Comedy in Toronto — A Plain-English Guide
By Abdul Kareem, Founder of Famelee — written from years of going to Toronto comedy nights with friends and strangers
Toronto is one of the funniest cities in North America. The scene runs every night of the week. Some nights it is a small open mic at a bar. Other nights it is a packed theatre with comics from Netflix specials. Most shows cost less than a movie.
The Toronto comedy scene, in plain words
Toronto has shaped Canadian comedy for over 50 years. Mike Myers, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and many SNL stars came up through Toronto stages. The city still makes new talent every year. You can watch a future star at a $10 open mic on Monday and see them on TV a few years later.
Types of comedy events you will find
- Stand-up — One person on a stage, telling jokes. Shows last 30 to 90 minutes.
- Improv — Comics make up scenes on the spot from audience ideas. Toronto is one of the world’s top improv cities.
- Open mic — Anyone can sign up and try. New comics test new jokes. Low stakes, low ticket price.
- Roast battles — Two comics trade insults. The crowd picks the winner.
- Sketch and theatre comedy — Pre-written, often multiple performers. Polished and tight.
Best comedy venues in Toronto
- Yuk Yuk’s Toronto (224 Richmond Street West) — Canada’s biggest comedy club chain started here in the 70s. Big touring names headline most weekends. Buy tickets ahead — they sell out.
- The Second City Toronto (1 York Street) — World famous improv and sketch. Mike Myers, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara all trained here. Shows nightly.
- Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West) — Heart of indie Toronto comedy. Multiple stages, shows almost every night. Also at 2800 Danforth Avenue.
- Bad Dog Theatre (875 Bloor Street West) — Improv shows and classes. Smaller, friendlier — great for a first improv night.
- The Rivoli (332 Queen Street West) — The Monday “ALTdot Comedy Lounge” is one of the longest-running comedy nights in Canada.
Tips for your first comedy night
- Sit second or third row. Front row gets picked on.
- Eat before you go. Most clubs have a 2-drink minimum.
- Tip the comics. If you laughed, throw a few dollars in the tip jar.
- Don’t heckle. You will embarrass your friends.
- Open mics are the cheapest fun. $5 to $10 cover, two hours of comedy.
Comedy etiquette — what to do and not do
A comedy show works only when the room is on the same page. Here is what helps everyone enjoy the night:
- Phones go away. Most clubs ban phones during the show. Even where they don’t, screen light is rude. Take photos before or after.
- Don’t talk to your friends. Even a whisper carries. The comics can hear you, and so can the row in front.
- Laughing is the goal. If a joke does not land for you, that is fine — stay quiet and wait for the next one. Don’t boo.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. Comedy seating is often first-come. Late entries also throw off the comic on stage.
- Tip your server fast. A 2-drink minimum is part of how the club pays the comics. Be quick at the start of the show.
- If a comic talks to you, be honest and brief. Don’t try to be funnier than them. They do this every night.
Free and cheap comedy in Toronto
Open mics are usually under $10. Toronto Fringe Festival in July has comedy starting at $13. Just for Laughs Toronto runs in September with both free and ticketed shows. Comedy Bar runs a Pay-What-You-Can night most weeks. Watch the venue Instagrams for last-minute free seats.
Comedy nights, by the day of the week
- Monday — ALTdot Comedy Lounge at The Rivoli. A Toronto institution.
- Tuesday and Wednesday — Open mics across Comedy Bar, Crown and Tiger, and small bars on Bloor and Dundas West.
- Thursday — Mid-week showcase nights. Good middle ground between open mic and headliner shows.
- Friday and Saturday — Touring headliners at Yuk Yuk’s and The Second City. Buy tickets ahead.
- Sunday — Improv jam nights, drop-in classes, and roast battles.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best comedy clubs in Toronto?
Yuk Yuk's Toronto (224 Richmond Street West) is Canada's biggest stand-up club. The Second City Toronto (1 York Street) is the home of improv and sketch. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West) hosts indie comedy almost every night. Bad Dog Theatre (875 Bloor Street West) is a friendly improv spot. The Rivoli (332 Queen Street West) hosts the long-running ALTdot Comedy Lounge on Mondays.
How much does a comedy show cost in Toronto?
Open mics usually cost $5 to $10. Indie shows at Comedy Bar or The Rivoli are $10 to $20. Touring acts at Yuk Yuk’s or The Second City run $25 to $60. Most clubs also have a 2-drink minimum, so add $20 to $30 for drinks if you order.
Are there free comedy shows in Toronto?
Some open mics are free entry with a 2-drink minimum. Free outdoor comedy also pops up during summer in Trinity Bellwoods, Christie Pits, and at Toronto Fringe Festival side events. Just for Laughs Toronto in September has both free and ticketed shows.
What is the difference between stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy?
Stand-up is one comic on a stage telling jokes they wrote. Improv is comics making up scenes on the spot from audience suggestions. Sketch is pre-written short scenes acted out by a group, usually with costumes and props. Toronto has a strong scene in all three.
Is sitting in the front row a bad idea?
Stand-up comics often talk to the front row — they will ask your name, what you do, and use your answers in jokes. If you do not want that, sit second or third row. The energy is still close to the stage.
Can I bring a date to a comedy show?
Yes, comedy is one of the best date nights in Toronto. Pick a touring headliner so the show has structure, get there 30 minutes early to get good seats, and skip the front row unless your date is fine being teased.
Famelee comedy events
Famelee runs comedy nights and group outings to local clubs. We pick venues based on what our members ask for. New to the city? Coming alone? Our events are built so you walk in solo and leave with friends. Free to join, free to RSVP.
Browse upcoming Toronto comedy events above. If nothing matches your night, create your own meetup for free or join our comedy community.