Cleveland comedy shows are a great call tonight, and the reason is a little uncomfortable. The Cavs open their season in Philadelphia, and they’re playing LeBron James in his first game with the 76ers. The whole country will be watching LeBron in a new jersey. Cleveland has been through this before, and it doesn’t get any easier.
Meanwhile, the Browns are 4-2 and in first place in the AFC North after beating Baltimore 13-10 on a field goal as time ran out. It’s a three-way tie, but Cleveland owns the tiebreaker, and this is the first time they’ve had a share of first place this late in the season since 2014. Everybody in town is half thrilled and half waiting for something to go wrong. That’s a lot of feelings for one week, and a comedy show is a good place to put them.
Cleveland is having a big week
The Cavs come home Saturday to play the Nets at Rocket Arena, and the team has been handing out home-opener yard signs downtown all week. The lake wind is picking up, the leaves are turning, and Playhouse Square is lit up under that giant chandelier like it always is this time of year. Cleveland in late October is a city that knows how to bundle up and still go out.
The comedy lineup fits that mood. There are two shows tonight if you want to skip the game, a Grog Shop night in Cleveland Heights, a holiday show at the art museum, and a Playhouse Square headliner to look forward to in the spring. Get a pierogi, grab a beer, and go laugh.
Upcoming Cleveland comedy shows
Every date below comes from structured ComedyCalendar.com event data, and every button goes to a ComedyCalendar.com event page. No guessed dates, no mystery listings.
Rene Vaca
Thursday, October 22 at 6:00 PM ET
House of Blues Cleveland in Cleveland
Rene Vaca at House of Blues is tonight’s early pick. He’s huge online and even better in a room, and it starts early enough that you can still catch the end of the Cavs game after.
Jim Florentine
Thursday, October 22 at 8:00 PM ET
The Winchester Music Tavern in Lakewood
Jim Florentine at The Winchester in Lakewood is the late-night, no-filter option. Small music-tavern room, cold beer, and a comic who says exactly what he’s thinking. Perfect for tonight if you don’t want to watch LeBron in a different jersey.
Jaboukie Young-White
Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 PM ET
Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights
Jaboukie Young-White at the Grog Shop is the cool-kid Cleveland Heights pick. Quick, weird in the best way, and in one of the city’s most legendary small rooms. Saturday night, mid-November, go.
John Waters
Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 PM ET
Gartner Auditorium at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland
A John Waters Christmas at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Gartner Auditorium is the strangest, funniest holiday tradition you can give yourself. Bring the friend who hates holiday movies. This one is for them.
Ali Wong
Friday, March 26 at 7:00 PM ET
Connor Palace at Playhouse Square in Cleveland
Ali Wong at Connor Palace in Playhouse Square is the big one, and it’s worth planning now. She’s one of the best stand-ups working, and seeing her under that Playhouse Square chandelier is a real Cleveland night out.
Go laugh while the Browns are still in first
Nobody knows how long first place lasts, so enjoy the good mood while it’s here. Pick a show, send it to the group chat, and get out of the house. Cleveland always shows up for a good night out, and these comics are bringing one.
