Best Open Mic Comedy Shows In Minnesota
You don't want to watch an amateur crash and burn (although sometimes that is funny as well), you want gut-busting guffaws, jokes that will make your jowls jiggle, a night of laughs you'll remember for days later giggling in the middle of your work day. When you need a break from the stress of the world, want a fun night out with friends or a date with a special someone, or simply just need a good laugh, these local shows are sure to show you a good time.
Acme Comedy Club
708 1st St. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-6393
www.acmecomedycompany.com
Monday nights are reserved for Acme's open mic. Sign up at the bar if you think you've got what it takes from 6-7 p.m. and get ready for the show at 8. This is an 18+ event, so you can really let loose. No children in the audience for you to scandalize with your risque brand of humor. One of the longer running open mic shows, this is one of the best places to see the rising stars of the local comedy community.
Joke Joint Comedy Club
801 Sibley Memorial Hwy
St Paul, MN 55118
(651) 330-9078
www.jokejointcomedyclub.com
Come Wednesdays to this little club just outside of St. Paul. It's tucked away in a charming location on the river, but inside the charms only go as far as the jokes will let them: there are some pretty serious comics coming to the stage. If you're looking to see how the comics do it, there is a free workshop beforehand (5:30-7:30 p.m.) where you can learn a few tips and tricks, and lets you hone your craft before the show starts at 8:00 p.m. It's a great, immersive way to enjoy the local comedy scene, whether you're a rookie or a pro.
Goonie's Comedy Club
7 2nd St. S.W.
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 288-8130
www.gooniescomedy.com
Thursday nights bring comics from all around southern Minnesota (and beyond for open mic at Goonie's. Quietly one of the best comedy clubs in the state, Goonie's has brought comedians from all over the country to the open mic. It's one of the best shows to sit back and enjoy, but if you want to get in on the action, call ahead using the number above or stop by before 7:15 p.m. the night of to register. As the city is defined by the looming Mayo Clinic, where even the Dalai Lama checks in once a year, you can find out here if laughter truly is the best medicine.
Camp Bar
490 Robert St. N.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 292-1844
www.camp-bar.net
The cabaret at this downtown St. Paul nightclub has seen some pretty funny stuff on its stage. "Bye, Bye Liver" still has audiences rolling and their calendar is full of shows and events. Mondays, however, are dedicated to the rising stars of Minnesota comedy. The lights are dim, the drinks are flowing, and for 5-minute sets you have people from all walks of life putting together their best jokes to make sure you won't leave without a smile on your face.
The Comedy Corner Underground
1501 S. Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 339-4333
www.comedycornerunderground.com
Do something a little different on Friday and hit the 7 Corners neighborhood near the University of Minnesota for one of the craziest open mic nights in the Twin Cities. Located in the basement of the popular Corner Bar, this was a random open mic that became so popular the club became a permanent fixture. If that's not an indication of the quality of comedy you'll find here, then this sure is: the show is often so popular they can't fit everyone inside. Make sure to show up early.
Related: Best Improv Comedy In Minnesota
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
