Laugh Out Loud — Where to Catch Live Comedy in Arlington

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Arlington punches well above its weight for a county its size when it comes to live stand-up comedy. The anchor of the scene is the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse on Columbia Pike, which brings nationally touring comedians to its historic 1940s theater on a weekly basis — with dine-in table service making each show a full evening out. The Drafthouse’s current calendar includes former Saturday Night Live cast members Kevin Nealon and Tim Meadows, David Koechner of The Office and Anchorman, Caroline Rhea of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Last Comic Standing winner Alonzo Bodden—a lineup that rivals far larger dedicated comedy clubs in the region. Tickets typically run $18–$28 at arlingtondrafthouse.com. For free monthly improv, Upside on Moore in Rosslyn hosts Improv Comedy Night on the first Friday of every month in the Spout Run Room — walk-in friendly with reservations recommended at upsideonmoore.com.

Beyond those anchors, Arlington’s comedy calendar has expanded considerably in recent years. Crystal City Sports Pub’s third-floor lounge hosts regular stand-up nights, Courthaus Social in Clarendon runs its Comedy Bunker series, and Busboys & Poets in Shirlington hosts the DC Comedy Club Takeover on select Wednesdays—all offering low-cost or free admission with drinks available. Taco Rock in Rosslyn hosts the Rock Comedy Tour on selected Saturday evenings. For the most comprehensive and current calendar of comedy events across Arlington, check allevents.in/arlington-va/comedy filtering by Arlington — new shows are added regularly and many sell out.