The heat may be here but so are the laughs. The Mile-High City is no longer an up-and-coming comedy town. It’s an already-there town with tons of big names touring through in addition to loads of local talent. From standup to improv to sketch comedy and more, there are so many amazing hot spots to get your laugh on that you can honestly spend the rest of your summer enjoying them. We’ve pulled together a few great summer options for you to check out as you get out of the house, seek air conditioning in a comfortable comedy venue and enjoy these hot summer laughs in Denver.
The Mads Are Back: July 27 and 28
RISE Comedy Playhouse is always a great spot for local talent, but this July some huge national names are stopping by. “TV’s Frank” Conniff and Trace Beaulieu from Mystery Science Theatre 3000 are bringing their national tour to the Voodoo stage for two nights only. Each night will feature a different film and life riffing courtesy the two names that started it all. Tickets include meet and greet events, photos and autographs – so if you’re a fan of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 – and really, who isn’t? – then get online right now and book those tickets – seating is limited and this will sell out!
5280: Denver A to Z – through July 28
If you know Denver, then you’ll love this hilarious comedy show at the popular Bovine Metropolis Theater. 5280: Denver A to Z features loads of sketch comedy poking fun at everything from The Big Blue Bear to Casa Bonita, Prairie Dogs and Frontier Airlines. It’s a sketch comedy show written by Denver, for Denver and is perfect for anyone who grew up here and knows the legends of the Mile High City well. This one runs Friday and Saturday nights through July 28 and tickets are $18 online or $20 at the door.
High Plains Comedy Festival: August 23 – 25
If you’ve never checked out the High Plains Comedy Festival before – what are you waiting for? Founded in 2013, this popular annual comedy extravaganza is the brainchild of Denver’s own Adam Cayton-Holland – who started with The Grawlix and is now on truTV’s Those Who Can’t and was named one of Esquire Magazine’s 25 Comics to Watch among many other honors. The festival features a wonderful mix of local talents and national names in different venues throughout the city – though most are within the walkable Baker Neighborhood on South Broadway. David Cross, Baron Vaughn, Jonah Ray and Cayton-Holland himself are scheduled to appear – along with many, many other hilarious comedians. Book early, plan ahead and enjoy this annual comedy feast.
New Talent at Comedy Works Denver: Every Tuesday Night
You already know that Comedy Works is a very popular spot for touring comedians to showcase their skills, but did you know there is a new talent night every week? And did you know that nearly all of Denver’s popular comedians got their start here? Every week, New Talent Night features a mix of amateur comedians (many making their Comedy Works debut) as well as some popular locals and even touring professionals. The cover is only $12 and there is always a lot of great talent to see on New Talent Night – so it’s the perfect (and affordable) way to get lots of laughs mid-week.
Stephen Wilder (Steve Wilder) is the original founder of RISE Comedy in Denver, Colorado (formerly Voodoo Comedy), operating since October 26th, 2011. As an alumnus of iO West and Second City Hollywood, he has been teaching, improvising and performing for 30 years. Stephen also works full-time for The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show and its 90+ locations nationwide. In 2016, Stephen co-founded the Diversity in Colorado Improvisation group; this group kickstarted a revolution for inclusivity and diversity in the Colorado improv scene, which continues to this day.
