual open-mics in small town venues has evolved into a dedicated space for stand-up, drawing both local performers and touring comics. Saturday nights feature regular headliners, and the club embraces a wide range of shows—from classic stand-up to variety acts that blend comedy with music, burlesque, or magic.
The energy is grassroots and community-driven, with a loyal audience that supports emerging talent and returning favorites. The Woolen Mill has also become a hub for comedy festivals in the region, helping put Bridgewater on the map for performers across New England. While small in size, the scene is rich in creativity and enthusiasm.
There’s a strong sense of collaboration among comedians, and the local vibe leans more toward authenticity and connection than commercialism—making Bridgewater’s comedy scene feel both intimate and genuinely exciting.
Woolen Mill Comedy Club is a hidden gem nestled in a historic building, offering a one-of-a-kind comedy experience in a cozy, intimate setting. Tucked away on the top floor of the Woolen Mill, the venue combines old-school charm with a fresh, indie comedy vibe.
The space is small but full of character, making every show feel personal and electric. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to catch stand-up from emerging comedians, regional talent, and occasional surprise headliners. With a strong DIY spirit and a passion for live performance, the club creates a welcoming environment where comics can take risks and audiences can enjoy unfiltered, authentic laughs.
Shows are thoughtfully curated, blending smart writing with offbeat humor and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a comedy fan or just looking for a memorable night out, Woolen Mill Comedy Club offers a unique, laughter-filled experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Address: 101 Mill Rd, Bridgewater, VT 05034
Phone: (802) 356-7851
Website: Currently no website.
Hours: Contact the club to confirm.
Vermont has a thriving improv & sketch comedy scene that runs steadily alongside its stand‑up community, centered around a few committed hubs and many smaller troupes.
The Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington is perhaps the most visible institution: it offers space for improv nights, sketch work, workshops and classes—ranging from beginner tools in scene work and character building, to more advanced collaborative forms. Midweek improv jams, family‑friendly shows, and regular drop‑in opportunities make it easy for both curious newcomers and more seasoned performers to participate.
Across the state others keep the momentum going: college troupes, regional sketch groups and improvisational ensembles perform in smaller venues, community centers, cafes, and festivals. Shows often experiment—a mix of short form games, long form narratives, character‑based sketches, and audience suggestive improv.
The tone tends to be supportive and creative, with a communal atmosphere rather than cut‑throat competition. Altogether Vermont’s improv and sketch comedy feels like a growing ecosystem: actively learning, taking risks, and fostering local voices.

