The best comedy club in Austin for most visitors is Comedy Mothership — Joe Rogan's club at 320 E 6th Street — because it is the most high-profile room in the city and the most likely to have a surprise celebrity set. For reliable national touring headliners, Cap City Comedy Club is Austin's longest-running stand-up venue. For the best improv, ColdTowne Theater and The Hideout Theatre are Austin's top dedicated improv venues. For Austin's longest-running variety show, Esther's Follies on 6th Street has been running since 1977. Austin has 17 dedicated comedy venues.
Joe Rogan's club at 320 E 6th Street. The most high-profile comedy venue in Austin, with two theaters, shows Wednesday through Saturday, and the highest chance of a surprise celebrity set. Tickets $30–$60.
Austin's longest-running dedicated stand-up club. Books national touring headliners most nights of the week. Largest dedicated comedy room in the city. Best choice if you want a guaranteed headliner show.
Comedy Mothership for the experience and the story. Cap City for the most reliable headliner schedule.
Joe Rogan's club at 320 E 6th Street. The most high-profile comedy room in Austin. Two theaters, shows Wednesday through Saturday, and the highest chance of a surprise celebrity set.
The most searched comedy venue in Austin. Easy to find on East 6th Street, with online ticketing and a professional experience. The venue most out-of-town visitors specifically want to see.
Affordable tickets ($15–$25), a 21+ bar, and a rotating lineup of Austin-based comics. The best room for discovering local talent without paying Comedy Mothership prices.
Austin's longest-running stand-up club. Books national touring headliners most nights of the week. Best choice when you want a guaranteed big-name show.
Tickets from $8–$13. Austin's most affordable comedy venue, with shows most nights. Best for improv, alt comedy, and open mic nights on a budget.
Open mic Mondays at 5:30pm. One of the most active open mic programs in Austin, with the added prestige of performing in Joe Rogan's room.
Rated 4.6★. Austin's most active improv venue. Also home to UCB-affiliated training and regular alt comedy nights.
Joe Rogan, Dave Chappelle, Bert Kreischer, and other A-list comics have performed unannounced sets here. No other Austin venue comes close for celebrity drop-in frequency.
Comedy Mothership is Joe Rogan's comedy club at 320 E 6th Street in Austin, Texas (zip 78701). Founded by Joe Rogan in 2022, it operates two theaters: the Fat Man Theatre (larger room) and the Little Boy Theatre (intimate room). Shows run Wednesday through Saturday, with tickets priced at $30–$60 — book online in advance. Open mic nights are held on Mondays at 5:30pm. Comedy Mothership is the most searched comedy venue in Austin and the room most likely to host a surprise celebrity set from comics like Dave Chappelle, Bert Kreischer, or Tom Segura. It is located in the heart of the East 6th Street entertainment district, walking distance from dozens of bars and restaurants.
1700 E 2nd St
Excused Absence Comedy is Austin's premier all-ages improv and sketch comedy program for youth and families, operating out of ColdTowne Theater at 1700 E 2nd St in East Austin. The program runs family-friendly improv shows on Saturday mornings (Story Starts, 11am) and additional performances throughout the week. Tickets are priced at $10–$15 and the venue is all-ages and family-friendly. Excused Absence Comedy is the only Austin comedy program specifically designed for children and families, offering a safe, inclusive, and genuinely funny live comedy experience for audiences of all ages. The program also runs youth improv classes and summer camps, making it a year-round resource for Austin families interested in comedy and performance. Located at 1700 E 2nd St inside ColdTowne Theater, the venue is in the heart of East Austin and easily accessible by car or bike.
13729 Research Blvd, N Hwy 183 Suite 1350, Austin, TX 78750
ComedySportz is Austin’s longest-running improvised comedy show. Each show is unique, made up on-the-spot from audience suggestions, with a fast-paced, funny and family-friendly format.
525 E 6th St
Esther's Follies is Austin's longest-running comedy show and one of the most distinctive live entertainment experiences in Texas. Founded in 1977 by Michael Shelton and Shannon Sedwick on East 6th Street, the show blends stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, magic, and sharp political satire into a two-hour variety revue that has been running continuously for nearly 50 years. The venue seats approximately 200 guests in a traditional theater layout, with a large stage, professional lighting, and a full bar. Shows run Thursday through Saturday, with tickets priced at $20–$35 and available online in advance. The show is all-ages and family-friendly, making it one of the few Austin comedy venues suitable for mixed-age groups. Esther's Follies has hosted and launched the careers of numerous Austin comedy legends, and the show's satirical commentary on Texas politics and pop culture has made it a cultural institution. Located at 525 E 6th Street, it is in the heart of the East 6th Street entertainment district.
| Venue | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comedy Mothership | Tourists, celebrity drop-ins | $30–$60 |
| Cap City Comedy Club | National headliners, stand-up fans | $22–$40 |
| The Creek and The Cave | Locals, budget nights | $15–$25 |
| Fallout Theater | Improv, open mic | $8–$13 |
| Sunset Strip Comedy Club | Date night, 21+ crowd | $15–$30 |
| The Velveeta Room | Late-night, Austin originals | $15–$35 |
| Esther's Follies | Variety show, families, tourists | $20–$35 |
| East Austin Comedy Club | Intimate BYOB nights | $10–$20 |
| Rozco's Comedy Club | East Austin stand-up, open mic | $10–$25 |
| ColdTowne Theater | Improv classes and shows | $10–$25 |
| The Hideout Theatre | Long-form improv, Maestro show | $5–$20 |
Comedy Mothership is Joe Rogan's club on East 6th Street — upscale, 21+, $30–$60 tickets, and the most likely room for celebrity drop-ins. Cap City Comedy Club is Austin's longest-running stand-up venue in North Austin — 18+, $22–$40 tickets, and the most consistent national headliner schedule. Choose Comedy Mothership for the experience and the story. Choose Cap City when you want a guaranteed big-name show at a lower price.
Comedy Mothership is the high-profile, upscale option: $30–$60 tickets, 21+, East 6th Street. The Creek and The Cave is the local's choice: $15–$25 tickets, 21+, East 7th Street. Comedy Mothership books touring headliners and celebrity drop-ins. The Creek and The Cave books Austin-based comics and is the best room for discovering local talent. If you're a tourist, Comedy Mothership. If you're a local who goes to comedy regularly, The Creek and The Cave.
Comedy Mothership is stand-up focused, $30–$60, 21+. Fallout Theater is improv and alt comedy focused, $8–$13, 18+. They serve completely different audiences. If you want stand-up with a chance of seeing a famous comic, Comedy Mothership. If you want affordable improv or open mic nights, Fallout Theater.
Esther's Follies (525 E 6th St, since 1977) is Austin's longest-running show — a two-hour variety revue mixing stand-up, sketch comedy, magic, and political satire. It is all-ages, $20–$35, and runs Thu–Sat. Comedy Mothership (320 E 6th St, since 2022) is a traditional stand-up club — 21+, $30–$60, and the most likely room for celebrity drop-ins. Choose Esther's Follies for a uniquely Austin experience or if you have family members under 21. Choose Comedy Mothership if you want a chance to see a famous comedian.
The Hideout Theatre (617 Congress Ave, since 1999) and ColdTowne Theater (1700 E 2nd St, UCB-affiliated) are Austin's two premier improv venues. The Hideout is best known for The Maestro — a long-form format where one performer directs an entire improvised show. ColdTowne is the UCB-affiliated training center, best for students and fans of the UCB style. Both are all-ages and affordable ($5–$25). The Hideout is more central (Downtown); ColdTowne is in East Austin.
East Austin Comedy Club (2505 E 6th St) and Rozco's Comedy Club (1805 E 7th St) are the two best new East Austin stand-up venues. East Austin Comedy Club is BYOB, seats ~60, and has no drink minimum — the best value comedy night in Austin at $10–$20. Rozco's has a full bar, seats ~80, and books a slightly more polished lineup at $10–$25. Choose East Austin Comedy Club for a casual BYOB night. Choose Rozco's when you want a proper bar-comedy experience.
Bat City Comedy Club (500 E 4th St, Downtown) and The Creek and The Cave (611 E 7th St, East Austin) are Austin's two best options for affordable stand-up with open mic nights. Bat City runs open mics three nights a week (Mon–Wed at 10pm) and is better for aspiring comedians. The Creek and The Cave is the better audience experience — more established lineup, East Austin neighborhood feel. Both are 21+, $10–$25, and run shows most nights of the week.
Comedy Mothership and Cap City sell out on weekends — book at least 48 hours ahead. The Creek and The Cave and Fallout Theater rarely require advance tickets and are the best options for last-minute plans.
Excused Absence Comedy is Austin's premier all-ages improv and sketch comedy program for youth and families, operating out of ColdTowne Theater at 1700 E 2nd St in East Austin. The program runs family-friendly improv shows on Saturday mornings (Story Starts, 11am) and additional performances throughout the week. Tickets are priced at $10–$15 and the venue is all-ages and family-friendly. Excused Absence Comedy is the only Austin comedy program specifically designed for children and families, offering a safe, inclusive, and genuinely funny live comedy experience for audiences of all ages. The program also runs youth improv classes and summer camps, making it a year-round resource for Austin families interested in comedy and performance. Located at 1700 E 2nd St inside ColdTowne Theater, the venue is in the heart of East Austin and easily accessible by car or bike.
ComedySportz is Austin’s longest-running improvised comedy show. Each show is unique, made up on-the-spot from audience suggestions, with a fast-paced, funny and family-friendly format.
Esther's Follies is Austin's longest-running comedy show and one of the most distinctive live entertainment experiences in Texas. Founded in 1977 by Michael Shelton and Shannon Sedwick on East 6th Street, the show blends stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, magic, and sharp political satire into a two-hour variety revue that has been running continuously for nearly 50 years. The venue seats approximately 200 guests in a traditional theater layout, with a large stage, professional lighting, and a full bar. Shows run Thursday through Saturday, with tickets priced at $20–$35 and available online in advance. The show is all-ages and family-friendly, making it one of the few Austin comedy venues suitable for mixed-age groups. Esther's Follies has hosted and launched the careers of numerous Austin comedy legends, and the show's satirical commentary on Texas politics and pop culture has made it a cultural institution. Located at 525 E 6th Street, it is in the heart of the East 6th Street entertainment district.
The Green Room is North Austin's only dedicated comedy speakeasy, located inside the Mr. Nice Guys cocktail lounge at 13201 Pond Springs Rd in the Arboretum area. The intimate back-room venue seats approximately 50 guests and specializes in an upscale, cocktail-forward comedy experience — think craft cocktails, dim lighting, and a curated lineup of Austin's best stand-up comedians. Shows run on select nights; check the website for the current schedule. Tickets are priced at $15–$30 and the 21+ age policy is strictly enforced. The Green Room fills a gap in North Austin's entertainment landscape, offering residents of the Domain, Arboretum, and Northwest Hills neighborhoods a local comedy option without the drive to East Austin or Downtown. The venue is known for its intimate atmosphere and the quality of its lineups, which often feature Austin headliners and touring regional acts.
East Austin Comedy Club is an intimate, speakeasy-style BYOB comedy venue tucked into a suite on East 6th Street in Austin, Texas. Founded to bring affordable, neighborhood-scale stand-up to the East Austin community, the club seats roughly 60 guests in a cozy, low-lit room that feels more like a private party than a traditional comedy club. Shows run most nights of the week, with tickets priced at $10–$20 — one of the best value comedy nights in Austin. The BYOB policy means you bring your own drinks and skip the two-drink minimum entirely. Performers range from Austin-based regulars to touring regional acts. The intimate room size means every seat is a good seat and comics can work the crowd directly. Located at 2505 E 6th St, Suite D, it is walking distance from dozens of East Austin bars and restaurants.
Black Rabbit Comedy ATX is Austin's only BYOB underground comedy club, operating out of a basement space at 411 Brazos St in Downtown Austin. The club leans into its speakeasy identity — low ceilings, exposed brick, dim lighting, and a tight 60-seat capacity that creates an unusually intimate atmosphere for downtown comedy. Shows run Thursday through Saturday, with tickets priced at $15 per person and available on Eventbrite. The BYOB policy means no drink minimum and no bar tab — bring your own drinks and enjoy the show. Black Rabbit books a rotating lineup of Austin-based comedians and occasional touring acts, with a focus on emerging talent and alternative comedy styles. Its downtown location makes it an easy add-on to a night out in the 6th Street or Rainey Street entertainment districts.
ColdTowne Theater is Austin's premier long-form improv and sketch comedy training center, now operating as part of the Upright Citizens Brigade family. Located in East Austin at 1700 E 2nd St, the theater runs shows nightly — from house team improv sets to touring stand-up acts — and offers a full conservatory curriculum for aspiring performers. Free parking and a welcoming community vibe make it a local favorite.
The Creek and The Cave is a comedy club and bar at 611 E 7th Street in Austin, Texas (zip 78701), located in the Red River Cultural District. The venue runs comedy shows most nights of the week, with tickets priced at $15–$25 — the most affordable dedicated comedy room in Austin. The bar opens at 6pm and a food truck operates until midnight. The Creek and The Cave is 21+ and is the best choice in Austin for locals who want to see live comedy regularly without paying Comedy Mothership prices. The venue is especially strong for discovering Austin-based comics and emerging talent. Open mic nights are held every Sunday at 8pm (free with RSVP, $5 at the door). The club has a 4.6★ Google rating from 668 reviews.
Sunset Strip Comedy Club is a stand-up comedy club in Austin, Texas. This Austin venue hosts regular open mic nights alongside headliner shows. 21+ admission policy. Find show schedules, tickets, and venue details on ComedyClubFinder.
Fallout Theater is a stand-up comedy club in Austin, Texas. This Austin venue hosts regular open mic nights alongside headliner shows, with tickets from $8-$13. 18+ admission policy. Find show schedules, tickets, and venue details on ComedyClubFinder.
Rozco's Comedy Club is East Austin's newest dedicated stand-up venue, bringing full comedy-club energy to the East 7th Street corridor. Located at 1805 E 7th St, Rozco's books a mix of local Austin headliners and touring regional acts, with shows running Wednesday through Sunday. The club has a full bar, a two-drink minimum, and tickets priced at $10–$25 depending on the act. Open mic nights run regularly — check the website for the current schedule. The room seats approximately 80 guests in a classic comedy-club layout with tiered seating, ensuring good sightlines from every seat. Rozco's is quickly becoming the go-to East Austin spot for locals who want a proper stand-up club experience without the tourist crowds of East 6th Street.
The Hideout Theatre has been Austin's home for long-form improv since 1999, operating out of a dedicated 99-seat black-box theater at 617 Congress Ave in Downtown Austin. The venue is best known for its flagship show, The Maestro — a long-form improv format in which one performer is chosen by audience vote to direct an entire improvised show. The Hideout runs shows Friday and Saturday nights, with select weeknight performances; check the calendar at hideouttheatre.com for current scheduling. Tickets are priced at $5–$20 and the venue is all-ages, making it one of the most accessible comedy venues in Austin. The Hideout also runs one of Austin's most respected improv training programs, with classes for all skill levels. Alumni of the Hideout training program have gone on to perform at Second City, iO Chicago, and UCB. Located on Congress Avenue, the theater is within walking distance of the Texas State Capitol and dozens of downtown restaurants and bars.
The longest-running comedy club in Austin. Tucked into an intimate space on 6th Street in the heart of downtown, we showcase a killer mix of veteran headliners and rising stars.
Cap City Comedy Club is Austin's longest-running dedicated stand-up comedy club, located at 11506 Century Oaks Terrace in North Austin (zip 78758). The club books national touring headliners on a weekly basis, with shows Thursday through Sunday. Tickets run $22–$40 and are available online at capcitycomedy.com. The venue is 18+ with a two-item minimum and offers food and alcohol. Cap City is the best choice in Austin for a guaranteed big-name headliner show at a lower price than Comedy Mothership. Open mic nights are held on Tuesdays at 7:30pm. The club has been a cornerstone of the Austin comedy scene since the 1990s, predating the city's recent surge in national attention.
Comedy Mothership is Joe Rogan's comedy club at 320 E 6th Street in Austin, Texas (zip 78701), founded in 2022. The venue operates two theaters: the Fat Man Theatre (larger room, national touring headliners) and the Little Boy Theatre (intimate room, up-and-coming comics). Shows run Wednesday through Saturday, with tickets priced at $30–$60 — book online in advance as weekend shows sell out. Open mic nights are held every Monday at 5:30pm (sign-up in person, lineup posted at 6:15pm). Comedy Mothership is the most high-profile comedy venue in Austin and the room most likely to host surprise celebrity sets from comics like Dave Chappelle, Bert Kreischer, and Tom Segura. The club is 21+ with a two-item minimum. Located in the heart of the East 6th Street entertainment district, walking distance from dozens of bars and restaurants. Paid parking is available in nearby lots; metered street parking is free after 6pm.
Vulcan Gas Company is a stand-up comedy club in Austin, Texas. This Austin venue features local and touring comedians. Find show schedules, tickets, and venue details on ComedyClubFinder.
Bat City Comedy Club is a rising stand-up venue operating out of The Reverbery at 500 E 4th St in downtown Austin, Texas. The club runs a packed weekly schedule: Monday through Wednesday feature showcase sets followed by open mic nights at 10pm, Thursday has two showcase sets at 7pm and 9pm, and Friday and Saturday run headline shows at 8pm. Tickets are priced at $10–$20 and the 21+ age policy is enforced. The venue seats approximately 75 guests in a bar-comedy hybrid layout, with full bar service throughout the show. Bat City is notable for its open mic program — one of the most active in Austin — which runs three nights a week and attracts both new and experienced Austin-based comedians. The downtown location puts it within easy walking distance of the Rainey Street and East 6th Street entertainment districts, making it a natural choice for a night that starts with dinner and ends with comedy.
Austin has 17 dedicated comedy venues, ranging from Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership on East 6th Street ($30–$60, celebrity drop-ins) to the budget-friendly Fallout Theater Downtown ($8–$13, improv and open mic). For national touring headliners, Cap City Comedy Club in North Austin is the most consistent option. For Austin's longest-running show, Esther's Follies on 6th Street has been blending comedy, magic, and political satire since 1977. For improv, ColdTowne Theater and The Hideout Theatre are the top dedicated rooms. For new East Austin spots, East Austin Comedy Club and Rozco's Comedy Club are the best BYOB and stand-up options.
Rankings based on editorial assessment of Austin's comedy scene, venue longevity, booking quality, and public review data. Comedy Mothership is ranked #1 overall because it is the most high-profile room in Austin and the most searched comedy venue in the city. No paid placements. Last reviewed April 2026.
Comedy Mothership is the best comedy club in Austin for most visitors — it is Joe Rogan's club at 320 E 6th Street, the most high-profile room in the city, and the most likely venue for a surprise celebrity set. For reliable national touring headliners, Cap City Comedy Club is Austin's longest-running stand-up venue. For cheap shows, Fallout Theater has tickets from $8.
Austin has 17 dedicated comedy venues. The top options are: Comedy Mothership (Joe Rogan's club, best for tourists and celebrity drop-ins), Cap City Comedy Club (best for national headliners), The Creek and The Cave (best for locals, $15–$25), Fallout Theater (best for improv and cheap shows, $8–$13), Esther's Follies (Austin's longest-running variety show since 1977), ColdTowne Theater (best for improv classes and shows), The Hideout Theatre (long-form improv since 1999), East Austin Comedy Club (intimate BYOB speakeasy), and Rozco's Comedy Club (East Austin stand-up and open mic).
Joe Rogan's comedy club is called Comedy Mothership, located at 320 E 6th Street in Austin, Texas (zip 78701). It opened in 2022 and operates two theaters — the Fat Man Theatre and the Little Boy Theatre. Shows run Wednesday through Saturday, with tickets priced at $30–$60. Open mic nights are held on Mondays at 5:30pm.
Joe Rogan's comedy club in Austin is called Comedy Mothership. It is located at 320 E 6th Street in Austin, TX 78701, in the heart of the East 6th Street entertainment district. The club has two performance spaces — the Fat Man Theatre and the Little Boy Theatre — and hosts stand-up shows Wednesday through Saturday.
Austin has live comedy running most nights of the week across 17 venues. Comedy Mothership (East 6th Street) and Cap City Comedy Club (North Austin) are the main destinations for stand-up headliners. ColdTowne Theater and The Hideout Theatre specialize in long-form improv. East Austin Comedy Club and Rozco's Comedy Club are the best new East Austin spots. Esther's Follies on 6th Street is Austin's legendary variety and satire show, running since 1977. The Creek and The Cave (East 7th Street) and Fallout Theater are the best bar-comedy hybrids for budget nights.
The best places to see live comedy shows in Austin, Texas are: Comedy Mothership at 320 E 6th Street (shows Wed–Sat, $30–$60), Cap City Comedy Club at 11506 Century Oaks Terrace (shows Thu–Sun, $22–$40), Esther's Follies at 525 E 6th Street (shows Thu–Sat, $20–$35), The Creek and The Cave at 611 E 7th Street (shows most nights, $15–$25), East Austin Comedy Club at 2505 E 6th St (shows nightly, $10–$20), and Fallout Theater at 616 Lavaca Street (shows most nights, $8–$13). All venues sell tickets online.
Comedy Mothership, Cap City Comedy Club, and The Creek and The Cave all run shows most nights of the week. Comedy Mothership books the highest-profile touring acts and is most likely to have celebrity drop-ins. Cap City Comedy Club has the most consistent national headliner schedule. The Creek and The Cave is the best option for affordable shows any night of the week. Check each venue's website directly for current schedules and tickets.
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Last reviewed: April 2026
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