Laughter is the best medicine \u2014 unless your symptoms include an empty wallet. Luckily, New York City offers the perfect remedy with plenty of free comedy shows that promise big laughs without draining your bank account. Whether you\u2019re a die-hard live comedy fan, looking to dodge another night of doomscrolling or are an aspiring comedian yourself, skip the cover charge and treat yourself to some giggles at these spots.<\/p>\n
Monday: \u2018Frantic!<\/a>\u2019 at The Stand<\/p>\n What better way is there to start your week than with a free stand-up show right by campus? Located right next to Union Square, comedian Aaron Berg hosts the free show \u201cFrantic!\u201d every Monday night at The Stand. With a combination of club regulars and up-and-coming talent, these shows have featured comedians like Marcello Hern\u00e1ndez, Natalie Cuomo and Lucas Zelnick. These shows are exactly what their name suggests: high-energy and packed with comics who thrive in a fast-paced environment.<\/p>\n Tuesday: \u2018Not Ripe Bananas<\/a>\u2019 at West Side Comedy Club<\/p>\n For those in search of a comedy show that\u2019s a little more unpredictable, \u201cNot Ripe Bananas\u201d is your Tuesday night salvation. Held at the cozy West Side Comedy Club on the Upper West Side, \u201cNot Ripe Bananas\u201d challenges a rotating lineup of professional comedians to work on fresh material every week. Think of it as a playground for experienced comics who aren\u2019t afraid to get a little bruised trying something new.<\/p>\n Wednesday: \u2018We Have Fun<\/a>\u2019 at Young Ethel\u2019s<\/p>\n Forget your midweek slump at \u201cWe Have Fun.\u201d Comedian writers Dan Wilbur and Zachary Sims host the show, bringing a new group of comics to the backroom of Young Ethel\u2019s in Park Slope every week. If the element of surprise isn\u2019t your thing, featured comedians are posted in advance on the show\u2019s Instagram<\/a>. But with a lineup that frequently includes comedians from Comedy Central and \u201cThe Late Show,\u201d you\u2019re guaranteed to have a good time even if you go in blind.<\/p>\n Thursday: \u2018Demon Time<\/a>\u2019 at Eris<\/p>\n If stand-up comedy isn\u2019t exactly your cup of tea, the Brooklyn Comedy Collective\u2019s show \u201cDemon Time\u201d is for you. This show treats 21+ audiences in Williamsburg to new improvised sketches every week. Performed in the lower level of the Eris theater, \u201cDemon Time\u201d is a delightfully chaotic and absurd time. Make sure you get there early, though \u2014 there are only 35 seats available and standing room offered up to capacity.<\/p>\n Friday: \u2018Bitches\u2019 Brew<\/a>\u2019 at Halyard\u2019s Bar\u00a0<\/p>\n Fridays are for fun, and the comedy variety show \u201cBitches\u2019 Brew\u201d makes a point of delivering it in full force. The show transforms the backroom of Halyard\u2019s Bar in Gowanus, Brooklyn, into a comedy den where both seasoned professionals and rising talent can shine. Additionally, \u201cBitches\u2019 Brew\u201d is one of the city\u2019s longest-running female-produced weekly shows. With no shortage of killer performers, including musical comics, this show is sure to start your weekend off with a bang.<\/p>\n Saturday: \u2018Bomb Shelter Comedy<\/a>\u2019 at The Gaf West\u00a0<\/p>\n Ring in the weekend at Hell\u2019s Kitchen\u2019s free comedy speakeasy, \u201cBomb Shelter Comedy.\u201d You\u2019ll be able to watch comedians you recognize from Comedy Cellar and Netflix, mixed in with plenty of fresh faces. Past comics have included big names like Mark Normand and Che Durena, but you never know who might show up. If you\u2019re free throughout the week, \u201cBomb Shelter\u201d is also hosted on Thursday nights at The Gaf West.<\/p>\n Sunday: Open Mics<\/p>\n If you feel inspired to test out your own comedic chops, try checking out one of the many open mic shows around the city. These shows give anyone the chance to sign up to perform on stage, making them the perfect opportunity to try out something new and let your jokes be heard. Most venues offer free open mics at least once a week, so try checking out one of the many comedy clubs near Washington Square Park, like The Grisly Pear<\/a> and The Duplex<\/a>. Or head to the Upright Citizens Brigade<\/a> on the second and fourth Sundays of every month for their \u201cBring Your Own Thing\u201d open mic, which welcomes sketch, improv, stand-up and musical comedy.<\/p>\n Contact Fiona Clifford-Fotopoulos at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.<\/p>\n