For those who appreciate quick wit and sarcasm, this might just be the best activity for you! Here are all the places you can watch stand-up comedy in Hong Kong.
Is the “endemic” ending yet?! As the city finally wakes up from its lockdown slumber, live performances are starting to make a comeback, as well as other entertainment venues, such as cinemas and ice skating rinks. If you fancy a great laugh, however, jokes are funnier when you hear them in person – perhaps better than watching those blockbuster movies! So, we’ve scouted out the best places to watch stand-up comedy in Hong Kong. Whether you’re into lousy bad jokes or satirical humour, there’ll surely be something for you to chuckle about at these comedy clubs.
Where to watch stand-up comedy in Hong Kong
1. Hong Kong Fringe Club
If you’re looking for live music, art exhibitions, and stand-up comedy in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Fringe Club has to be on your radar. As the ultimate cultural hub in the city, the venue hosts a myriad of shows, including the “Laugh Die You” stand-up comedy show series!
Hong Kong Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2521 7251
2. TakeOut Comedy Club
The Takeout Comedy Club has been one of the most prominent institutions for local comedic talent since 2007. As the first full-time comedy club in Asia, it holds regular English and Chinese stand-up comedy, including professional shows with American comedians, improv shows with Peoples Liberation Improv, as well as the annual Hong Kong International Comedy Festival.
TakeOut Comedy Club, 34 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6220 4436
3. Bobby’s Rabble
The comedy show, Comedy Unpopped, makes its way downtown at Bobby’s Ramble every now and then. The bar hosts open mic nights as well, featuring individual comedians alongside groups of ladies and gents, including Bitches in Stitches. Follow its Facebook page or Instagram for updates on events and timings.
Bobby’s Rabble, G/F, 46 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 9165 6144
4. Bar 109
It’s Comedy Night every Monday at the sports bar, Bar 109! Not only can you enjoy its stand-up comedy shows in both English and Cantonese, it’s also open mic night – feel free to participate and tell your funny story. Remember, the show starts at 8.30pm sharp.
Bar 109, G/F, 109 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2861 3336
5. The Aftermath
https://www.facebook.com/TheAftermathBar/videos/534050354962888
Yes, the quiz nights are hella fun and so are its open mic comedy nights. The Aftermath regularly hosts comedy nights where performers get a free drink – y’know just starting it on the right note. Follow their Facebook page for updates on events and timings.
The Aftermath, L/G, Sunny Building, 57-59 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
6. FLM
More than just a gay bar and LGBTQ+ nightspot, FLM has resumed its Open Mic comedy nights (wittily named FLMAO) as of early May 2022. Swing by for a laugh from 8pm onwards and oh, don’t forget to grab a drink too, as there’s an amazing two-for-one happy hour deal from 7 to 9pm!
FLM, 62 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2799 2883
7. The Wild Lot
This experimental and collaborative creative space is where one kicks back, gets creative, and expresses oneself, such as with The Wild Lot’s Wild Comedy nights. The show starts sharp at 8pm and the entrance fee comes with a free drink. An hour of laughter, drinks, and escapism to end the day because, why not?
The Wild Lot, Shop B, G/F, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
8. P&P Pinco Pallino
Italian restaurant P&P Pinco Pallino in Sheung Wan hosts irregular open mic and comedy performances, and they’ve done one in collaboration with the fund-raising event Drink for Justice. Even though it was a one-off event, we hope there will be more in the future, as you won’t want to miss their tasty wine!
P&P Pinco Pallino, G/F, 6 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 9153 7186
9. Mudita (temporarily closed)
We love Mudita, but did you know it’s not just a cool bar that hosts regular live music acts and DJs? Nuh-uh! This hip spot on Ice House Street also regularly houses some of Hong Kong’s best stand-up comedy events that are guaranteed to have you getting your giggle on in no time. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for deets.
Read our full review of Mudita.
Mudita, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2810 9902
Tamarind (closed)
The Punchline Comedy Club presents a great selection of comedy shows at Pan-Asian restaurant Tamarind in Wan Chai. You’ll be granted a view of Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline, delicious Thai, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine, and a night of laughter, no matter what the show, so keep an eye on Facebook for details.
Tamarind, 2/F, Sun Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2827 7777
The Riff (closed)
Nestled away in the swanky California Tower, The Riff is the newest comedy space to launch in town and it’s Hong Kong’s only full-time comedy venue. We love everything about this spot, from the New York jazz club-vibe to the international and local acts. As they wait for their liquor license, the joint is BYO, but they have a stellar line-up of drinks for when they get the green light: drinks & comedy – what more could you want?
The Riff, 8/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Hong Kong, p. 2388 8583
