Cape Town has a thriving stand-up comedy scene with shows almost every night of the week where you could see big name acts from South Africa and abroad as well as a large number of genuine up and coming talents.
It can, at times, be difficult to find shows in Cape Town, so I decided to put together a list of all the shows, so you know when and where to go.
Tuesday Night Live Comedy
Comedy on Kloof — Pro-queer comedy show
They are Cape Town’s original queer-friendly comedy show. Providing a safe space for queer comics to practice the artform. It is hosted at Vortex on Cape Town’s iconic Kloof Street. It is every Tuesday and promises fresh jokes, cold drinks and a diverse crowd.
They host some of the country’s best acts, with promising up and coming comics to the occasional pop-in international act.
They also have a few other shows, such as a monthly gig at the Greek Fisherman in Sea Point. Tickets are R80.
Instagram | Ticket Link | Website
Wednesday Night Live Comedy
Gone Laughing at HiBall Cocktail Bar
A new intimate comedy show at HiBall CockTail Bar. Some of Cape Town’s best local comedy acts grace the stage, in a small setting which create the feeling of enjoying gutteral laughs amongst friends. Drink and food specials are available on top of the beautiful selection of cocktails.
On Shortmarket Street, the show is set deep in the heart of Cape Town’s historic CBD. Tickets are R100.
Fairly Odd Comedy at Obscene Parrot
This show is a wild ride. Obscene Parrot’s regulars make-up much of the audience while comedians push the limits of free speech. You will see new comics to underground comics with the occasional pop-in of South Africa’s best comedians.
Instagram | Ticket Link — It’s a Free show. You can go.
Thursday Night Comedy Shows
WhyDid Comedy at Obz Books
Comedy in the back of a bookshop what more could you want? An intimate show with food and drinks on offer, with a speakeasy setting at the back of Obz Books in Observatory.
Affordable pricing with student specials and excellent line-ups consisting of upcoming South African acts to the best the country has to offer.
Comedy in Common at Kaya Cafe
Every Thursday, except first Thursdays at Kaya HQ, Comedy in Common hosts comedy nights with South Africa’s top comedians.
To quote Loyiso Gola overheard one night, “dope room”. Or to quote the showrunners, “never a bad night at Kaya”. Enjoy a good night with Comedy in Common.
Mojo Market Comedy Nights
A free show every Thursday at Mojo Market. Set in Mojo Markets food court, comedians test their metal against the rowdy atmosphere of the market.
Go with a keen ear, and good sense of humour and you will have a good night!
Friday Night Comedy Shows
Grounded Comedy Nights at Ground Culture
The best show in the country according to the Savanna Comics Choice Awards. In 2026 the show was voted to win the best Festival or Comedy show award. It is set at what has become Cape Town’s primary comedy venue, Ground Culture in Observatory.
Run by comedian Jarryd Pillay, every Friday offers a fresh line-up with South Africa’s top comedians and the occasional world-famous comedian dropping in.
That’s Not Funny at The Antique Theatre (Monthly)
Cape Town’s only regular theatre show set at the new Antique Theatre on Kloof Street. It’s hosted by award-winning comedy producers That’s Not Funny, bringing established and fresh voices of South African comedy to the Antique Theatre.
Your resident hosts are the award-winning Chuma Bentele and Nate Levinrad.
Doors open at the 19:30 and the show starts at 20:00 and lasts roughly 120 minutes. Tickets are R150.
420-Friendly Comedy Shows
The 420 friendly shows in Cape Town are run by Candace Fortune. The owner of Kaas Kween Comedy, a proudly woman-owned and run comedy production house.
Shows run all over Cape Town at various venues.
Infusion Comedy Nights
Weekly shows at Infusion stores around Cape Town from Century City to Somerset West. They are free shows with excellent line-ups.
The Spot Comedy Show
Bi-monthly comedy showcase with Cape Town’s best acts hosted at the Spot Lounge on Cape Town’s iconic Buitenkant Street. Every two weeks a Wednesday you can find this 420-friendly comedy show.
Comedy Shows in Cape Town That No Longer Exist
When you search “Cape Town Comedy” or “Comedy in Cape Town” two key venues pop-up, while they were iconic in the South African comedy scene, they no longer exist.
In the past specific venues were where you would find stand-up comedy in the city. Stand-up comedy now is run by Comedy businesses rather than at venues themselves, so a show may change venues. If you find a show you really like, follow the Instagram page behind the show, that way you can always find where they end up.
The Cape Town comedy scene lost these two venues over the last few years:
Cape Town Comedy Club
The comedy club closed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic (it’s been closed for a while now). It used to be South Africa’s premium comedy venue set in Cape Town’s Waterfront. The venue is now a food market.
The people behind the club still run the occasional prestige show under the same name, so follow them to keep up with those shows.
Armchair Comedy
Armchair was the longest running show in the country before it closed in 2026. A heartbreaking moment for the Cape Town comedy scene.
It was the show, where you would see new acts develop into nationally and internationally recognised acts. The show was in the creative hub that is Observatory on Wednesdays. If you are looking for shows in the same suburb, check out WhyDid Comedy or Ground Culture.
If you specifically want a Wednesday show you can check Gone Laughing, Comedy on Kloof (occasional Wednesday shows in Cape Town), Kaas Kween Comedy (The Spot).
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