Let’s take a break from all the pink hearts and roses for a minute and talk about something we all love to do: laugh. Trista here, and one of my favorite things to do at the end of a long day is find a comedy show or open mic night and just be there, not thinking about deadlines, what groceries I need to buy or when I should get my oil changed. It’s nice to just turn everything off and laugh with friends + strangers.

Let go of all those other thoughts for a minute and just laugh. | GIF via GIPHY

It took me a while to find the comedy scene here, but when I did, I realized how golden it is. Even though we only have one local comedy club, The Comedy Catch (29 Station St.), there are still so many events happening every week. You can throw a rock at a calendar and hit a day with a comedy show on it, for real. From open mic nights to game shows + improv, there’s something for every taste of humor.

Come along with me while I show you all that the Chattanooga comedy scene has to offer. 🤙

Open mic nights

Alcoholics not Anonymous at Barley Chattanooga | Thursdays | Sign up at 8:30 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. show | Free | 235 E. MLK Blvd. | Local comedian Ethan McFall hosts a weekly open mic night where new and veteran comedians take the stage.
Confession: Comedy Open Mic at Palace Theater | Sunday, once a month | 5 p.m. | 818 Georgia Ave., suite 118 | Free | This monthly showcase is hosted by drag queen Briana Adams and local comedian Donnie Marsh. It starts with comedy, then moves into poetry and music. Bring your talent and have a good time.
Free Kittens at JJ’s Bohemia | Wednesdays | Sign up at 7:30 p.m. sign-ups, show starts at 8 p.m. | Free | This popular bar + venue hosts a weekly open mic night hosted by Dave Hannah and Ryan Darling. There aren’t actually free kittens.
Open mic night at Pax Breu Ruim | First and third Tuesdays of the month | Sign up at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. | 516 E. Main St. | Free | This Southside beer garden has a listening room for their open-mic comedy shows, hosted by Donnie Marsh.
The Early Bird Special at Stone Cup Café | Second Tuesday of the month | Sign up at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. | 208 Frazier Ave. | Free | Head to their event space, The Dark Roast, for an open mic night hosted by Matt Harris.
Pint Mic at The Honest Pint | Mondays | Sign up at 8:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m. | 35 Patten Pkwy. | Free | Hosted by Andrew Ledbetter, this show has a theme every week, and whoever lands the most jokes on the topic gets to pick the next theme. This week’s theme was “sleep.”
Sunday Service at Fountainhead Taproom | Sundays | Sign up at 8 p.m., show at 8:30 show | Free | This new self-pour taproom is home to a Sunday night open mic night hosted by Ben Levin.

Recurring shows

Chatt Talk Tonight at Palace Theater | Next show TBA | $10 | This is Chattanooga’s only late night talk show, hosted by Donnie Marsh. A topic is explored during each show by guests throughout history — February’s topic was Success. 18+ only. Get a little taste here.
Comedy Tap Takeover at Hutton and Smith | Tues., Feb., 25 | 8-10 p.m. | 431 E. MLK Blvd. | Free | This comedy showcase happens the last Tuesday of every month and features three comics — this month’s lineup features Atlanta comics Nathan Owens, David Perdue, + Katherine Blanford.
Cut-Throat Comedy at Palace Theater | Fri., Feb 21 | 8:30-11:30 p.m. | Free | Hosted by Ben Dalby and Ryan Darling, this comedy game show pits three teams of two comedians against each other, with one team being eliminated after each round. The winning team can split stage time or betray their teammate for all the mic glory.
Improv Chattanooga at Fountainhead Taproom | Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. | Free | Watch a local improv troupe perform local favorite sketches like "Fill in the Blanks" + "New Phone Who Dis?" This show is kid-friendly.
Once a Month at Palace Theater | Sat., Feb. 29 | 9-11 p.m. | $10 | This is an all-female comedy showcase hosted by Natasha Ferrier. The lineup changes every month and features stand-up comedians from all over the country. 21+ only.

Once a year

Lookout Comedy Festival | Oct. 14-17 | Lineup and pass prices TBA | This local comedy festival organized by Donnie Marsh showcases a slew of comedians from around the country over a few days of laughter + fun. Stay tuned — more details on this year’s event coming soon. 🙌 Video submissions for stage time will open up on March 1.