So I did the thing everyone says they want to do — I signed up for an open mic at Dallas Comedy Club on a Wednesday night. Hands shaking, material written on my phone, absolutely terrified. Bombed my first set. Got one laugh and it was at something I said accidentally.
But I kept going and here's what I discovered: DFW has a legit comedy scene that most people don't know exists.
Dallas Comedy Club in Deep Ellum is ground zero. Wednesday open mics — sign up at 7, show at 8, free to watch. The regulars are scary good. Some of them are clearly going to be doing Netflix specials in 5 years and right now you can watch them work out material for free in a room with 40 people. The improv shows on weekends are $10-15 and consistently funny.
Addison Improv gets the big touring acts. $20-35 plus a 2-item minimum which is annoying but whatever, you were going to have two drinks anyway. It's where you go to see someone you recognize.
Four Day Weekend in Fort Worth has been running for 20+ years and I honestly think it's because they're just... genuinely funny. The crowd participation stuff actually works. I took my parents there and my dad laughed harder than I've seen in years.
The thing nobody talks about: the underground mic scene. Follow @dallascomedyscene on IG. Random standup shows pop up in bars, backyards, taco shops. I did a set in the back of a barbershop in Oak Cliff last month. There were 15 people there and it was one of the best comedy shows I've ever been to.
Deep Ellum Art Co does free comedy Fridays. Free. Comedy. In Deep Ellum. And people still don't go. Wild.
If you've ever thought about trying standup: just go to the Wednesday open mic at DCC. Worst case you bomb and nobody remembers. Best case you find something you love. I did.