Last Updated on March 29, 2023
Who’s ready to laugh?!
What do you call it when you excavate the largest dinosaur tibia ever found?
A big shin dig!
Okay, okay. Maybe we’ll stick to real estate and let the city’s comedians tell the jokes.
Asheville’s comedy culture has been steadily growing for the last few years. If you haven’t seen a good stand-up set in a while, you’re missing out. The city hosts an annual Asheville Comedy Festival. And from shows starring nationally-known giants to upstarts at open mics, comedy lovers can get their giggle on at shows around town throughout the year.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list. But if you’re in the mood for a good chuckle, here are a few choice venues for finding great comedy in Asheville.
The Orange Peel
Slice of Life Comedy is Asheville’s premiere comedy club, but you may have trouble finding them on a map. That’s because they have called The Orange Peel and that venue’s downstairs Pulp Lounge home since 2010. Over the last decade, Slice of Life has worked to nurture Asheville’s amazing local comedy scene by producing numerous comedy shows at venues, large and small, all across the community. They even help promote comedy shows by other clubs. After all, as they say, it’s all about the laughs!
101 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville | (828) 398-1837 | theorangepeel.net
Rabbit Rabbit
Longtime local producers Slice of Life Comedy and Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge co-host comedy on Thursdays on the rooftop of Rabbit Rabbit, Asheville Pizza’s South Slope outdoor space. But pay no mind to the passersby who think the whole crowd is delirious! These “silent” shows are facilitated through bluetooth speakers. Comedian Cody Hughes hosts eight traveling or local comics who have each prepared 10-minute sets. And there’s a short open-mic segment reserved for anyone who wants to try their luck with the crowd.
75 Coxe Avenue, Asheville | (828) 398-1837 | rabbitrabbitavl.com
The Grey Eagle
A longstanding Asheville favorite, the Grey Eagle is primarily known for their nationally-renowned music shows, as well as for their delicious tacos (yum!). But keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming comedy shows. The venue brings in top talents from around the region and across the country, and has bubbled up to become one of the acclaimed spots in the Southeast for live entertainment. To mention one upcoming show, those who aren’t easily offended will love the hilarious parodies and drunken singalongs of Justin Golan’s Piano Comedy Tour.
185 Clingman Avenue, Asheville | (828) 232-5800 | thegreyeagle.com
The Odd
Looking for a comedy venue that lives up to its name? The Odd is a place for wicked good times, freakishly incredible events, and an anomaly of art and artifacts. This dive bar-slash-music venue-slash-art gallery-slash-oddities museum hosts a wide range of “odd” events, from dance parties and burlesque to comedy in all its forms. Keep an eye on their events schedule for touring comedians. Or pop in on Tuesdays for their regular comedy open mic night.
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville | (828) 575-9299 | theoddasheville.com
The Big Purple Bus
Is stand up comedy not really your thing? Try jumping on the big purple bus instead. More than a city bus tour, the LaZoom bus promises riders a show. And, boy, do they deliver! The iconic purple bus offers tours that are both historical and hysterical. Tours are hosted and interrupted by wacky and tacky characters that pop on and off the bus. Adding to the fun, riders are welcome to BYOB for the tour. We know you’ve seen them around town. Hop aboard the bus and enjoy a side splitting tour of town!
76 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville | (828) 225-6932 | lazoomtours.com
Smile Every Day in Asheville, NC
With a population of 90,000+, Asheville is the largest city in both Buncombe County and Western North Carolina. Asheville serves as the area’s economic and cultural nerve center in many ways, including as a hub for education, healthcare, local arts and crafts, entertainment, night life, and innovative food and drink. Throughout the city, Asheville’s neighborhoods are interconnected, not just by our mountains and rivers, but also by our local community centers—those intentionally created and those that have grown organically.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Browse Asheville, North Carolina real estate here.
