These days, we could all use a chuckle or two. Luckily, there are multiple options for comedy shows near Northern Virginia. Big names like John Mulaney and Alex Borstein are appearing in DC. And Shuler King — who appeared in the latest season of America’s Got Talent — stops by the Arlington Drafthouse later this month.
Planes, Trains, and ???: An Unauthorized Improv and Musical Parody at The Kennedy Center
November 7 and 8
Fans of the classic Thanksgiving movie starring Steve Martin and John Candy will love this homage to the film. The improv and musical parody will include ‘80s songs with changed Weird Al-like lyrics and of course, plenty of nostalgia and laughs. The show is recommended for those ages 12 and up. 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Alex Borstein at Miracle Theatre
November 13
Alex Borstein of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Family Guy fame will be performing one night only at Miracle Theatre in DC. She will be performing a show about being stuck between caring for two children and two aging parents, and the hilarity that ensues. 535 8th St. SE, Washington, DC
Don’t Tell Comedy in Lorton
November 15
If you love surprises, you’ll enjoy Don’t Tell Comedy’s secret shows where venues are revealed at 8 a.m. on the day of the show. This show will be held in Lorton, and all comedians are not disclosed until they take the stage. Expect approximately four to seven different comics for a diverse and funny show. Lorton
Joe List at the DC Improv
November 20 through 22
Joe List has been featured on Netflix and Comedy Central. He also co-hosts the podcast Tuesdays with Stories with his friend and fellow comedian Mark Normand. This will be his second time at the DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC
Shuler King at the Arlington Drafthouse
November 20, 21, 22, and 23
Fresh off a run on the latest season of America’s Got Talent, comedian Shuler King is also a funeral director. He finished in the top five in his quarterfinals week at AGT but ultimately did not make the finale. King credits his parents’ strict and loving upbringing, his background in the funeral business, and his faith for his comedic style. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Alonzo Bodden at the Arlington Drafthouse
November 28 and 29
Alonzo Bodden will be appearing at the Arlington Drafthouse over Thanksgiving weekend. Bodden, NBC’s season three winner of Last Comic Standing, has also appeared on The CW’s The Great American Joke Off, CNBC’s Jay Leno’s Garage, BET’s Black Card Revoked, and many more. He also starred and co-produced Stupid Don’t Get Tired, his fifth stand-up special. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Best of DC Comedy Showcase at The Salisbury Center
November 28 and December 26
Comedian Rahmein Mostafavi is hosting two separate evenings, one in November and one in December, showcasing the area’s best comics. For both shows, doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. 8890 Mathis Ave., Manassas
John Mulaney at The Anthem
December 20 and 21
After selling out three shows, The Anthem added two more on December 20 and 21 with the three-time Emmy Award winner John Mulaney. Mulaney, who is also a Critics’ Choice Award and Writers Guild of America award-winning writer, is the host, writer and executive producer of the Netflix talk show Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney. He has also written for SNL and has appeared on the Emmy Award winning series The Bear. Mulaney’s last stand-up special, Baby J, was released in April 2023. 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC
Feature image courtesy Don’t Tell Comedy
