Cleveland has given rise to some of comedy’s biggest names, like Bob Hope, Steve Harvey, Tim Conway and Molly Shannon — and the city is still buzzing with local talent ready to follow in their footsteps. Whether you're in the mood for intimate clubs featuring up-and-coming stars (and the occasional awkward crowd moment) or large stages with comedy legends, Cleveland has a venue for every laugh lover.
Hilarities 4th Street Theatre is one of the largest made-for-comedy venues in the country. This tiered, 350-seat theater on E. 4th Street features the best of local and national comedy acts, cocktails and light eats. It’s hosted everyone from local legends like Mike Polk, Jr. to national names like Nate Bargatze, Dave Attell, Nikki Glaser, Maria Bamford and Kumail Nanjiani, so you never know who might end up roasting your table. Come for the jokes, stay for the drinks and walk out wondering if you just discovered your new favorite comedian.
Formerly known as the Cleveland Improv, the Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant brings the laughs with a mix of local talent and big-name acts. The lineup keeps the energy high with recent and upcoming performances from stars like Marlon Wayans, Sommore, Kountry Wayne and D.L. Hughley. Split your sides in more ways than one with their dinner menu, served throughout the show.
Secret Society Comedy is like the speakeasy of stand-up — if the password was “please don’t tell my landlord we’re doing this in my living room.” They don’t have a set venue, which means shows can pop up anywhere in Northeast Ohio: apartments, art galleries and warehouses, to name a few. With a rotating cast of local legends and nationally known comics, every show feels like you're in on a hilarious secret.
The award-winning Funny Bus is part comedy club, part history tour and all-around good time. Whether you're a Cleveland newbie or a born-and-raised local, this 90-minute ride serves up laughs and local lore in equal measure. Bonus points: it’s BYOB.
Playhouse Square has an impressive collection of 10 performance spaces, including five theaters restored to their original 1920s elegance. Hosting over 1,000 events a year, it’s where blockbuster comedians come to make you laugh until your sides hurt. Legends like Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock have taken the stage, and this year, get ready to roll with comedians like Jim Gaffigan and Jimmy Carr.
Right in the heart of Cleveland’s Gateway District, Rocket Arena (home to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters) is a giant space where nearly two million people gather each year to watch everything from basketball to concerts to, you guessed it, comedy shows. With massive seating, VIP options and in-house restaurants by celebrity chefs like Michael Symon and Rocco Whalen, this place knows how to keep you fed and entertained. Major acts that have performed and will perform at Rocket Arena include Nate Bargatze, Shane Gillis, John Mulaney and Tom Segura.
Behind the Mic
Check out our event calendar for comedy shows in The Land. And there’s more laughter where that came from — click here to discover other famous comedians who called The Land home.