About Us

Why We Matter to Ann Arbor

Since 1984, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase has been bringing live comedy and entertainment to the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. For more than four decades, we've welcomed residents, University of Michigan students and alumni, visitors, and comedy fans from across Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan for unforgettable nights of laughter.


Known for our welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality comedy, we've hosted nationally recognized comedians as well as open mic nights that showcase the next generation of talent. Over the years, our stage has featured performers who would go on to become some of comedy's biggest names, helping establish Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase as one of Michigan's premier destinations for live comedy.


Our intimate venue offers a comfortable setting that's perfect for date nights, evenings out with friends, birthday celebrations, group outings, and anyone looking for a unique entertainment experience in downtown Ann Arbor. Guests can enjoy great comedy along with a selection of drinks and light snacks while experiencing the energy of live performance in an up-close setting.


For generations, we've been part of Ann Arbor's nightlife and entertainment community, creating memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're searching for things to do in Ann Arbor, planning a weekend outing, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a good laugh, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase continues to provide exceptional live entertainment in a lively and welcoming environment.



Our doors are open to everyone 18 and older. The staff and management of Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase sincerely thank you for your patronage and continued support of live comedy.

History

Opening in downtown Ann Arbor in 1984 as the Mainstreet Comedy Showcase, our mission was simple: provide Washtenaw County residents and visitors with live entertainment featuring the best rising stars in comedy. What began above the Heidelberg Restaurant quickly became a favorite destination for comedy fans looking for unique things to do in Ann Arbor and an alternative to traditional nightlife options.


After relocating to Liberty Street below Seva Restaurant in 1987 and undergoing new ownership and renovations in 2000, the club continued to grow alongside downtown Ann Arbor's entertainment district. In 2014, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase moved to its current home in the historic Montgomery Building on South Fourth Avenue, where it continues to welcome audiences seeking live comedy, date-night experiences, group outings, and weekend entertainment in Ann Arbor.



Over four decades, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase has become a destination for comedy fans throughout Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan, introducing audiences to performers who would later become some of comedy's biggest names. You may recognize some of the big stars that have performed on our stage, such as Tim Allen, Dave Coulier, Drew Carey, Lewis Black, Rosie O’Donnell, Jeff Foxworthy, Chris Titus, Soupy Sales, Paula Poundstone, Elayne Boosler, Rita Rudner, Andrew Schulz, Nate Craig, Maria Bamford, Josh Wolf and Ellen DeGeneres to name a few.


Our commitment to bringing nationally touring comedians and emerging talent to Ann Arbor has earned recognition from audiences, performers, and industry observers alike. Rolling Stone Magazine famously described us as "one of the best clubs between the coasts," a distinction that reflects our long-standing role in Michigan's live entertainment community.


FAQ

  • How old do you have to be to attend a show?

    You must be 18 years of age or older with valid identification.

  • What time do the shows start?

    Showtimes are Thursday - Friday one show at 7:15pm and Saturday two shows at 7:15pm & 9:45pm

  • What time do the doors open for seating?

    Doors open 1 hr before showtime.  Arrive early, relax and beat the crowds for seating and service.

  • Do you offer a smoking show?

    To comply with Michigan State Law smoking is not permitted within the building! Vaping of any kind is also prohibited.

  • Do you offer reserved seating?

    Yes.  You may purchased reserved specific seats online or by calling our box office until 5pm day of performance

  • Is there any drink minimums?

    No! We do serve a full menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as snacks, but the purchase of any of these items is at the sole discretion of our guests!

  • What is your policy on cameras in the showroom?

    To comply with performer contracts, the use of cameras, recording equipment, and picture cell phones are prohibited during the performance.

  • Where is the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase located?

    We are located at 212 South 4th Ave between Washington and Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor (between Literati Bookstore and Fleet Feet - Running Fit). See Directions for more information.

  • Do you sell Gift Certificates?

    We sell Gift Cards.They are available for purchase in any denomination and can be used at the box office to purchase tickets or in the showroom to purchase food or drinks. Call our box office for more information check out The Gift of Laughter for more information or to purchase online.

  • Do you do anything special for birthdays?

    Sign up for our Birthday Blast! Every month, we select multiple Birthday Blast Winners at random.  If selected During the month of your birthday you & UP TO SEVEN guests can attend a show for FREE , if selected ! General Admission seating only and limited availability so call our box office for more information. You will be notified via email if you have won.

  • Do you do anything special for anniversaries, bachelorette parties, etc.?

     Call or email the Box office to check your options!  Restrictions apply.

  • Do you offer group discounts?

    We do!  Call or email the box office for more information. Discounts vary depending on performer and showtime. 

  • Is the comedian funny?

    This is a comedy club and since we are paying them we certainly hope so!

  • Do you have an open mic or amateur night?

    Comedy Jamm Open Mic is our open mic amateur night.  Oct-Apr is on every Wednesday of the month. May-Sep it is on every Thursday of the month.    We accept submission requests until 8 pm the Friday before the Comedy Jamm Show.  Names are randomly selected Saturday morning and performers are listed on our website and social media pages.  Call the box office for more information.   or sign up HERE

  • When will Tim Allen, Dave Chapelle or Taylor Tomlinson (or insert any big name here) be at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase?

    Comedy clubs are a great place to catch a rising star, but by the time they are well known they play bigger venues.­­ So come on down and catch one of our weekly headliners, you may just see tomorrow's Tim Allen or Drew Carey today at our club.

  • Do you sell ticket thru third parties?

    We do not offer tickets thru third parties. The ONLY tickets are able to honor are tickets sold through ETIX, our ticketing partner.  Tickets can be purchased  through our website (you will be redirected to etix.com), in person at the club or by calling the Comedy Showcase box office.