San Diegans who find themselves in need of a laugh in 2026 don’t have to look far.
Local comedy clubs, as well as venues for music, theater and other performances, are bringing some of the biggest names in comedy to their stages this year. Fans can expect two Wayans brothers, “Saturday Night Live” legends and other stars of standup to bring their jokes to San Diego County.
Some of these performers are offering shows on multiple nights, while others are dropping in for one night only. Here’s just a few of the many stand-up comedy shows to look forward to this year.
Shawn Wayans: One of the many funny members of the famous comedy family, Shawn Wayans is hitting the road ahead of the release of the sixth “Scary Movie” film, which also stars his brothers Marlon and Damon Wayans Jr., Anna Faris and Regina Hall. Fans may also known him from the other “Scary Movie” films and “White Chicks.” 7 to 9:30 p.m. March 27-28. Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. $48. micdropcomedysandiego.com
Leslie Jones: Stand-up comedian Leslie Jones is a voice actor behind popular animated movies “A Sloth Story,” “The Angry Birds Movie 2” and “Sing.” She’s also been an Emmy-nominated TV star as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” Her current comedy tour is titled, “Did You Forget? She’s Leslie F-ing Jones!” 7 and 9:30 p.m. May 1 and 2. Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. $49. micdropcomedysandiego.com
Atsuko Okatsuka attends night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. She’ll perform in San Diego on May 1 and 2. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Atsuko Okatsuka: One of the most creative and fashionable stars of stand-up will bring “The Big Bowl Tour” to San Diego. Atsuko Okatsuka has multiple comedy specials streaming, including 2025’s “Father.” Okatsuka finished her first world tour last year and has recently served as a judge on Season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” 8 p.m. May 1; 7 and 9:30 p.m. May 2. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. $52. sandiegotheatres.org/events/detail/atsuko-okatsuka-2026
Craig Robinson: The actor and comedian behind the beloved character Darryl Philbin on “The Office” has gone on to star in comedy films such as “This Is The End” and “Hot Tub Time Machine.” Earlier this year, he appeared on Broadway for “All Out: Comedy About Ambition.” He returns to the stand-up stage for three nights in San Diego. 8 p.m. May 28; 7 and 9 p.m. May 29 and 30. American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., San Diego. $48. americancomedyco.com
Jim Gaffigan: Veteran stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan is on the “Everything is Wonderful!” tour. The Grammy-nominated performer has recorded more than a dozen comedy specials, including “The Skinny,” “Dark Pale” and “Comedy Monster.” He has also written books on food, comedy and life as well as starring in “The Jim Gaffigan Show” on TV. 7 and 10 p.m. June 6. Harrah’s Resort Southern California, 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way,Funner. $78.65. harrahssocal.com/entertainment
Marlon Wayans arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. He’ll perform in San Diego July 10 and 11. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Marlon Wayans: If you missed the chance to see Shawn Wayans in March, here’s a chance to see his brother in July. Marlon Wayans, star of the recent horror film, “Him,” is on the “Wild Child Tour” this year. Fans may have also seen him in “Air,” “White Chicks,” and “Scary Movie.” 7 and 9:30 p.m. July 10 and 11; 6 p.m. July 12. Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. $59.50. micdropcomedysandiego.com
Host Nate Bargatze speaks during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. He’ll perform at Pechanga Arena in July. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Nate Bargatze: The “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour” is coming to San Diego. Nate Bargatze recently starred in the comedy movie, “The Breadwinner,” alongside Mandy Moore, and published a book titled, “Nate Bargatze: Stories from a Simpler Mind.” He can be seen in various comedy specials on Netflix and Amazon Prime and was the host of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2025. 7 p.m. July 16. Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. $65.12. pechangaarenasd.com
“Weird Al” Yankovic Yankovic will perform Sept. 16 at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
“Weird Al” Yankovic: The comedian known for some of the whackiest parody songs in American pop culture will take the stage at The Rady Shell. “Weird Al” Yankovic will visit San Diego on the “Bigger and Weirder” tour with special guest Puddles Pitty Party. Yankovic, a multiple Grammy Award winner, will perform new songs and fan favorites and will also be joined by his long-time band. 7 p.m. Sept. 16. The Rady Shell at Jacob Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. $71.50. theshell.org/performances/weird-al-2026
Dana Carvey: The “Saturday Night Live” legend and king of impressions will perform for one night in San Diego. Carvey hosts the “Fly on the Wall” podcast alongside fellow SNL veteran David Spade. Fans may have seen his return to the NBC sketch comedy show in 2024 as he portrayed then President Joe Biden. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Humphreys Concerts By the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. $109.40. humphreysconcerts.com