The famous English writer Charles Dickens once said that nothing in the world is as irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor. Laughter reduces stress hormones, positively affects immunity, dulls pain, and improves circulation. During genuine laughter, almost 80 muscles are engaged. If you’re looking for places in Calgary to enjoy comedy after a long workday, keep reading on calgaryski.net.
The Comedy Cave
Founded in 2003, The Comedy Cave is an iconic comedy club in Calgary. It’s a cozy venue with a capacity of 100 seats and plays an essential role in the city’s comedy scene, where many talented comedians from Canada and the US begin their careers.
The club offers a full kitchen and bar service with a wide selection of food and drinks available throughout the night. You can find draft beer, local brews, cider, flavored spirits, liquors, and cocktails. The kitchen serves a variety of snacks, salads, first courses, and desserts. Visitors should be cautious not to inhale too many delicious cocktails in the cheerful atmosphere, as the jokes tend to catch people off guard.
Check the schedule for a series of funny performances that will undoubtedly have you “dying” with laughter. The Comedy Cave’s calendar is filled with events almost every day.
The Laugh Shop
Located in the Blackfoot Hotel, The Laugh Shop hosts performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in a 300-seat hall. The shows feature local residents and amateur comedians.
The venue boasts an ever-changing list of national touring comedians, local favorites, and international stars. A great evening with snacks, sandwiches, desserts, and a fantastic mood is guaranteed!
Crossroads Market
In 1977, Keith Johnston and Mel Tonken founded the Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary to develop the style of improvisational theater. Loose Moose performs its shows at the Crossroads Market. The troupe produces its own theatrical productions and tours, offering training opportunities for those interested in improvisational theater.
Since 1988, the Loose Moose International Summer School of Improvisation has been gathering people from all over the world in Calgary, which has long been recognized as a hub for storytelling improvisation. Many Loose Moose alumni work in film, television, and theater.
The Kinkonauts
Another local collective, The Kinkonauts, creates improvisational shows right in front of the audience. Each show is a unique adventure, performed only once and never repeated. Spontaneous stories and characters will have you laughing long after the show ends.
The improvisational show follows a pre-determined format or structure, but the content is completely unique. Audience members are invited to participate by offering a word or title that improvisers use as a starting point for the performance. Participation is voluntary, so no one is forced to interact with the actors or go on stage.
Please note that not all shows are suitable for children, as topics like sexuality and violence may come up.
Yuk Yuk’s Calgary
One of the most famous comedy clubs in Calgary, Yuk Yuk’s is part of a national network of comedy clubs founded in 1976 by former stand-up comedian Mark Breslin and his longtime friend Joel Exler. Every Wednesday, the club hosts comedy nights. Located on the second floor of the Elbow River Casino, it offers a fun atmosphere and plenty of laughs.
There is free underground parking for visitors and public parking on the south side of the casino. Arrive early if you don’t want to share a table with someone else, though sometimes that’s a special kind of fun!
Smoking Gun Entertainment
This theater-restaurant hosts interactive shows about mysterious murders, making it perfect for corporate or private events. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in the theme of your choice—be it mafia, weddings, or entertainment.
The night revolves around the visitors as actors walk from table to table during dinner, providing clues about the crime’s motives or the identity of the criminal. You’ll feel like a real detective. You might even be called up for a competition, an interrogation, or an audition.
Juliet’s Castle Sports Lounge
This sports bar and restaurant offers not only pool but also karaoke, live music, and every Sunday—free comedy shows.
A stylish cocktail bar where visitors can enjoy a night of comedy paired with steamed pork buns and vegetarian Shanghai noodles.
Vern’s
Every Tuesday evening, Vern’s pub hosts Crash Test Comedy, featuring local comedians. Additionally, the pub hosts marathons where rookie comedians test their material.
Nearly every evening, Vern’s also hosts promising bands from Canada and the US. It’s one of the first places in Calgary where metal bands performed, which is why it’s associated with punk and metal music in the city.
The venue was opened by Clint Pike, who was born in Northern Quebec and grew up in Montreal. Pike, raised in a musical environment, decided to add his own flavor to Calgary’s music scene by opening his own pub. With only $15,000 on a credit card, he decided to take the risk, and with the support of friends, he helped build, paint, and decorate the venue.
Craft Island Entertainment
Craft Island Entertainment was created during the COVID-19 pandemic as an online platform for comedians to showcase their entertaining programs. As live performances gradually returned, Craft Island Entertainment partnered with high-quality craft beer producers to provide a space for the best Canadian stand-up comedians while enjoying frothy beverages.
In 2021, the first Craft Island Comedy Festival was held. Craft Island Entertainment also offers the opportunity to book a comedian’s performance as the organizers work with the best Canadian comedians to create professional shows.
Additionally, the venue hosts corporate and private events, offering creative and innovative approaches to planning, fundraising, and entertainment.