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Helium Comedy Club brings some of the nation’s best comics to its Southeast Portland venue.

Credit: Stuart Mullenberg

Comedy in Portland

Check out plenty of in-demand comedians in a classic format for sidesplitting humor — live and in person.

Updated Nov. 17, 2024 2 min read

Eric Gold

From stand-up comedy to improv comedy to sketch comedy Portland has any kind of comedy you may be looking for. Portland is known as the place up-and-coming comedians can cut their teeth and boasts many stages to bring you fresh, and very funny comedians, with plentiful open mic nights across the city to choose from, along with hilarious annual comedy festivals. There’s always something funny happening in Portland. Read on to learn more about the city’s vibrant comedy scene, then check out our events calendar to discover even more things to do on your next trip to Portland.

Helium

In the Central Eastside district, Helium delivers big-name talent like Saturday Night Live alumni Kevin Nealon and Jon Lovitz, other comedians you’ve seen on TV like Whitney Cummings, Chelsea Peretti, Patton Oswalt, Marc Maron, Neal Brennan, Nicole Byer, and many others. The venue, which features two full bars in addition to the main showroom, is known for its intimate setting. (Spectators are no more than 60 feet from performers.) No wonder Helium cultivates a respectful audience that is often rewarded with post-show meet-and-greets with the comics.

More Fun & Laughs

Free Live Music and Comedy in Portland

Discover a new favorite comic or musician at Portland’s free concerts and comedy nights, scattered across the city and scheduled throughout the week.

Niche Live Music Venues in Portland

These hidden gems are havens for jazz, punk, bluegrass, funk and more.

Portland Karaoke Bars and Nights

Choose from private suites, pop-up events, tiki drinks and Chinese food as you select your ideal Portland karaoke venue from among the city’s top spots.

Kickstand Comedy

Nonprofit Kickstand Comedy got its start in the basement of a bike shop, then spent some time tucked above the Siren Theater before taking over the former home of the Brody Theater in 2019. Recognized by Paste Magazine as one of the “Country’s Best Improv Theaters,” Kickstand produces all-ages, community-based shows, flagship weekend showcases, community events and comedy classes.

ComedySportz

Looking to participate? Head to ComedySportz in Northwest Portland, which has been a longtime favorite of local comedy-lovers.

Curious Comedy Theater

The not-for-profit, volunteer-managed Curious Comedy Theater in Northeast Portland hosts community events to “improve the lives of kids, adults and seniors through the art of comedy.”

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Credit: Ashley Anderson

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Credit: Jennie Baker

Funhouse Lounge

Head to Southeast Portland and you’ll find Funhouse Lounge, where cocktails, comedy, theater and improv converge against a background of clown-themed decor.