Is stand-up comedy your thing? Surprisingly, you can catch a lot of comedy shows in San Diego, and mostly are for free! As a best-kept secret in the world of stand-up comedy, San Diego is considered as a home to group of comedians who are just as funny, devoted, and creative as their compatriots in Los Angeles.
Although the city has four known expensive comedy clubs, you can still find some vibrant underground comedy scene where laughs can be availed for a cheap rate, and often free, thankfully. All you have to do is to read the list below:
1. LIGHTS OUT AT THE KENSINGTON CLUB
Location: Kensington
When: Last Monday of every month
Rate: Free
Show starts at 9pm. Bonus tip: a stand-up competition called as Comedy Kumite is open every Thursday night.
2. COMEDY NIGHS AT WESTY’S
Location: Point Loma
When: One Friday a month (Please check its FB page ahead of ime)
Rate: Free
Show starts at 7pm, hosted by New York’s veteran comedian Mary Prantil. Westy’s is programmed like a club show that has two feature acts and one main performer.
3. The Wood
Location: Pacific Beach
When: Every Wednesday night
Rate: Free before 9pm and $5 after
Comics are booked by Josh Nelson and the bar gets packed all the time, so make sure to arrive before 9pm.
4. Lestat’s
Location: Normal Heights
When: Every Tuesday
Rate: Free
Located next door to a coffee shop, this bar presents the best local talents in San Diego has to offer and Los Angeles’ indie experts. Make sure to also watch the A-lists kike Morgan Murphy, Jerrod Carmichael, and Eddie Pepitone on some Tuesdays. If you don’t want to watch from the sidewalk, get there early for the seats are limited.
5. Home and Away
Location: Old Town
When: Every Monday
Rate: Free
This new nightlife scene in Old Town offers more than the free comedy shows, from tons of games to great pub fare. A weekly show is operated here by Josh Nelson, intended to beat your Monday blues. Show starts at 8pm.
6. Comedy Heights at Twiggs Green Room
Location: University Heights
When: Every Saturday
Rate: Free
A comedy bar that’s perfect for family, the weekly shows here are definitely clean and perfect for the sensitive ears. This place has no corkage so feel free to bring your own food, but munchies and coffee are also available here. Fun starts at 8pm.
7. Comedy Night at the Riviera
Location: La Mesa
When: First Thursday of the month
Rate: Free
After having some scrumptious steaks, expect Dustin Jackson along with his local comics to help you digest what you’ve eaten by laughing non-stop.
8. Live Comedy Night at O’Harley’s Brewhouse
Location: Rancho Bernardo
When: Every last Saturday of the month
Rate: Free
Treat yourselves with pizza and beer as you laugh with a mix of promising newbies and comic pros.
