Fort Collins, often hailed as a vibrant live entertainment and comedy hub, has emerged as a rising star on the national comedy circuit. This Northern Colorado college town, renowned for its craft beer and outdoor recreation, also boasts a thriving comedy scene. Comedy clubs in Fort Collins, including the iconic Aggie Theatre and Hodi’s Half Note, regularly feature comedy nights, where comedy fans can enjoy everything from improv comedy to stand-up comedy.
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TL;DR
- Fort Collins comedy offers shows at venues like The Comedy Fort and The Zoo Bar.
- Comedy and dining combos appeal to families and couples.
- Improv, drag shows, and more showcase alternative comedy.
- Opportunities exist for comedy education and participation.
- Seasonal comedy festivals and events round out the calendar.
Notable Venues Anchor the Comedy Scene
The foundation of Fort Collins comedy lies in beloved venues hosting regular stand-up showcases.
The Comedy Fort offers shows Thursday through Sunday nights in Old Town. This intimate club provides a classic comedy club experience similar to the famous venues in Denver. Crowd work and table service create an interactive, engaging atmosphere.
Just down the road sits The Zoo Bar, a dive bar that hosts comedy several nights a week alongside live music. With a relaxed, eclectic vibe and affordable drinks, The Zoo Bar draws in college students for edgy late-night shows. The venue also maintains a separate family-friendly comedy space.
These two stalwarts anchor a scene bursting with performances across over a dozen venues. Visitors can find weekly shows at locations like The Looking Glass Escape Lounge, Secret Comedy Club, and the Westside Comedy Theater.
Mitch Jones Leads Pack of Local Laugh-Getters
While Fort Collins welcomes famous touring comedians, the city also claims an impressive roster of homegrown talent.
Mitch Jones stands at the forefront, headlining venues across Northern Colorado and appearing at regional comedy festivals.
Jones cut his teeth at The Comedy Fort before becoming one of the area’s most popular comics. His laidback presence and observational humor earn consistent laughs. Other Fort Collins mainstays like Chris Voth and Whitmer Thomas grace local stages when not touring themselves.
Aspiring comics can catch these pros along with fresh faces at various open mics around town. Venues like Totally 80s Pizza and Surfside 7 offer newcomers stage time to hone their acts. It all contributes to a flourishing scene where seasoned acts mentor up-and-comers.
Visitors Bring Big Laughs to Fort Collins
While Fort Collins offers comedy every night of the week, special events turn the scene up to 11. Last May, rising star Nate Bargatze chose Fort Collins for a tour stop on his aptly named “Be Funny” tour. He filled the
Budweiser Events Center with fans eager to see his conversational comedy and popular YouTube clips.
Events like Pikes Punks also draw comedy lovers from across the region. This monthly show at
The Alexander provides a platform for boundary-pushing performers from the Denver scene and beyond. Past lineups featured wrestlers, drag queens, and plenty of musical comedy alongside headliners like Jones.
Comedy festivals lend a celebratory atmosphere to Fort Collins as well. The annual
Fort Collins Fringe Festival’s programming includes improv troupes, sketch shows, and other comedy varieties. Aspiring comics can also participate through workshops and open mics.
Dining Meets Comedy for Memorable Nights
Fort Collins pairs its comedy shows with some of the city’s tasty dining options to create memorable evenings out. Venues like
The Comedy Fort and Surprise Theater offer dinner and drink packages with show tickets. Patrons can grab a craft cocktail or bite from the menu before enjoying comedy in an intimate theater setting.
For families and groups, Boedecker Theater hosts regular Comedy Nights. In addition to stand-up comedy, guests can order affordable meal bundles from on-site restaurants. The historic Art Deco theater ambiance enhances the experience.
Couples seeking date nights with a twist can check out shows at Everyday Joe’s Coffee House. The cafe hosts “Comedy and Chardonnay” evenings that add glass of wine to the laughs. Intimate, low-key shows encourage bonding over shared humor.
Alternative Comedy Expands the Local Scene
While stand-up drives most Fort Collins comedy, the city incorporates other formats into its creative landscape. Weekly improv shows at Bas Bleu Theatre keep audiences laughing through made-up scenes and songs. Drag performers bring musical numbers, lip-syncs, and stand-up to venues like Totally 80s Pizza. These vibrant variety shows attract loyal fans from across the LGBTQ community for outrageous fun. For those seeking weirder comedy, “Emo Night” at
Surprise Theater combines emotional alternative music with experimental performance art.
Comedy Workshops Encourage Participation
Aspiring comics can unlock their talent through Fort Collins comedy workshops. Groups like
Jesters Playhouse offers multi-week education programs focused on writing jokes, developing a stage persona, and delivering punchlines. More intensive courses teach sketch writing, improv fundamentals, and directing comedy shows.
For a trial by fire, visitors can test out their material at the city’s various open mic nights. In supportive environments like
Totally 80s Pizza, newbies can get a feel for being on stage while veterans workshop new material. Other mics cater to specific styles, as drag performers assemble at Surprise Theater, while Sunday Night Mic focuses on stand-up.
Comedy Festivals Spotlight the Local Scene
Throughout the year, comedy festivals provide focal points for Fort Collins laughs. The
Fort Collins Fringe Festival brings experimental performers each August, while upstart FoCo CX celebrates Christmastime “anti-comedy.” Homegrown Fest Fort Collins Comedy Festival will launch 2024 a platform for local talent.
In the summer, Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest incorporates stand-up shows between its diverse music lineup. The massive August festival offers a prime opportunity to check out comedy. Additionally, venues organize their own mini-festivals like
The Comedy Fort’s “Christmas in July” holiday-themed shows.
FAQ
How can I find upcoming comedy events in Fort Collins?
Many venues like The Comedy Fort and Surprise Theater post their latest show listings online. Sites like DowntownFortCollins.com and VisitFortCollins.com also compile local comedy happenings on their event calendars.
What is the best way to get comedy show tickets?
Most comedy events in Fort Collins can be purchased directly from the venue’s website or box office. Larger performances at places like the Budweiser Events Center are available via Ticketmaster. Be sure to buy early, as popular shows can sell out.
Where can I see open mic performances?
Great open mics take place all over Fort Collins! Totally 80s Pizza, Surfside 7, and Avogadro’s Number frequently host comedy mics while Everyday Joe’s Coffee House organizes a monthly stand-up night. Check venue sites for their latest mic lineups.
Are there comedy festivals in Fort Collins?
Yes! Fort Collins hosts various local comedy celebrations like the Fringe Festival (August), FoCo CX (December), and the upcoming Fort Collins Comedy Festival. Several summer music festivals also incorporate stand-up shows.
