Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, California, is known as the entertainment capital of the world, and it’s no surprise that the city is also a hub for stand-up comedy. With its vibrant entertainment industry, L.A. attracts some of the best comedic talent, making it a prime destination for both comedy lovers and performers alike. From iconic venues where legends have performed to intimate stages where up-and-coming comedians hone their craft, the city's comedy scene is constantly thriving. In addition to stand-up, L.A. is home to numerous comedy festivals and is often a launchpad for comedians making their way into television and film.

Top Comedy Clubs in Los Angeles

• The Comedy Store
  One of the most famous comedy clubs in the world, The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard has been the training ground for some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy, including Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, and Dave Chappelle. Today, you can still catch top-tier comedians as well as rising stars performing multiple shows a night.

• Laugh Factory
  Located in West Hollywood, the Laugh Factory is another legendary venue that has hosted some of the most iconic comedians in the industry. Known for its diverse line-up and top-notch talent, the Laugh Factory continues to draw big names like Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and Ali Wong.

• Hollywood Improv
  A staple of the L.A. comedy scene, the Hollywood Improv offers a mix of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy. From big-name headliners to surprise guests, this club has an electric atmosphere that makes it a must-visit for comedy fans.

• The Groundlings Theatre
  Famous for its long history of producing comedy greats, The Groundlings is an improv and sketch comedy theater that has launched the careers of stars like Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig. While it’s best known for improv, The Groundlings often incorporates stand-up into its shows, offering a different flavor of comedy.

• The Comedy & Magic Club
  Located in Hermosa Beach, this venue combines stand-up comedy with magic performances. It’s a favorite for comics like Jay Leno, who frequently performs here, making it one of the more unique stops on L.A.’s comedy circuit.

Comedians to Watch in Los Angeles

• Hannah Einbinder
  A breakout star from the hit show Hacks, Hannah Einbinder is a rising talent in both stand-up and acting. Her dry humor and sharp wit make her one to watch as she continues to gain popularity in L.A.’s comedy scene.

• Ron Funches
  Known for his infectious giggle and feel-good comedy, Ron Funches is a regular performer at clubs like The Comedy Store and the Hollywood Improv. His lovable personality and relatable humor make him a favorite among L.A. audiences.

• Marc Maron
  Though he’s now a podcasting giant with WTF with Marc Maron, Maron remains a staple of L.A.'s stand-up scene. His brutally honest, self-deprecating style of comedy can be seen at various venues around town, including The Comedy Store and Largo.

• Ali Macofsky
  Ali Macofsky is a rising star in the L.A. comedy scene. With her unique storytelling ability and biting sense of humor, she has performed at major clubs across the city and has opened for Joe Rogan on his tour.

• Felipe Esparza
  Felipe Esparza’s observational comedy and unique storytelling have made him a hit in the L.A. comedy circuit. He won NBC's Last Comic Standing and regularly performs at top venues like the Hollywood Improv and The Laugh Factory.

Comedy Festivals in Los Angeles

• Netflix Is A Joke Festival
  This massive comedy festival, presented by Netflix, brings together the biggest names in stand-up, sketch, and improv. Held across various venues in Los Angeles, the festival features headliners like Dave Chappelle, Amy Schumer, and Chris Rock, offering an unparalleled comedy experience.

• Riot LA Comedy Festival
  One of the edgier comedy festivals in L.A., Riot LA features stand-up, podcast recordings, and experimental comedy shows. This festival attracts a mix of established comics and new voices, making it a great place to discover the next big thing in comedy.

• Los Angeles Diversity in Comedy Festival
  Held at The Second City Hollywood, this festival celebrates diversity in comedy, showcasing performers of different backgrounds and experiences. The event features stand-up, sketch, and improv from a wide array of comedic voices.

• Skirball Cultural Center’s "Laugh in Peace" Comedy Tour
  This unique comedy festival brings together comedians from different religious and cultural backgrounds to explore humor in diversity. The "Laugh in Peace" tour is an annual favorite and is known for its feel-good, inclusive atmosphere.

• All Jane Comedy Festival (Los Angeles Edition)
  An offshoot of Portland’s All Jane Comedy Festival, this event focuses on highlighting women and non-binary comedians. The Los Angeles edition showcases a diverse range of comedic talent in intimate settings across the city.

With so many clubs and festivals, it’s clear that Los Angeles is a comedy mecca, offering fans countless opportunities to enjoy stand-up, sketch, and improv. Whether you’re hoping to catch a major headliner or discover the next big thing, L.A.’s comedy scene has something for everyone.