Posted by When you live in a city full of marginally talented comedians, it’s only polite to adhere to the principle rule of improv and say “yes” to as many comedy shows as you can. After all, they say laughter is the best medicine, so why not live life hopped up on a near fatal dose of prescription comedy?
Of course in the city of angels there are literally dozens of comedy shows to choose from, many of which are free. But where to start?
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Well, to help you narrow down your itinerary, here’s a handy list of the 10 best free comedy shows in L.A. that are sure to keep you giggling, chortling, cackling, and possibly guffawing, all at the bargain basement price of zero dollars.
And though I can’t promise you’ll die laughing at every bit, at least you’ll have saved some serious dough in search of comedy gold.
So without further adieu, here’s our top 10 (in no particular order).
1. The Blind Barber Secret Show
At what other comedy show can you order thirteen types of grilled cheese sandwiches, old sport?
Barbershop by day, speakeasy by night, the Blind Barber retains a relatively low profile located next to the Culver City Best Buy. It is also home to the very exclusive stand-up show, The Blind Barber Secret Show.
When & Where:
The last Monday of every month @ 8PM, The Blind Barber, 10797 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
2. Comedy Living Room
Founded two years ago, three roommates had the brilliant idea to host a comedy show in the comfort of their Hollywood home. Anything goes at Comedy Living Room; known for having surprise guests drop by, you’ll never know if it’ll be Paul Scheer, Kumail Nanjiani, or John Mulaney bursting through the front door.
Not to mention, the roommates recently welcomed a puppy by the name of “Bullseye McFly” to their home, making Comedy Living Room paws down, the greatest.
When & Where:
Once a Month @ 8PM, 737 North Cherokee Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038
Pro-Tip: If you want to get seats in the actual living room, show up 20 minutes before the doors open! Otherwise, you may find yourself part of the kitchen scene: closer to alcohol, but not as comfy. You decide.
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3. The Grind at Mi’s Westside Comedy Theater
With shows every night of the week and a beer and wine bar with no drink minimum, Mi’s is the place to go in Santa Monica.
Free improv shows on Mondays at 8PM and 10PM and Thursdays at 10PM followed by an improv jam.
When & Where:
1323-A Third Street Promenade (the “a” stand for alley) Santa Monica, CA 90401
4. Fringe with JC Coccoli
Free Beer, Free pizza, Free stand-up. Fringe with JC Coocoli may be the deathly hallows of comedy.
Mondays @ 10PM, 1739 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, California 90027
5. Sleepaway Camp
If you’ve grown tired of regular stand-up shows, Sleepaway Camp will surely spice things up. Every Tuesday night you can count on Sleepaway Camp to provide a unique mix of of stand-up, live theatre, and video presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXlH5_FW1j0
When & Where:
Tuesdays @ 9PM, The Downtown Independent, 251 S Main St, Los Angeles, California 90012
6. ASSSSCAT
Not only is it a UCB favorite, but it’s also fun to say. While ASSSSCAT has a show on Saturday for $10 (8pm over at UCB Franklin on 5919 Franklin Ave), the poor and patient souls of L.A. will want to wait in line for the free Sunday show.
When & Where:
Sundays @ 7:00PM, UCB Sunset 5419 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
7. The BrewHAHA: The Comedy Show Drinking Game
An interactive approach to stand-up comedy, BrewHAHA combines the art of laughter and drinking. Before the comics perform, a few drinking game rules are revealed to the audience; When a comic breaks a rule, the audience gets to drink. It’s genius. You’ll want to show up early to claim the prime seat real estate in this Silverlake backyard.
When & Where:
Once a month, Doors open @ 7:30 PM, Show starts @ 9PM, 4221 Normal Ave, Los Angeles CA 90029
8. Power Violence
An experimental comedy show with no limits, there should be no question what your plans are on Sunday night! It’s time to put your typical line-up of Walking Dead, Homeland, and Once Upon a Time on the BACK BURNER and get to Power Violence immediately!
Where & When: Sundays at 9PM, 6470 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90038
9. Prom Night
A perfect combination of cheap drinks, vegan cookies, and USC hotties, Prom Night is quickly becoming one of the most popular stand-up shows in the Downtown LA area.
When & Where:
Every other Thursday @ 8:30 PM, Nature’s Brew, 2316 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
10. Your Local Late Night Comedy Show
While a backyard with Christmas lights and comedians in flannel may be your cup of tea, there is something magical about seeing a comedian in suit!
They’ve been around the block and are the best in the field – Legendary Conan O’ Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, and Craig Ferguson do not disappoint.
Whether your heart desires the comedy of Coco, Jimmy the Pig, or the soon-to-wrap Ferguson, you can reserve free tickets for all their shows at 1iota.com
When & Where:
CONAN: Warner Brothers Studio Lot, 6510 Forest Lawn Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90068
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: CBS Television City, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Jimmy Kimmel Live!: 6840 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90068
Do you know of other free comedy shows in L.A. that you think should be added to the list? Let us know in the comments section what your recommendations are!
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