Celebrating its first year in business, Comedy Plex Comedy Club continues to attract big names and local talent to its vibrant, intimate 150-seat club with a sleek design, state-of-the-art sound system, and a separate lounge. Every seat in this well-designed space—built specifically for comedy rather than a repurposed bar or club—feels close to the action. The trio behind the venture, Christopher Bell, Marz Timms, and Sherman Edwards are all Oak Park residents with experience touring comedy clubs across the country. The trio wanted to satisfy the area’s demand for culture and community events and hoped to revitalize downtown Oak Park’s nightlife scene with an elevated stand-up experience. Chicago is a comedy hub where talented performers practice their skills, and Comedy Plex successfully brings that energy and expertise to Oak Park.
Ensuring fresh, top-tier entertainment, Comedy Plex showcases everything from emerging local talent to nationally recognized stand-up performers with headliners on Friday and Saturday nights, up-and-coming comics testing their material at Open Mic Night every Wednesday at 8 p.m., and the Thursday Night Laugh Lounge that delivers comedy followed by karaoke beginning at 7:30 p.m. Comedy Plex offers stand-up comedy and improv classes for folks hoping to try their hand at on-stage comedy and acting. It also inspires the next generation of comics and comedic actors with summer camps, classes, and after-school programs for kids.
Additional interactive experiences include comedy workshops, Q&A sessions with comedians, fan meet-and-greets, and themed comedy nights, as well as special events like roast battles, improv showcases, and storytelling nights. Comedy Plex offers a full-service bar, craft cocktails, and small bites to enjoy during the show.
Located in a windowless lower-level space at 1128 Lake Street, Comedy Plex offers the look, feel, and character of New York’s best comedy clubs, like the city’s famous Comedy Cellar. The alley entrance gives it a speakeasy vibe. Get to Comedy Plex from Chicago via the CTA Green Line (the Harlem/Lake stop is an easy 5-minute walk) or I-290 West (20 minutes from the Chicago Loop). Parking is available at 1125 Ontario Street.
Check out upcoming shows and purchase tickets at comedyplex.com. Headliner tickets start at $20, Laugh Lounge tickets are $10, and Open Mic nights are always free. All shows require a two-drink minimum purchase.
Recently opened, BABS Comedy Club is a cozy, intimate venue known for its underground comedy vibe, irreverent sketch comedy shows, and unexpected lineups. It’s a fun date night spot or a place to let loose after a nice dinner, offering a mix of improv comedy, musical improv, standup, and sketch comedy. Using her years of production and performance experience, founder Emily Ramirez creates a positive and professional experience for the audience and the performers. She is passionate about nurturing a joyful, supportive, equitable environment for artists to laugh and grow.
The Standup Showcase, held every Friday at 8:00 p.m., features favorite comedians from all over Chicagoland, and locals take the stage at Standup Open Mic at 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Have a blast while honing your own skills at Wednesday’s Free Improv Jam when a BABS house team player leads the room in short-form and long-form improv comedy games. All skill and experience levels are welcome, and it's free to watch if you're looking for a fun, informal night of comedy where anything can happen. The fun begins at 8:00 p.m.
New events every month feature BABS regulars in outrageous comedy, variety, and improv shows. February’s saucy sketch comedy feature, LOVESCHTICK, playing through February 22, includes comedy, music, and filmed sketches made for lovers, and Improv N.S.F.W. is a short-form improv show with a cast of talented improv artists who turn audience suggestions into hilarious (and hilariously inappropriate) scenes for an adults-only crowd on Saturdays at 10:00 p.m. through March 29.
High-energy KID-PROV! offers family-friendly fun with young comedians who create a different comic adventure show every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. The show is recommended for kids aged 3-14 and their parents. Plus, the bar is open and, as usual, serves beer, wine, ready-to-drink cocktails, and sodas.
BABS also offers an array of classes and workshops for aspiring performers and writers. Learn more about BABS Comedy Club shows, classes, and auditions at babscomedyclub.com
BABS Comedy Club is located at 7316 Madison Street, between Circle Avenue and Marengo, in Forest Park, just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, off I-290 West. Easily accessible by public transportation, the club is a short walk from the CTA Harlem Blue Line Station or the CTA Harlem/Lake Green Line Station and Metra commuter rail Oak Park Station from Ogilvy Transportation Center.
Many bars and breweries in Oak Park and nearby host pop-up live entertainment and comedy nights. These events, with low- or no-cost admission, are held in intimate neighborhood settings and offer plenty of opportunities to discover new comedians and local musicians.
Known for inventive themed events like vinyl night, emo night, jazz night, vendor pop-ups, trivia, yappy hours, and indie comedy nights, Beer Shop offers an exceptional, rotating lineup of craft beer, wine, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages. It’s a casual BYOF place, so feel free to order a pizza, food from nearby restaurants, or delivery while you’re there.
One of Chicagoland's legendary music venues can be found in west suburban Berwyn, just outside Oak Park. Located in an old building with a long, hip history, FitzGerald’s has a national reputation for excellent live music and hosts the popular American Music Festival every Fourth of July with local favorites and nationally acclaimed artists. Although not exactly a true comedy show, FitzGerald hosts The Moth Story Slam, a monthly, open-mic storytelling competition. We can tell you from personal experience that many stories result in laughter! Visit fitzgeraldsnighclub.com for tickets and a calendar of events.
Get ready for a night of laughter at The Elm, where All That Good Stuff brings in five hilarious Chicago comedians for an unforgettable pop-up comedy experience. This monthly show (7:30 p.m.) features a fresh lineup, ensuring a unique night every time. If you plan to dine before the show, reserve a table 1.5–2 hours in advance to enjoy The Elm’s elevated American fare, craft cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of downtown La Grange.
With a growing demand for live entertainment beyond Chicago’s city limits, Oak Park and the surrounding areas have become a hub for comedy and nightlife. Whether it’s stand-up at a dedicated comedy club, improv at a local venue, or a pop-up showcase at a neighborhood bar, comedy lovers don’t have to head downtown to find a night of hilarious entertainment.
From Comedy Plex’s high-energy shows to Forest Park’s Babb’s Comedy nights and rotating pop-up performances, there’s always something to keep you laughing. No matter your comedic taste, you can find a fun and affordable night out filled with plenty of laughs—just due west of Chicago.