Austin’s comedy scene has deep roots. What began with a handful of DIY shows and late-night standup sets in the 1980s has gradually expanded into a broader network of stages, collectives, festivals, and regular performances across town. Today’s comics build on that history while experimenting with new formats, often performing in nontraditional venues and drawing from Austin’s unique local culture. Buckle up for a fun night.
Joe List at Cap City Comedy Club. Courtesy of Cap City Comedy Club.
Comedy Clubs
Cap City Comedy Club
A cornerstone of the scene, Cap City Comedy Club brings national headliners and rising stars to its stage at The Domain. Don’t miss their Open Mic Night every Sunday for a glimpse of Austin’s freshest talent.
The Creek & The Cave
Originally a New York fixture, this East Seventh Street venue now anchors the Austin comedy circuit. The Creek & The Cave features indoor and outdoor stages, a backyard bar, and a packed calendar of stand-up, roasts, and even live podcast tapings.
East Austin Comedy Club
Intimate and BYOB, this small 82-seat club on 4th Street brings you close to the action. The velvet-draped space hosts up-and-coming comics in a more stripped-down, no-frills environment. Despite its small size, East Austin Comedy Club has a big following, so grab your tickets early!
Rozco's Comedy Club
Located in East Austin, Rozco’s opened in 2023 and quickly carved out a niche with its mix of local performers, rotating themes, and interactive shows. Regular events include dress-up nights, genre-focused lineups, and Friday Night Laughs, a standout series that features national touring acts.
Esther’s Follies
Part sketch comedy, part magic act, and part musical revue, Esther’s is all about energy. This 6th Street theater has kept Austinites laughing for over 40 years with topical humor and variety acts. If you’re into the offbeat, this place won’t disappoint.
The Velveeta Room
The Velveeta Room is Austin’s longest-running comedy club. Founded in 1988, it continues to showcase local legends and fresh voices in a low-lit, divey space. The club hosts a variety of themed nights most days of the week, as well as drink specials, free shows, open mics, and more!
Open Mic Nights
On select Tuesdays, the Cap City Comedy Club in The Domain gives the stage over to amateur comedians. To participate, prepare three minutes of material and enter a lottery drawing to be selected to perform. Come see stars in the making.
Comedy fans and wanna-be comedians will want to check out several weekly open mic events at The Creek & The Cave. You never know when a comedy superstar will show up to test new material. Arrive early to sign up. Admission is free.
Get your boost of caffeine early in the day at Kick Butt Coffee, but show up Wednesday evenings for open mic comedy events. Performers get from three to five minutes of performance time on the stage. On Sundays, performers can add music and poetry to their comedy routines. Arrive early to get on the list to participate.
Dan Soder at Moontower Comedy Fest. Credit Roger Ho.
Annual Comedy Festivals in Austin
Out of Bounds Comedy Festival
Known as Austin’s long-running indie comedy fest, Out of Bounds features sketch comedy, stand-up, theatre, and improv over four packed days in November.
SXSW
Every March, the SXSW Comedy Festival brings over 60 comedians to Austin, where they perform, host podcasts, and engage in conversations at different venues across town.
Moontower Just for Laughs
One of the biggest comedy festivals in North America, Moontower takes over Downtown Austin each April with two weeks of stand-up, improv shows, and surprise drop-ins.
Austin Sketch Fest
Celebrating scripted comedy in all its forms, Austin Sketch Fest lights up the city’s scene each May with a mix of national acts and local talent.
Explore More Austin Nightlife
Once you’ve had your laugh fix, check out more entertainment in Austin. Catch live music at historic venues or dive into the city’s bar scene. Find upcoming shows and open mics on our events calendar.