Kansas City has plenty of ways to get a good chuckle, from stand-up events to amusing improv acts. Local comedy venues offer terrific choices whether you’re looking for a date niter, a fun niter out with pals, or something different after work. You don’t have to be a comic book fan to appreciate the show. Some acts have snappy gags about everyday life while others take ideas from the crowd and create scenes in the moment. What’s the best part? There are a number of places in Kansas City, Missouri, where you may catch comedy without a large niter. Looking for live comedy in Kansas City? Here are some local venues to check out. Check their current schedules before going as performers, show timings and ticket prices vary.

1. The Kansas City Comedy Club

If you love a microphone, a little stage and a room full of laughing, start with The Comedy Club of Kansas City. Comedy clubs are an obvious place for those who wish to see stand-up comics do a full performance. Stand-up specials are generally about job and family, dating, money and the weird things people do every day. A good comic can make an okay story into the funniest portion of your week. Check the club’s current line-up, age limits and seating requirements before you buy your tickets. Some concerts may have adult humor so please check event details if you are bringing the family along.

2. The Funny Bone

If you’re looking for comedy in the Kansas City metro area, another name to look out for is The Funny Bone. It’s not in Kansas City, Mo. itself, but across the state line in Kansas, so it’s a convenient close-by option. The likes of this comedy club often include visiting comedians, themed nights and weekend gigs. This makes them a perfect choice for individuals looking to spend an entire evening around a live performer. For the latest performers, ticket prices, showtimes, and any food or drink restrictions, see the venue’s official website. If you’re looking to stay in Missouri, check out venues around the city.

3. THE BIRD COMEDY THEATER

For a comedy niter that’s a little less predictable, head to The Bird Comedy Theater in the Crossroads Arts District. The theater presents improv, sketch comedy, stand-up and other live performances year-round. Improv is comedy that is made up on the spot. Performers might ask the public for ideas and then turn their suggestions into scenes, characters and gags. No two shows need to be alike. The Bird is great for couples, groups of friends and anyone who likes imaginative humor. There are also drinks and refreshments at the venue, with street parking nearby. The theater is about a block and a half from the 19th Street Streetcar stop.

Check the official Bird Comedy Theater website for the current calendar and tickets. Most shows are suggested for adult audiences 18 years and older unless otherwise noted in the event listing.

4. K.C. Improv Company

If you’re into quick-thinking, spur-of-the-moment humor, check out The KC Improv Company. The trio has been performing since 2000, providing spontaneous comedy to local audiences. Performers are not bound by a script, instead creating scenarios from ideas and suggestions. One word from the audience, and a bizarre persona pops up, a story is made up, a joke no one saw coming. The business also offers improv classes for anyone who wants to give performing a shot. You don’t have to be an actor to enjoy improv, and you don’t have to be the funniest person in the room to learn it. Company venues and performance information may change, so check the official website before making preparations. Its current webpage lists concerts at GreenHorn in Westport, with details provided for forthcoming shows.

5. Open Mic Stand Up Evenings

Not all comedy nights need a hefty ticket price or a well-known celebrity. Open-mic nights offer new and local comics the opportunity to test their gags out on a live audience. The Comedy Club of Kansas City features its regular programs as well as open-mic nights. It’s at 1130 W. 103rd Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64114. Details on dates, times and sign-up are available on the club’s official event calendar. Open-mic notes are hit-or-miss, and that is the point. One cartoon makes you laugh so hard, another comic still trying to develop their style. You see comedy before it hits the big stage of jokes. These can also be cheaper than events with well-known acts, however pricing and regulations of entrance vary. Check the event page before heading over.

How to Pick the Right Comedy Show

Comedy for all tastes and budgets – Kansas City The trick is to choose a show that fits with your plans. Here are a few things to consider before you book:

• For a date niter: Choose a scheduled stand-up gig or an improv show with a start time.
• For a group outing: Look for reserved seating or group tables and book early for popular performers.
• or a low-cost night: Check open-mic events and free community comedy nights. 
• First-time visitors: Look at the show description to find out if it’s stand-up, sketch or improv.
• If you require a last-minute plan: Check the venue’s live calendar for tickets and last-minute changes.

Also verify age rules before bringing along teens or younger guests. Some comedy shows contain adult topics or explicit language.

Make It a Full Niter Out Out

Comedy works well in a larger evening. You could have dinner in the Crossroads Arts District, see a concert, then wander the neighborhood afterward. If you are going to Westport, check for places to eat near the show. Allow plenty of time for parking, ticket checking and locating your seats. Even the best entertainment might be spoiled by a hurried entrance. One more tip: buy tickets via the official venue’s website if you can. The Comedy Club of Kansas City says tickets bought from unlicensed sellers may not be honored.

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Where do I see live comedy in Kansas City, Missouri?

Short answer: Two nice locations to start are The Comedy Club of Kansas City and The Bird Comedy Theater.

Detailed answer: The Comedy Club of Kansas City is a venue for stand-up shows and open-mic nights. The Bird Comedy Theater in the Crossroads Arts District offers improv, sketch comedy and stand-up. Check each venue’s website for up-to-date schedules, ticket prices and age rules.

2. Is there free comedy in Kansas City?

Short answer: Yes, there are several local events that are free to enter.

Detailed answer: The Bird Comedy Theater has a calendar posted with free First Friday comedy programs. Detailed answer: Dates and programming may change so please check the official event schedule before your visit. Some free events may still have rules for admittance or limited space.

3. Where can I watch improv comedy in Kansas City?

Short answer: Bird Comedy Theater and The KC Improv Company are solid bets.

Detailed answer: Both include opportunities for enjoying improvised comedy. The performers create situations and comedy using ideas, characters and comments from the audience. Check out their official websites for future shows and ticket information.

4. Are there any live comedy venues in Kansas City during the week?

Short answer: yes, certain venues have comedy shows scheduled on weekdays.

Detailed answer: The Comedy Club of Kansas City does have open-mic evenings, however other local theaters have shows on other nights. Check the current calendar for each venue and see which date works for you. Showtimes and ticket prices may vary between weekday and weekend presentations.

5. How much are tickets for live comedy in Kansas City?

Short answer: Price is dependent on artist, venue and genre of show.

Detailed answer: Local open-mic gigs are probably cheaper than touring comedians’ shows, Some venues have distinct seating levels, including reserved tables and general admission. Before you pay, check the official ticket page for the exact price, fees, age limits and seating rules.

Summary

Finding live comedy in Kansas City ought to be easy. For stand-up comedy, check out The Comedy Club of Kansas City. For a variety of comedic styles, check out The Bird Comedy Theater. For unscripted humor, check out The KC Improv Company. Check out the listings, pick one that suits your budget and take someone who loves a good chuckle. Sometimes, you just need to spend a night laughing at jokes you never thought you’d hear.