Laughter releases endorphins, strengthens your immune system, stimulates circulation, and helps you relax. In other words, it feels great! In honor of International Moment of Laughter Day on April 14, we’re listing some Downtown opportunities to chuckle at some professional jokesters at a comedy club, or have some laughs at one of Downtown’s open mic nights.
We’re also noting some karaoke spots — but not because you’ll be there to laugh AT people, of course! With karaoke there’s always the possibility of being pleasantly surprised and amused by someone’s hidden abilities or heartfelt effort. And remember: You can contribute YOUR talents and give the gift of laughter at several of these establishments!
CLUBS & DRINKERIES THAT HOST COMEDY
LAUGH FACTORY / 152 S PINE AVE.
This 670-seat club is the largest comedy venue in the world! At the Laugh Factory you can enjoy live comedy five nights a week — including shows every Wednesday night with international comedy star Paul Rodriguez. The club is also host to the Laugh Factory Stand-Up Comedy Hall of Fame and Museum, featuring memorabilia that belonged to everyone from Rodney Dangerfield to Groucho Marx. For details on shows and to get tickets, click here.
THE BLEND COMEDY NIGHT @ BEACHWOOD BLENDERY / 247 LONG BEACH BLVD.
Get ready for maximum amusement at THE BLEND Comedy Night on Wednesday, April 24 from 7 to 9 PM at Beachwood Blendery! Beachwood, loved locally for its amazing tap list, has put together a superb lineup of comedians who have appeared on Comedy Central, Hulu, and other high-level platforms of laughter! For tickets, click here.
CONGREGATION BREWERY & COCINA / 201 E BROADWAY
A Downtown fixture for over 10 years, Congregation Brewery & Cocina has become well known for its amazing beer selection and American grill grub in a spacious, church-y atmosphere. Over the years, the venue has been serving up live comedy as well! On Thursday, April 11 at 8 PM you can enjoy the return of Comedy Night, featuring a lineup of seven hilarious comedians. It’s a FREE show! Stop in, grab a glass of your favorite IPA, and prepare to be entertained. For more info, click here.
THE FRIENDZONE COMEDY SHOW @ FICKLEWOOD CIDERWORKS / 720 E BROADWAY
You can get some of the best ciders brewed on-site in Southern California at Ficklewood Ciderworks — and one night per month you can get served with comedy that, according to its promoters, is “extra intimate, extra weird, and extra boozy!” The next Friendzone Comedy Show at Ficklewood is happening Friday, April 26 starting at 8 PM. No cover charge! Seating is first-come, first-serve. For more details, click here.
OPEN MIC NIGHTS
PARTAKE COLLECTIVE / 456 ELM AVE.
Partake Collective, which offers commercial kitchen spaces to entrepreneurial chefs, is presenting an Open Mic Night on Friday, April 19 starting at 5 PM. Be there to enjoy what local comedians, musicians, storytellers, and poets are cooking up. If you have a talent you’d like to bring to this party, get there early and sign up! For details about Partake Collective, click here.
THRIVAL X CONFIDENTIAL @ CONFIDENTIAL COFFEE / 137 W 6TH ST., STE. 101
Tickets are going FAST for the next open mic night at Confidential Coffee! Every second Friday, this coffee spot hosts THRIVAL X CONFIDENTIAL, an all-arts open mic night. Show up Friday, April 12 at 5:30 PM, sit back with your Matcha Horchata or Mexican Hot Chocolate, and dig the offerings of local painters, dancers, poets, musicians — and comedians, of course. Get your event tickets here, and if you want to participate, get there early for sign-ups!
KARAOKE
THE QUEEN MARY / 1126 Queens Hwy.
Step to the mic in the Queen Mary’s Observation Bar — the one that hosted traveling superstars like Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire — and wake up the echoes of bygone eras! Karaoke @ the OB happens every Wednesday from 6 to 10 PM in this art deco palace, so whether you’re just there to listen or plan on shocking the crowd with your prodigious pipes, a splendid time is guaranteed for all. Admission to the ship is FREE after 6 PM for karaoke attendees. Discount parking is available as well ($10).
SECRET ISLAND TIKI LOUNGE / 209 PINE AVE.
TONIGHT within the tiki-covered walls of this exotic, subterranean bar, you can sing your heart out during Karaoke With Tice! Starting at 7 PM, musician Tice Griffin will be the Master of Ceremonies and the enabler of tons of hidden musical talent. Karaoke happens every Thursday at Secret Island, so practice up for your Mai Tai-infused karaoke debut!
MEZCALERO LBC / 525 E BROADWAY
On Karaoke & Margarita Monday, which is every Monday at Mezcalero starting at 7 PM, you can get loose for your evening performance by enjoying $8 Margaritas all day! Hosted by Kraken Karaoke, this is a beautiful place to lift your voice in song while enjoying the amenities; agave spirits, craft cocktails, a festive atmosphere, and a rooftop patio! Click here to check out the fantastic drink menu and get a sneak peak at this bar’s hipness.