Buffalo Comedy: Local and national performers alike are heading to Buffalo for a big comedy weekend in WNY

(Above: Randy Feltface via http://www.feltface.com).

By Jason Pomietlasz

If it feels like this summer went faster than usual, it’s because it’s true. The Earth’s rotational speed increased in 2025, resulting in several of the shortest days on record, especially July 9, July 22, and August 5. This speed-up was temporary, with the slight acceleration not noticeable to humans, and was caused by the Moon’s gravitational pull shifting as it moved in its orbit. So even if the science nerds are saying you couldn’t tell, trust your instincts and go see live comedy, before it’s too late.

Thursday, Dec. 4

Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave., Suite 207, Buffalo.
Improv Mixer, a relaxed environment to try out improv or just to watch. Sign-ups at 6:45 p.m., 7 start. $5 suggested or pay what you can. 

Buffalo Comedy Collective, 155 Chandler Street, Buffalo. 8 p.m., tickets $10. 

The Comedy Showcase, formerly held at Misuta Chows, is now at the BCC. Host Gian Carlo Misso will bring Kelsey McCormick, Jhonny Caliente, Nate English, Josh Prygon, David Lundy, Trebor Finnegan, Cat Mattis and Eric Basile to the stage. The event is 18+ recommended due to content.

Thursday – Saturday, Dec. 4 – 6

Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi Street, Buffalo. Times vary, tickets $19.80 – 48.99.

Randy Feltface has spent his career denying that he is nothing more than a gimmick, apparently because his face is literally made from felt as well as the rest of his body. But could “just a gimmick” write and perform eight comedy specials, sell out shows around the world and be nominated for Best Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The answer is yes, yes they could because he’s a puppet controlled by a person. 

Friday, Dec. 5 

Buffalo Comedy Collective, 155 Chandler Street, Buffalo. 

Comedy Sportz match-up. Two teams “competitively” play short form improv games with suggestions from the audience, who also decides the winner. 7:30 p.m., tickets $18. 

Pointing Fingers, is a game hosted by Holly Golden, where special guests attempt to uncover each other’s secrets with fun and provocative questions. This month’s guests are Buffalo Roller Derby members. 9:30 p.m., tickets $18.

Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave., Suite 207, Buffalo. 

Given Half A Chance, pairs an actor, prepared with lines from a selected play, with a comic who  improvises their lines in response to the actor. 7:30 p.m., tickets $20 presale or $25 general admission.

The New Friday Mixer, same as Thursday’s mixer, just a later time. 9:30 p.m., tickets $5 or pay what you can. 

Saturday, Dec. 6 

Buffalo Comedy Collective, 155 Chandler Street, Buffalo. 6 p.m., tickets $18.

ComedySportz Saturday match-up. Two teams “competitively” play short form improv games with suggestions from the audience, who also decides the winner. 

Same Game, an interactive improvised game show inspired by shows such as Match Game and Family Feud. 8:30 p.m., tickets $18. 

Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave., Suite 207, Buffalo. 

“Ha Ha Show,” an all-ages variety show with comedy scenes, made-up songs, and audience interaction. 5 p.m., tickets $12, $8 for ages 16 & under.

“Various Factors,” a broadway-esque improv musical comedy show where everything is made up on the spot, including lyrics, melodies and choreography. All inspired from audience suggestions. 7 p.m., tickets $20 presale or $25 general admission.  

Given Half A Chance, pairs an actor, prepared with lines from a selected play, with a comic who  improvises their lines in response to the actor. 8:30 p.m., tickets $20 presale or $25 general admission.

**A bonus “Given Half A Chance,” with the same actors from Friday’s show but different improvisers.

The Caz, 2221 Seneca St., Buffalo. 7 p.m., tickets starting at $25. 

Buffalo native Tom Irwin brings his “Get off the Couch” tour to South Buffalo. Irwin is a founding member of GIs Of Comedy and has been featured on Talk Of The Nation, This American LIfe, and performed his one person show “25 Days In Iraq” at The White House. Mike Wilson will open the show and Jeff Senn will be the musical guest.

Milkie’s Elmwood Lounge, 522 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo. 9:30 p.m., tickets $23.18.

Michael Turner’s “The Road Warrior” Tour, which was created from Turner doing shows alongside the Cincinnati Bengals road schedule, comes to Elmwood Village. Turner has been featured on Netflix Is A Joke Radio and covered the NFL and other sports for NBC Sports and Bally’s Sports. His video series called “Mike’d Up” features tail gating stories which is something Buffaloians can appreciate even if he is a Bengals fan. 

Monday, Dec. 8

Tudor Lounge, 335 Franklin Street, Buffalo, 8:30 p.m. 

Comedy Open Mic Comedy. Start your week by hearing new premises and jokes. Once again hosted by the venerable Don Johnson with a bucket draw. Sign-ups at 7. Free.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen Street, Buffalo, 9 p.m. 

Rust Belt Comedy Showcase, Buffalo’s longest running comedy show hosted by Jake Samson and Jake Piskor also known as the two Jakes. Signups at rustbeltcomedy.weebly.com. Free. 

Matinee, 698 Main St., Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Train Stop Comedy, open mic comedy with host Mamudu Kargbo. For all levels of comics and audiences. Signups at 7 p.m., 17 comic limit. Free. 

Third Space Cafe & Entertainment, 777 Main St., Buffalo, 6:30 p.m.

The Early Bird Comedy Open Mic. Still a newish open mic hosted by Brody Walsh and Connor Mink. Signups start at 5:30 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Milkie’s Elmwood Lounge, 522 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo. 

Comedy Open Mic Comedy. Sign-ups at 7 or online, show starts at 9ish p.m. Hosted by the super funny Jesse Winterhalter. Free. 

Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi Street, Buffalo. 7:30 p.m., tickets $19.70 – 42.99.

Kerwin Claiborne grew up watching Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, and Tyler Perry which influenced his internet personalities of Ms. Mary, Uncle Leroy and Miss Keisha and have made them so relatable. Claiborne just started his own comedy production called “Don’t You Do This To Me” which has sold out every venue it has appeared at.  

Have a comedy event you want to add, email lakeeffectcomedy@gmail.com.