May 2025 - Upcoming Live Improv & Comedy Shows in Toronto: Find and Compare Your Tickets

Are you a comedy fan? Consider these activities in Toronto!

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Here’s a list of activities in Toronto to help you enjoy the city’s vibrant comedy scene to the fullest:

 

1. Attend Live Improv Shows

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Toronto is home to some of the best improv performances. Check out these renowned venues:

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• The Second City Toronto: Known for launching the careers of many famous comedians, this iconic venue offers nightly shows featuring top-notch improv and sketch comedy.

• Bad Dog Comedy Theatre: A hotspot for experimental and hilarious improv shows, perfect for fans of creative, on-the-spot humor.

• Comedy Bar: This hub for Toronto’s comedy scene offers a mix of improv, sketch, and stand-up performances.

 

2. Watch Stand-Up Comedy

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Catch hilarious stand-up routines by local and international comedians:

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• Yuk Yuk’s Toronto: A legendary comedy club featuring some of the best stand-up comics in the business.

• Absolute Comedy: Known for its intimate setting and lineup of top-tier comedians.

• The Corner Comedy Club: A cozy venue showcasing raw, unfiltered stand-up talent.

 

3. Take an Improv or Comedy Workshop

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Learn the art of comedy and improv from the pros:

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• Second City Training Centre: Offers classes in improv, sketch writing, and stand-up for beginners and seasoned performers alike.

• Bad Dog Comedy School: Perfect for learning improv techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment.

 

4. Enjoy Comedy Festivals

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Toronto hosts several comedy festivals throughout the year:

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• Just For Laughs Toronto (JFL42): A massive comedy festival featuring big-name comedians, improv shows, and live podcasts.

• Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival: Celebrate sketch comedy with performances by troupes from Canada and beyond.

• Big City Improv Festival: Canada’s largest improv festival, showcasing local and international improv groups.

 

5. Attend Open Mic Nights

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Experience grassroots comedy and support up-and-coming performers:

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• Comedy Bar Open Mic: A welcoming space for new comedians to test their material.

• Free Times Café: A cozy venue offering open mic nights for comedy, music, and more.

• The Social Capital Theatre (SoCap): A great spot for open mic nights with a mix of stand-up, improv, and sketch.

 

6. Explore Themed Comedy Nights

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Enjoy unique comedy experiences with creative themes:

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• Roast Battles: Watch comedians go head-to-head with hilarious insults and quick comebacks.

• Improv Karaoke: A fun twist on improv where performers create scenes based on random karaoke songs.

• Dungeons & Dragons Improv: Laugh as comedians improvise adventures inspired by the iconic tabletop game.

 

7. Combine Comedy with Dinner and Drinks

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Pair laughter with great food and drinks:

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• The Second City Toronto Dinner Package: Enjoy a meal before or after a show at a partnered restaurant.

• Comedy Bar’s In-House Bar: Sip on craft beers and cocktails while enjoying the show.

• Yuk Yuk’s Dinner & Show Packages: Treat yourself to dinner and stand-up comedy in one convenient outing.

 

8. Watch Live Comedy Podcasts

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Catch live recordings of comedic podcasts:

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• The Second City Podcast Shows: Often hosts live podcast recordings with talented comedians.

• Comedy Bar Live Podcasts: Features a variety of comedy-themed podcasts performed in front of live audiences.

 

9. Visit Comedy Landmarks

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Explore locations tied to Toronto’s comedy history:

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• The Second City Alumni Wall: Spot familiar faces of comedians who started their careers in Toronto.

• Comedy Bar: Known as the heart of Toronto’s modern comedy scene.

• Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre: Occasionally hosts comedy events in one of Toronto’s most beautiful historic venues.

 

10. Try Virtual or Outdoor Comedy Events

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Expand your comedy experience with unique formats:

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• Outdoor Comedy Shows: During warmer months, look for pop-up comedy shows in parks or patios, such as those hosted by Comedy on the D.

• Virtual Comedy Nights: Many local comedians and venues offer online shows and workshops for those who prefer to stay home.

 

11. Meet Local Comedians

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Stay after shows for meet-and-greets or take part in comedy community events:

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• Mingle with performers at Comedy Bar’s Lounge.

• Network with comedians at Bad Dog Comedy Theatre’s post-show socials.

 

12. Explore Toronto’s Comedy History

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Take a walk through the city’s comedy past:

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• Learn about Toronto’s role in shaping modern North American comedy, from SCTV’s roots to today’s thriving scene.

 

Whether you’re a fan of improv, sketch comedy, or stand-up, Toronto’s comedy scene offers a wide range of activities and experiences to keep you laughing. Plan your comedy-filled adventure and enjoy the best of what the city has to offer!