Free live comedy every bloody night of the week ain’t no laughing matter, in fact, it’s the reality here in little old Melbourne. As it turns out, we’ve got more than enough venues throwing down open mic sessions to fill up every single school night on the calendar. The trick is knowing exactly where to look.
Here’s what a typical week looks like on Melbourne’s free live comedy scene.
Monday
Comedy @ Spleen | Spleen Bar
CBD
In the last year, Spleen Bar’s comedy sesh has had drop-ins from the likes of Wil Anderson, Charlie Pickering, Adam Hills, Josh Thomas, Lehmo, Fiona O'Loghlin, Jimeoin, Frank Woodley, Todd Barry, Greg Fleet, Tom Gleeson, Corinne Grant, Claire Hooper, Sammy J and Tom Ballard.
When: Mondays, 8:30 - 10:30pm
For more info, click here
Quick Bites Comedy | Boney
CBD
Every Monday night Boney opens its doors at 6pm for its weekly Quick Bites Comedy sesh. It’s even been known to host a cheeky international might drop in or two.
When: Mondays, 6:30pm
For more info, click here
Tuesday
Lido Comedy | Lido Cinemas
Hawthorn
If you head to the Jazz Room at Lido Cinemas at 7:30pm on a Tuesday, you’ll be treated to a complimentary evening of comedy, hosted by Lewis Dowell. Make sure you book to reserve your seat or you’ll be laughing from the gutter outside.
When: Tuesdays, 7:30pm
For more info, click here
Imperial Comedy | The Imperial Hotel
CBD
Every single Tuesday night, the Imperial Hotel throws done not one but two ripper stand-up comedy shows at 7:30pm and 8:30pm. There are also two restaurants on site because ain’t nothing worse than laughing on an empty stomach.
When: Tuesdays, 7:30pm & 8:30pm
For more info, click here
Bertie's Comedy Jam
Windsor
Head southside to a free night of laughs at our favourite cheap eatery on Chapel Street. Not only are there bargain pizzas (for only $4!!) but there are also bargain laughs upstairs from 9pm every Tuesday.
When: Tuesdays, 9:00pm
For more info, click here
Wednesday
Comedy at Highlander | Highlander
CBD
If you head to the Highlander on a Wednesday night at 7pm, you’ll be treated to no less than five free comedy acts, plus $5 house whiskeys and half price their single malt of the week.
When: Wednesdays, 7:00pm
For more info, click here
Dirty Secrets Comedy | Caz Reitop’s Dirty Secrets
Collingwood
The laughs are many and close together every Wednesday at Caz Reitop’s Dirty Secrets in Collingwood. The mic is open for all, just put your name down from 7pm.
When: Wednesdays, 7:30pm
For more info, click here
Rookie Nights | The Imperial Hotel
CBD
When it comes to free comedy, The Imperial Hotel just won’t quit. Alongside both its Tuesday night shows, it also has an open mic night on Wednesdays where sign ups are welcome from 7pm.
When: Wednesdays, 7:30pm
For more info, click here
Guerilla Comedy | The Resistance Bar & Cafe
Hawthorn
Hawthorn certainly delivers on Wednesday nights with a laidback night of comedy at The Resistance Bar & Cafe where bean bags are a plenty, $5 tap beers are cold and a hilarious lineup of comedians is always scheduled.
When: Wednesdays, 8pm
For more info, click here
Crab Lab | House Of Maximon Bar
CBD
If staying put in the CBD is more your thing, The Crab Lab room at the House of Maximon Bar will give you a good old fashioned dose of humour every Wednesday night at 8:30pm.
When: Wednesdays, 8:30pm
For more info, click here
Thursday
Stand Up in the Attik | Attik
Prahran
Prahran’s Attik puts on a stellar night of laughs every Thursday with its open mic night. Comedians of all ability are welcome to show off their best material on stage and enjoy a well deserved drink afterwards.
When: Thursdays, 8:00pm
For more info, click here
Rochey Comedy | Rochester Hotel
Fitzroy
For absolutely zero dollars, you can watch some of the country’s best comics in action at Fitzroy’s Rochester Hotel every Thursday night. You might even catch a glimpse of an international name too...
When: Thursdays, 8:30pm
For more info, click here
Comedy at Exford | The Exford Hotel
CBD
The Exford Hotel in the CBD is a Melbourne comedy institution, serving up five-star laughs every Thursday night at 8:30pm in the Wintergarden Room.
When: Thursday, 8:30pm
For more info, click here
Friday
Comedy Lockdown | Maroondah Sports Club
Ringwood
To top of a ripper week of laughs is the Friday night Comedy Lockdown at Maroondah Sports Club in Ringwood where you can take in the comedic finesse of local comics every second Friday of the month at 8pm.
When: Every second Friday of the month, 8-10pm
For more info, click here
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Image credit: Boney