Comedy Clubs in Raleigh 

Are you searching for the best comedy clubs in Raleigh, NC? Here are seven great places in Raleigh to see a comedy show! 

There are many fun things to do in Raleigh, and visiting a comedy club is one of them. Whether you are looking for something new to do with friends or a reason to laugh, Raleigh is home to multiple locally-owned comedy clubs and larger performance venues that host comedians from all over the country and the world. 

Visiting a comedy club is not only entertaining but can also have many health benefits. Laughing at a friend's joke or a comedian's performance has many physical and psychological benefits that can enhance our overall well-being. 

Laughter exercises the diaphragm, increases heart health, lowers blood pressure, lessens pain perception, improves sleep, boosts immunity, reduces stress, and improves memory. On top of all of this, humor and laughter bring people together and spread positivity. 

Comedians have a particular job, and most gain a following performing in front of audiences at different comedy clubs and touring famous comedy hubs such as New York City or Los Angeles. While Raleigh is yet to be considered a comedy hub, the comedy scene is on the rise, and most popular comedians have stopped at one of the comedy clubs in Raleigh and the Triangle area. 

If you live in Raleigh, there usually are weekly comedy shows, making attending one perfect for a date night or get-together with friends and family. Most tickets are affordable and can be bought in advance. 

Check out these top-rated comedy clubs in Raleigh 

1. Goodnights Comedy Club 

Address: 401 Woodburn Road, Raleigh, NC 27605 

Hours: 6 PM to 12 AM daily 

Phone Number: (919) 828-5233 

Goodnights Comedy Club is one of Raleigh's most popular and well-known comedy clubs and has been a hotspot for stand-up comedians since 1983. This contemporary entertainment venue in Downtown Raleigh features shows throughout the week. 

Featuring a wide selection of food and drink and daily specials, guests can enjoy a variety of entrees, desserts, and cocktails. Requiring a two-item per person minimum in the showroom, there is no better way to enjoy good food and drinks than with a laugh. 

All guests must be 18 or older, and guests under 21 cannot order alcoholic beverages. Tickets can be pre-purchased online or in person at the box office. Depending on the headliner, most shows typically last between 90 and 105 minutes. 

Open mic nights are hosted on select nights and are the perfect option for aspiring comedians or anyone interested in getting on stage. The lineup is chosen by random lottery.

Stand-up comedy and improv comedy classes are also offered at Goodnights Comedy Club. These are entry-level courses taught by Matt White and Mark Brady. All comedy classes include six three-hour sessions and a graduation showcase in front of an audience. Check the online calendar for upcoming events and sign-ups. 

2. Raleigh Improv 

Address: 1224 Parkside Main Street, Cary, NC 27519 

Hours: 5 PM to 8 PM Thursday and Sunday, 5 PM to 10 PM Friday, and 4 PM to 10 PM Saturday 

Phone Number: (919) 589-8558

Raleigh Improv is another highly-rated comedy club in Wake County. It is located in the Parkside Town Commons shopping center. Although it is named Raleigh Improv, it has a Cary address, a well-known suburb of Raleigh. 

First opened in 2019, Raleigh Improv is a newer, cleaner, and spacious comedy club with three tiers of seating, including 32 luxury booths and rail seating for up to 90 guests. 

Hosting top-tier talent and national headliners, Raleigh Improv features events throughout the week that can be enjoyed by guests 21 years of age and older. Guests will be required to show valid photo identification to enter the club. 

Serving an extensive menu of appetizers, salads, entrees, pizzas, desserts, specialty cocktails, wine, and beer, guests are encouraged to order dinner while enjoying live performances. There is a two-item minimum for each person in the showroom. 

3. ComedyWorx 

Address: 3801 Hillsborough Street #121, Raleigh, NC 27607

Hours: 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM Thursday, 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM Friday, and 3:30 PM to 11:30 PM Saturday 

Phone Number: (919) 829-0822

ComedyWorx is an independent improv and comedy sketch club on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. Located across from Meredith College and near North Carolina State University, two of the best colleges in Raleigh, ComedyWorx has been serving the Triangle since 1989. 

Offering regular short-form and long-form improv shows, sketch, stand-up, and specialty comedy shows, ComedyWorx is guaranteed to entertain fans of all ages. Featuring a variety of family-friendly shows and late-night shows for more mature audiences, ComedyWorx aims to get the audience involved and is known for its fun atmosphere and unique experience every weekend. 

Also featuring open mic nights, corporate workshops, summer camps, and classes for those who want to learn the art of stand-up comedy and improv, ComedyWorx always has something new and exciting happening. Tickets for events are affordable, and the event calendar is constantly updated. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of beer and snacks from the on-site snack bar. 

4. Neptunes Parlour 

Address: 14 W Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 

Hours: 4:30 PM to 12 AM Monday and Tuesday, 5 PM to 2 AM Wednesday through Saturday, and 5 PM to 12 AM Sunday 

Phone Number: (919) 896-7063

Neptunes Parlour is a late-night bar and lounge located in the basement of Kings, a popular live music venue and intimate club in Raleigh. It is best known for its comedy shows, DJ sets, karaoke, dance parties, jazz nights, locally sourced craft beer, and specialty cocktails. 

Unfortunately, Neptunes was closed during the pandemic but has returned better than ever. Featuring the longest-running monthly comedy show on the first Sunday of every month, this is an excellent place in Raleigh to laugh and enjoy good drinks with friends. 

Unless otherwise stated, shows are usually only for ages 21 and up. Food is unavailable at the venue, but several excellent restaurants serve nearby cuisines. Tickets to each comedy show are affordable, and information about upcoming events can be found online. 

5. The Carolina Theatre of Durham 

Address: 309 W Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701 

Phone Number: (919) 560-3030 

The Carolina Theatre of Durham is a performing arts center and cinema complex in Downtown Durham. Located 35 minutes from Raleigh, it is a premier destination for theatre, dance, film, live music, educational programs, and stand-up comedy performances. 

First opened in 1926, this theatre operates as a non-profit organization owned and managed by the City of Durham. With a capacity of 1,323, this performing arts venue features comfortable seats, easy parking, friendly staff, two movie theaters, and a ballroom. 

Upcoming events are listed on The Carolina Theatre of Durham calendar, and tickets can be purchased in advance online. Comedy performances occur in Fletcher Hall and are ideal for mature audiences. 

6. Durham Performing Arts Center 

Address: 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC 27701 

Phone Number: (919) 680-2787

The Durham Performing Arts Center, also known as DPAC, is another excellent place to enjoy a comedy show. Like The Carolina Theatre of Durham, it is located in Downtown Durham and frequented by Durham and Raleigh residents. 

First opened in 2008, The Durham Performing Arts Center hosts over 200 performances annually, including comedy shows, Broadway productions, concerts, dance festivals, and family-friendly events. 

With a capacity of 2,712, this is a popular spot to see top-rated and nationally recognized comics perform. While no on-site parking is available, street parking and parking garages are nearby. 

The lobby features soft drinks, cocktails, wine, beer, and snacks for purchase before performances. The Durham Performing Arts Center is within walking distance to various upscale and casual restaurants and bars for more drink and food options. 

7. Lenovo Center 

Address: 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

Phone Number: (919) 861-2300

The Lenovo Center is an arena in Raleigh best known as the home of multiple sports teams, including the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes and the NC State Wolfpack Men's Basketball team. With a capacity of up to 20,000 people, the Lenovo Center is ideal for large-scale performances, concerts, and comedy shows. 

Previously known as PNC Arena, the Lenovo Center's name change officially occurred in September 2024. Located across the street from the NC State Fairgrounds, the Lenovo Center features plenty of on-site parking for visitors. Famous comedians who have performed here include Tom Segura, Dave Chappelle, and Theo Von. 

With over 50 food and beverage stands in the arena, plenty of options are available before and during all performances. Individual tickets for comedy performances can be purchased through Ticketmaster or in person at the Ticket Office, which is located on the south side of the venue. 

FAQs 

What is the most famous comedy club in the United States? 

One of the most famous comedy clubs in the United States is the Comedy Celler in New York City, followed by the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. The Comedy Celler was founded in 1982 and is considered the "Harvard of comedy clubs" since many top comedians perform here. 

How old do you have to be to go to a comedy club? 

Unless otherwise noted, most comedy clubs nationwide are either 18 plus or 21 plus. Guests under 21 will not be allowed to purchase alcohol. A government-issued ID is required to enter most comedy clubs. 

What do you wear to a comedy club? 

Most comedy clubs have a casual dress code. Jeans, a dressier top, and comfortable shoes are great options for both men and women and are the perfect ensemble for a relaxed yet stylish look. 

What is the biggest comedy city in the United States? 

New York City is a comedy hub and is considered the largest city in the United States since shows can be found pretty much any night of the week for live stand-up comedy. 

Methodology 

Data and information were sourced from VeryWell Mind and multiple local Raleigh businesses to determine the best comedy clubs in Raleigh, NC. 

Best Comedy Clubs in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

Raleigh is home to smaller comedy clubs and larger performance venues that host comedy shows, stand-up performances, and open mic nights weekly. As more residents decide to buy tickets to shows, the Raleigh comedy scene always has something new and exciting to offer. 

Most comedy shows in the area feature delicious dining and drink options and are the perfect escape from a long day at work. The comedy clubs in Raleigh are great places to meet people, laugh with your loved ones, and can inspire future comedians. 

The growing comedy scene is just one of the many reasons that people love living in Raleigh. If you are moving to the area and want to find a neighborhood near one of the best comedy clubs in Raleigh, the experts at Raleigh Realty are here to help.