Chicago, home to legendary stand-up comedy venues, is the city that birthed The Second City and the great John Belushi! If you're looking to host a comedy gig, you've come to the comedy capital. With an abundance of venues specifically designed for stand-up comedy, Chicago will make your audience roll with laughter! These stand-up comedy venues are the heart of the city's entertainment scene, offering the perfect settings for a humorous evening. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into Chicago's comedy culture and find the best stand-up comedy venues for your next event!
Booking costs of stand-up comedy venues average $200 hire fee per hour. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Chicago, based on Tagvenue data from December 2025:
| From $100 | to $350 | hire fee per hour |
| From $1500 | to $3000 | minimum spend per event |
| From $5000 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated December 2025), the best options include:
The Fremont at iO Theater
in Near North Side - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Everything went extremely smoothly! Highly recommend iO Theater's venue space!’
Entire Venue at Claddagh Ring Pub
in Ravenswood - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘There was no cost to booking the party room and the staff and drinks was amazing.’
Whole Venue at Theme House Restaurant & Karaoke Bar
in Chinatown - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Drinks were great too, and the whole setup created the perfect vibe for our event.’
You'll find stand-up comedy venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Chicago, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (December 2025):
| Small | up to 75 guests | prices average $200 hire fee per hour |
| Medium | between 100 and 150 guests | prices average $200 hire fee per hour |
| Large | over 185 guests | prices average $300 hire fee per hour |
Here are some interesting suggestions:
River North & Downtown: Known for their entertainment scene, these areas offer comedy clubs, bars, and lounges perfect for stand-up shows. Many iconic venues of the legendary Chicago comedy scene are located here.
Wicker Park & Logan Square: If you're seeking a more alternative or indie comedy vibe, these trendy neighborhoods offer unique spaces, including intimate bars and clubs that regularly host comedy nights.
Lakeview: Home to the famous Second City, Lakeview is synonymous with comedy in Chicago. Here you'll find a mix of comedy clubs and theaters suitable for both up-and-coming and established comedians.
First of all, choose a venue with the right ambiance. Many comedy clubs and bars in Chicago cater to comedy nights, providing proper seating, lighting, and sound systems. Consider hiring local comedians who understand Chicago's sense of humor. Engaging with the local comedy scene might help you find budding talents. Lastly, utilize local entertainment guides like "Time Out Chicago" or "Chicago Reader" to advertise your event. Social media platforms are also effective for targeting comedy fans in the area. If you follow these steps, we are sure your fantastic stand-up event will be the talk of the entire city!
Page last updated in December 2025
To provide you with relevant information, our pages are refreshed using an algorithm that aggregates real-time data, including bookings, reviews, and venue updates.