Houston does things at scale. Largest medical center in the world. Most diverse city in the United States. A rodeo that runs three weeks and has its own carnival attached. And right now, a 2026 comedy calendar with 61 upcoming shows, more than any city in this region and more than most cities anywhere in the country.
Hurricane season starts June 1. The flood insurance people are already doing their rounds. But between now and storm season, between the heat and the highway construction and whatever else Houston has going, the comedy schedule is genuinely stacked. Here’s what to know.
May: Hit the Ground Running
Gary Gulman, one of the most acclaimed stand-ups of the past decade and whose 2019 HBO special about mental health changed how a lot of people in this industry talk about the craft, plays House of Blues Houston on May 13. All New Live material. Gulman at this stage of his career is worth clearing your schedule for.
On May 16, two of the biggest touring acts of the month land on the same night: Bobby Lee brings The Finally Tour 2026 to 713 Music Hall, tickets here, and Naomi Watanabe, the Japanese comedian who became an international phenomenon, does her From Tokyo tour at House of Blues Houston, details here. Houston gets both on the same Friday. That’s just how Houston works.
Tim Meadows, yes, the original SNL Ladies Man, plays Houston Improv on May 29 (from current pricing). If you’ve ever quoted any of his characters at a dinner table, you know what to do.
June: Ventriloquists, Dummies, and Craig Robinson
The big rooms start filling up in June. Jeff Dunham, who has somehow built one of the highest-grossing live comedy careers in history on the strength of several rubber characters, brings his Artificial Intelligence tour to the Hobby Center (Sarofim Hall) on June 5. Whatever you think about ventriloquism as an art form, you cannot argue with the numbers.
Tommy Davidson, a founding member of In Living Color and one of the most physically gifted comedians of his generation, hits Houston Improv on June 19 (from current pricing). A room with Tommy Davidson in it is a room that’s going to have a real night.
Craig Robinson, the actor and musician who has appeared in essentially every great ensemble comedy of the past fifteen years, plays Houston Improv on June 25 (from current pricing). Watching Craig Robinson do stand-up is one of those things that will make you genuinely happy he exists.
Late Summer: Ilana Glazer and Russell Peters
Ilana Glazer, co-creator and star of Broad City, plays 713 Music Hall on June 23. 713 is the right room for Glazer: not quite arena scale, not quite club scale, which is exactly where her comedy lives.
Russell Peters, the Canadian-Indian comedian who became the first comedian to sell out arenas in the Middle East, Asia, and North America simultaneously, plays Houston Improv on September 3 (from current pricing). Given that Houston has been called out as a top-tier comedy destination for 2026, Peters playing the Improv instead of a bigger room is a gift to anyone who wants to see him up close.
Year-End: Bruce Bruce and Joanne McNally
Joanne McNally, the Irish comedian behind the runaway Pinotphile tour, comes to Punch Line Houston on October 21. And Bruce Bruce, the lovably larger-than-life Atlanta comedian, closes out the year at Houston Improv on December 4.
Houston, You Have More Options Than Anyone
61 shows. Two dedicated comedy clubs. Two major music venues. A city with the appetite and the roster to back it all up. Get the full lineup, all 61 shows, and buy your tickets before the good ones go at ComedyCalendar.com.
