The Ultimate Guide to Austin’s Live Comedy Scene: Top 10 Venues
Austin, Texas, is not just known for its music and food; it also boasts a thriving and dynamic comedy scene. Whether you’re looking for stand-up, improv, or sketch comedy, Austin’s live comedy scene offers something for every kind of humor lover. From iconic clubs to underground gems, this guide will introduce you to the top comedy venues in the city where you can catch local talent, touring comedians, and everything in between.
1. The Velveeta Room
Located on the historic Sixth Street, The Velveeta Room is a legendary spot in Austin’s live comedy scene. This intimate venue has been hosting stand-up comedy since the late 1980s and is known for giving local talent a platform to perform alongside nationally touring comedians. With its cozy setting and no-frills approach, The Velveeta Room offers an authentic comedy experience.
- Type of Comedy: Stand-up.
- Highlights: Local and national comedians, intimate atmosphere.
- Tip: The venue is small, so arrive early to grab a good seat, especially on weekends when the shows are packed.
2. Cap City Comedy Club
Cap City Comedy Club has long been a staple of Austin’s live comedy scene. Originally opened in 1986, the club has built a reputation for hosting top-tier stand-up comedians from around the country. With a larger venue and professional production, Cap City delivers a polished and high-quality comedy experience. The club recently reopened in a new North Austin location, continuing its legacy as one of the best spots to see big-name comedians in the city.
- Type of Comedy: Stand-up, open mic nights.
- Highlights: National headliners, open mic showcases, comedy festivals.
- Tip: Check their calendar for special events like the Funniest Person in Austin contest, which has helped launch the careers of many local comedians.
3. ColdTowne Theater
ColdTowne Theater is a hub for improv and sketch comedy in Austin. Located in East Austin, this theater is a training ground for some of the city’s best comedic performers, offering regular improv shows, sketch performances, and comedy classes. The venue’s lineup features a mix of veteran improvisers and up-and-coming talent, making it one of the most exciting places to catch live comedy in Austin.
- Type of Comedy: Improv, sketch, stand-up.
- Highlights: Weekly improv shows, comedy classes, festivals.
- Tip: Attend their “Saturday Night Special” for a rotating lineup of performances, or sign up for a class if you want to try your hand at improv.
4. The Creek and The Cave
Originally from New York City, The Creek and The Cave relocated to Austin and has quickly become a key player in Austin’s live comedy scene. The venue offers a mix of stand-up, improv, and experimental shows, along with live podcast recordings and other comedy-related events. With a welcoming atmosphere and a bar on-site, it’s a great spot to grab a drink and enjoy a night of laughs.
- Type of Comedy: Stand-up, improv, live podcasts.
- Highlights: Touring comedians, themed comedy nights, podcast recordings.
- Tip: Grab a seat early, especially for popular shows, as this venue can fill up quickly on weekends.
5. Fallout Theater
For fans of alternative and experimental comedy, Fallout Theater is a must-visit. Located in downtown Austin, this theater is known for its offbeat and innovative comedy shows, including improv, sketch, and multimedia performances. Fallout Theater is home to some of the most creative comedy in Austin, often featuring boundary-pushing acts and experimental formats.
- Type of Comedy: Improv, sketch, multimedia.
- Highlights: Alternative comedy, experimental shows, multimedia performances.
- Tip: Check out their “Stool Pigeon” show, a popular weekly long-form improv performance featuring guest storytellers.
6. The Hideout Theatre
The Hideout Theatre is a cornerstone of improv comedy in Austin, offering performances ranging from family-friendly shows to more risqué, late-night acts. Located downtown, The Hideout is also a training ground for aspiring improvisers, with classes and workshops offered regularly. Their wide variety of shows ensures there’s something for everyone, from casual comedy fans to hardcore improv enthusiasts.
- Type of Comedy: Improv, interactive shows, family-friendly performances.
- Highlights: Improv classes, family-friendly matinees, interactive audience participation.
- Tip: Don’t miss their “Maestro” show on Saturday nights, where improvisers compete in a fun and unpredictable format.
7. Spider House Ballroom
A quirky venue known for hosting a mix of live music, poetry readings, and comedy, Spider House Ballroom is a unique stop in Austin’s live comedy scene. The venue frequently hosts stand-up and variety shows, offering a more casual, laid-back environment for comedy lovers. With its outdoor seating and vintage vibes, Spider House is a great place to grab a drink, hang out with friends, and catch some laughs.
- Type of Comedy: Stand-up, variety shows.
- Highlights: Outdoor seating, live music, variety acts.
- Tip: Check their event calendar for themed comedy nights, which often feature a mix of stand-up, music, and performance art.
8. Esther’s Follies
For over 40 years, Esther’s Follies has been an Austin institution, blending political satire, sketch comedy, and vaudeville-style entertainment. Located on Sixth Street, Esther’s Follies is known for its high-energy performances that often involve musical numbers, magic tricks, and audience participation. It’s one of the most unique and entertaining comedy experiences in Austin, perfect for both locals and visitors.
- Type of Comedy: Satire, sketch, magic, musical comedy.
- Highlights: Political satire, interactive performances, magic acts.
- Tip: Sit near the front for a chance to be part of the show—just be prepared for some light-hearted teasing!
9. The New Movement Theater
The New Movement Theater offers a mix of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy with a focus on fostering new talent in Austin’s comedy scene. This venue is known for its comedy classes and workshops, helping aspiring performers develop their skills. With a strong community vibe, The New Movement is a great place to discover up-and-coming local comedians and experimental shows.
- Type of Comedy: Improv, sketch, stand-up.
- Highlights: Comedy classes, open mic nights, community-focused performances.
- Tip: Attend one of their comedy showcases, where students perform what they’ve learned in class—often leading to some unexpectedly hilarious moments.
Whether you’re in the mood for stand-up, improv, or something a little more experimental, Austin’s live comedy scene has it all. From iconic clubs like The Velveeta Room to creative spaces like Fallout Theater, the city’s comedy venues offer diverse experiences for every type of humor. Use Pacaya to discover upcoming comedy shows, connect with fellow comedy fans, and plan your next night out. Download the app today and start exploring Austin’s vibrant comedy scene!