🎙️ Where to See Live Stand-Up Comedy in Western Mass (Updated Guide - Winter 2025/2026)
Western Massachusetts has an active comedy scene with shows popping up at clubs, theaters, and corners of neighborhood bars. If you're looking for a night of live entertainment, here is a guide to some of the best places to see live stand-up comedy in the region.
Comedian Hank Denson performing at the Academy of Music Theater in Northampton. Photo by Ian Bauer.
Dedicated Comedy Venues & Recurring Shows
These locations make live comedy a regular part of their entertainment schedule.
Roar! Comedy Club (MGM Springfield): Located inside the MGM Springfield Casino, this venue hosts national touring acts and is the area's premier comedy club for big-name headliners. It offers a classic club atmosphere with new lineups every weekend.
Happier Valley Comedy (HVC): HVC is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing joy and ease to Western Mass through improv. They offer Improv Comedy Shows every Saturday evening at 5:00 PM and 7: 00 PM, plus Community Comedy Night on Fridays with open improv jams. In addition to shows, HVC runs a training center offering beginner to advanced classes and professional development events.
The Chuckling Charlie Comedy Bus:This one-of-a-kind comedy party bus offers regularly scheduled public tours featuring 90 minutes of live comedy from two stand-up comedians, all with the safety and convenience of a fully BYOB ride.
Just Jokes Comedy Club (JJ’s Tavern in Florence): The intimate second-floor at JJ's serves as the home of the Just Jokes Comedy Club. This club showcases local talent with open mics every other Monday and monthly stand-up shows with emerging comedians from Boston and NYC. Look out for their annual holiday fundraiser at Northampton’s historic Academy of Music, where past headliners have included Donnell Rawlings, Jessica Kirson, and Lenny Clarke.
Abandoned Building Brewery (Easthampton): This craft brew taproom is accessible by bike on the Manhan Rail Trail and hosts a variety of themed comedy shows from local comedians. Check their calendar to see an updated list of events.
Historic Theaters & Large-Scale Events
These venues host major comedic talent, often requiring a larger audience.
Academy of Music (Northampton): This beautiful, historic theater frequently features well-known, national touring comedians making it an essential in the region for seeing A-list talent. Street parking is available, but locals know to park in the Roundhouse lot just south of the theater and take the stairs or ramp to the theater’s entrance.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center (Great Barrington): Serving the Berkshires, this classic three-story brick and marble theater brings comedians, musicians, and performers to the scenic, southern part of Western Massachusetts. It's a key destination for comedy and cabaret near Lenox.
The Most Unique Way to See Live Comedy
The Chuckling Charlie provides a totally unique comedy experience. We offer a private party bus rental where every booking includes an exclusive live stand-up comedy show on board. It’s a comedy club that comes to you, offering a hilarious, safe, and custom-tailored night out anywhere in Massachusetts.