Edmontonians love a good laugh! This city boasts a rich stand-up history and a wealth of comedic talent. Whether you’re into classic comedy shows, improv, or pub stand-up, you’ll find humour to suit every taste. If you’re looking for a spot to kick back and unwind with friends, this article from Edmontonski has got you covered.
The Comic Strip
Located in West Edmonton Mall, The Comic Strip is a must-visit if you appreciate top-notch, hilarious stand-up. It’s a fantastic place to discover emerging talent and easily one of the city’s best comedy clubs, owned by the renowned and multi-talented comedian, Rick Bronson.
The club serves up alcoholic beverages and delicious food. They even have a cool promotion: spend around $40 on food and drinks, and you’ll snag a free ticket to a future stand-up show.
Rick Bronson, the owner, is not just a comedian but also a talented magician, TV host, screenwriter, producer, musician, and even a taxidermist! Among his many achievements, Rick starred in the Canadian film “Sureshot Dombrowski.” Beyond The Comic Strip, he also owns several other comedy clubs across the U.S.
Fun fact: this club is where the “Drink Dine Laugh” culture really took off. It’s the perfect formula for an ideal evening, guaranteed when you visit The Comic Strip.
Reviews for The Comic Strip are overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently praising the service and the comedians’ performances. It’s often highlighted as one of the best places to visit in the city – you definitely won’t be disappointed!
Grindstone Theatre
Grindstone Theatre is another exciting hub for humour in Edmonton. This non-profit organization was founded back in 2011 with the goal of creating opportunities for young artists through high-quality productions. Their shows have even toured internationally.
In 2018, the theatre opened the intimate Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro. This 78-seat venue features a licensed restaurant and hosts engaging shows weekly, including stand-up, improv, sketch comedy, talk shows, burlesque, and more. Grindstone Theatre has been recognized as the city’s best comedy club by VUE Weekly. This fantastic spot was truly built by artists, for artists. Edmonton is overflowing with talent, and Grindstone plays a vital role in fostering its cultural growth.
The Grindstone Bistro offers a nostalgic pub atmosphere. Shows run nightly at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, while the bistro and bar are open continuously. You’ll love the vibe here! As the theatre’s Artistic Director, Byron Martin, wisely puts it, sometimes all you can do is laugh.
Grindstone Theatre receives active support from patrons, the community, and the government. The theatre has several ambitious goals: first, to foster cultural development in society through performances and workshops. Second, to create a level playing field by offering free shows to those who can’t afford tickets. They also host regular workshops and lectures to educate the public on theatrical practices. And their main objective is to preserve the achievements of Canada’s theatrical industry. Grindstone isn’t just a place for laughter; it’s a crucial cultural institution dedicated to the future of the city and the country.
At Grindstone, you can even learn comedy! They offer year-round programs, including eight weekly sessions and a graduation performance for the public. The Grindstone Theatre School also provides short intensives or one-off workshops and masterclasses.
The theatre also hosts numerous festivals, including Pride parties, the annual Grindstone Comedy Festival, and the Edmonton Fringe Festival. The Grindstone Festival is the city’s premier comedy festival, bringing together both national performers and Edmonton’s emerging talents.
Rapid Fire Theatre
Rapid Fire Theatre is Edmonton’s home for improvisational comedy, dedicated to delivering captivating improv to audiences while offering fantastic opportunities for comedians.
Each year, the theatre stages over 300 improv shows, ensuring all your comedy cravings are satisfied year-round. Whether you’re looking for a unique birthday experience or just want to laugh and unwind after work, Rapid Fire is a versatile spot for everyone.
The theatre also hosts the annual international comedy festival “Improvaganza” and even “The Wildfire Festival” for junior and senior high school students.
Rapid Fire Theatre offers improv classes too! They run workshops for beginners, experienced comedians, children, and corporate groups. Even if you don’t plan to perform on stage, it can be a beneficial and engaging experience for personal development.
The theatre even gives you the chance to perform your own improv on stage, completely free of charge as part of their inclusive project.
Tickets for shows here sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on their schedule and buy tickets in advance.
Reviews for this venue are excellent, with guests particularly recommending the “Chimprov” show. Visitors also highlight the theatre’s convenient location, easily accessible by public transit with ample parking nearby.
The Comedy Factory
The Comedy Factory has been bringing laughter to Edmontonians for over 30 years. As the city’s oldest comedy club, they’ve maintained their “old-school charm,” which might not appeal to everyone, but their stand-up acts are undoubtedly among the best in the city. Beyond stand-up, they also feature magicians, hypnotists, illusionists, and more, making The Comedy Factory a truly unique venue where something new is on offer every night.
Notably, this club is relatively affordable, so snagging tickets won’t break the bank. What’s more, this club holds a Guinness World Record for hosting the longest continuous comedy show!
The reviews for this spot are overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising the talented comedians and the courteous staff.
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club
Yuk Yuk’s is a comedy club where you can find everything and then some! It’s a blast, and the food and drinks are affordably priced. Yuk Yuk’s is a chain of clubs that started in Toronto and has since expanded across Canada. In its early days, it wasn’t an industry giant; it was simply a project by a few comedian friends who organized an open mic night at a Toronto pub. Yuk Yuk’s is a true success story, inspiring young comedians throughout the city and the country.
The owners of Yuk Yuk’s take comedy seriously, offering guests top-tier entertainment. Rest assured, you’ll have a fantastic time and laugh a lot here.
It’s important to note that shows at this venue are uncensored, so it’s strictly for ages 18 and up.
Yuk Yuk’s consistently receives rave reviews, with people returning again and again.
In summary, Edmonton offers a comedy experience for every taste: from The Comic Strip with its star-studded performances to the heartfelt Grindstone Theatre or the classic Comedy Factory. Each venue has its own unique atmosphere and charm. Don’t be shy about exploring new places and supporting local talent. We wish you an unforgettable evening!