Not much can compare to a good belly laugh with friends; comedy shows provide the perfect outlet. As Bozeman grows, so does the comedy scene, with national, regional, and local performers gracing the stage in intimate and large venues. And, if you’re an aspiring comic, classes and workshops take place year-round. You can even try your skills on one of the open mic nights!
We’ve put together a guide for the comedy scene in Bozeman, including all the places you should follow to stay abreast of the latest schedules!
Last Best Comedy
You’ll love the atmosphere at Last Best Comedy, located in the basement of the historic Bozeman Hotel. It’s cozy and intimate, with great lighting, sound, and a full bar. Open Tuesday through Saturday, they have a standard repertoire of improv and standup and featured comedians throughout the month. Classes for both improv and standup are available on an ongoing basis, but book early; they fill up quickly!
Ellen Theatre
The beautifully restored Ellen Theatre hosts popular names like Paula Poundstone (appearing February 17, 2024). Their carefully curated performances are always top-notch, and the theater itself is worth a visit. The elaborate crown moldings, gilded plaster carvings, and ornate light fixtures reflect a bygone era. Opened in 1919, the Ellen remains a shining showcase in Bozeman.
ELM
The newest venue to come on the scene, the ELM, hosts comedians to Bozeman in their state-of-the-art venue. This month, Steve Treviño brings his Good Life tour to the mountains on February 1. Balcony seating is available for all shows, but there’s not a bad seat in the house with stadium floors, exceptional sound, and a full bar on each level.
Rialto
Another Bozeman icon, the Rialto, has also been restored with a modern sound system, spectacular lighting, and a cozy balcony. Ian Bagg performs on February 22, a comedian and cohost of the weekly hockey podcast, “Enjoying Orange Slices with Jeff and Ian.” Full bar available.
Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture
The hub of art in Bozeman, Emerson hosts events such as Super Mic Comedy Showcase, featuring Bozeman’s up-and-coming standups. Home to many artist studios, galleries, shops, and educational opportunities, watch the event calendar for comedy, music, dance, and theater performances throughout the year.
Verge Theater
For the aspiring comics out there, Verge Theater is the place to go. Intro to Improv workshops run regularly; improv performances often grace their schedule. Check out their residency programs to take your performance one step further.
Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Montana State University
Another great venue to watch is the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, which hosts stellar comics like Trevor Noah and Jeff Dunham. Located on the campus of Montana State University, you can also enjoy Broadway in Bozeman and traveling Broadway performances that are a welcome treat in the Montana mountains. Famous musicians, family-friendly theater, and cultural events like the annual American Indian Council Powwow are also worth watching the schedule for.
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In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.