Stand-Up Comedy Shows in Houston (2024)

Two years of restrictions and downtime have forced comedians to figure out other ways to get their craft to fans. The results are a slew of new podcasts, sketch shows, animated series, books, Youtube channels and more. Many have been working on their ownstage shows as they waited to get back on the road and, now that restrictions are being lifted, the world of comedy is ready to show what it has to offer.

Whether you’re in search of large arena tours, intimate comedy clubs, improv, open mic nights, or anything in between,Houston has the events to tickle your funny bone.

Here are 10 must-know comedians and their upcoming events happening in Houston now through mid-June.

Tig Notaro: Hello Again

Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, April 22

Emmy- and Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian and writer Tig Notaro will return to Houston fresh off her second HBO special and feature film Am I OK. Notaro has many hats, directing films, hosting two podcasts, acting and more. For tickets and more information, visit here.

David Sedaris

Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, April 28

David Sedaris is a satirist and the author of Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice. His 2013 book Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls became a best seller, and the audio version got him a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album. He’ll be offering his brand of storytelling at the Cullen Theater at the end of this month. For tickets and more information, visit here.

No Cap Comedy Tour

NRG Arena, April 28-29

The No Cap Comedy Tour is a collective composed of Deray Davis, DC Youngfly, Chico Bean, Karlous Miller, Lil Duval, Michael Blackson, B Simone and Blaq Ron. There are different lineups for the cities on the tour, but expect the majority of them to be at the Houston show, especially rising stars DC Youngfly, Chico Bean and Karlous Miller of the 85 South show. The trio has built a strong fan base with their podcast and improvisational comic style. You can also catch most of the tour’s lineup as cast members on Nick Cannon’s improv comedy game show Wild ’n Out. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Yvonne Orji

Improv, May 3

Most folks know Yvonne Orji from her performance as Issa Rae’s best friend in the hit HBO series Insecure. As Molly, she quickly became a standout member of the cast, eventually leading to her own stand-up special, Momma, I Made It, which premiered on HBO in June 2020. Orji is currently working on a book, executive producing a comedy for Disney+, and working on a sequel to Vacation Friends with John Cena and Lil Rel Howery. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Zahid Dewji

Improv, May 11

Zahid Dewji is actively working the comedy circuit here in Houston. He is featured heavily at the Secret Group, producing the weekly $2 Bill Show, while hosting the weekly Trash Flavored Trash show along with the monthly showcase Bad Idea. He’s coming off the Whitney Cummings Touch Me Tour, so if you haven’t had a chance to see him at the Secret Group, catch him at the Improv in May. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Affion Crockett

Improv, May 12-15

Affion Crockett got his start in dance, winning popping competitions at the age of 10. After graduating college, he set his sights on other aspects of the entertainment industry. His humble beginning at open mics eventually led him to HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. Crockett has carved a space for himself in the world of comedy with his impressions as well as physical comedy. He’s appeared in movies and television shows such as The Wedding Ringer, The Boondocks, Wild ’n Out and A Black Lady Sketch Show, and he’ll be at the Improv next month. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Daniel Tosh

Bayou Music Center, May 21

Daniel Tosh, best known for his long-running Comedy Central show Tosh.0, brings his show from the small screen to the live stage with his latest tour. Tosh is known for his irreverent, boundary-pushing comedy as well as his opinions on pop culture. If you’re a fan who has enjoyed his Comedy Central show, take the time out and go see him live. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Kevin James Thornton

Improv, May 26

Thornton has built up his TikTok following to 1.4 million followers, singing about different relatable moments with an auto-tuned voice. Starting out as a photographer and filmmaker, Thornton pivoted more into comedy on TikTok as work dwindled because of the pandemic. He’s currently on a multicity tour so, if you run across him on TikTok, make sure to see his show at the Improv in May. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Jess Hilarious

Improv, May 27-29

Jess Hilarious has built up her brand via social media, launching her onto shows like Wild ’n Out, All Def Comedy and a spot on Lil Rel Howry’s Fox show REL. She went on her own comedy tour back in 2017 and is back on the road now, hitting the Improv at the end of May. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Nick Kroll: Middle-Aged Boy Tour

House of Blues, June 11

Nick Kroll has been making his way through comedy circles for years, appearing in shows like The League, The Oh, Hello Show and the Kroll Show, while also making appearances in hit movies like Sing 2, Sausage Party, andThe Secret Life of Pets 2.He is also the co-creator and star of the Netflix smash animated hit Big Mouth and its spin-off, Human Resources. His latest tour was supposed to touch down in Houston in January but has been rescheduled for June, so if you’re a fan of Kroll’s comedy, you still have time to get tickets. For tickets and more information, visit here.