There’s something electric about laughing in the open air. Maybe it’s the way laughter bounces off the trees, or how a summer night in the city feels more alive when a crowd is cracking up together.
Either way, outdoor comedy in New York isn’t just a niche, but part of the city’s personality. And in 2025, the scene’s shaping up to be better than ever.
If you’re a die-hard stand-up fan or just looking for a new date-night idea that doesn’t involve another overpriced cocktail bar, outdoor comedy offers something real: a shared experience that’s as New York as a slice of dollar pizza at midnight.
So here’s your guide to the top outdoor comedy events to check out this year, from big-name festivals to indie rooftop shows that feel like you’re in on a secret.
1. New York Comedy Festival (November 2025)
You can’t talk comedy in the city without mentioning the New York Comedy Festival. It’s the heavyweight. The anchor.
Every November, the city turns into one giant laugh track with over 200 comedians doing more than 100 shows across all five boroughs.
What Makes It Worth It
- Comedians range from global stars like John Mulaney and Wanda Sykes to local rising acts.
- Performances pop up in iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and Kings Theatre.
- In recent years, the festival’s experimented with more diverse venues, hinting at potential outdoor stages in 2025, especially in plazas or pop-up sites if the weather holds.
What to Know
- When: November 2025 (exact dates TBA)
- Cost: Tickets run from $25 to $100 depending on the venue and performer
- How to Get In: Vivid Seats, Live Nation, or directly through the festival’s site
- Potential Outdoor Spots: Watch for satellite shows in parks, rooftops, or community plazas—especially on warmer fall nights
2. Stand Up NY in the Park
If any group knows how to do outdoor comedy right, it’s Stand Up NY. These guys turned the chaos of the pandemic into a punchline, pivoting their classic Upper West Side club into a mobile comedy squad staging park performances all over the city.
Why It’s a Local Favorite
- Shows happen in places like Prospect Park, Central Park, and Riverside Park.
- Performers include names you’ve seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, or scrolling through TikTok at 2 a.m.
- The vibe is relaxed, the energy is real, and the setting—especially at golden hour—is kind of magic.
What to Know
- When: Summer 2025 (June through early September expected)
- Cost: Often free or low-cost ($10–$30)
- How to Get In: Follow Stand Up NY’s website or Instagram for daily lineups and locations
- Pro Tip: Bring a blanket or lawn chair—seating’s first come, first served
3. SummerStage in Central Park
SummerStage is like the city’s unofficial welcome party for every sunny season, and while it’s famous for music, the comedy programming has quietly been heating up.
Why It’s a Gem
- Held at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, the setting alone is a reason to go.
- Past comedy performers have included everyone from rising New York acts to national headliners.
- Shows are often free, and the energy is unmatched—an open-air laugh fest surrounded by trees and skyline.
What to Know
- When: June to October 2025
- Cost: Mostly free, some benefit concerts $30–$100
- How to Get In: No ticket needed for free events—just show up early
- Other Parks Too: SummerStage hits 13 parks citywide, so keep an eye out in Harlem, Queensbridge, and Brooklyn’s Herbert Von King Park
Tip: If you’re feeling lucky after the show, check out the Color Game from Gamezone to keep the energy going.
4. Penthouse Comedy (Rooftops & Backyards)
View this post on Instagram
Looking for something that feels less “organized event” and more like you stumbled into the funniest hang in Brooklyn? Penthouse Comedy is your ticket.
Why It Stands Out
- Regular shows at quirky outdoor spots like Cafe Erzulie’s backyard and The Tiny Cupboard’s rooftop
- Lineups that blend sharp new talent with surprise drop-ins
- Comedians like Shafi Hossain and Jake Velazquez keep things loose, funny, and fresh
What to Know
- When: Weekly shows expected all summer
- Cost: $10–$20
- How to Get In: Follow their Instagram for real-time updates
- Bonus: Many venues are BYOB or have pop-up bars on-site
5. The Tiny Cupboard
The Tiny Cupboard might sound like something from a Wes Anderson film, but it’s a real-deal comedy hub tucked into Brooklyn. And their rooftop shows? Legendary.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
- The rooftop series offers a gritty but charming view of Bushwick with NYC’s skyline in the background
- Comedians you’ve seen at The Stand or Gotham drop in casually
- You’ll catch the energy of a club set with the chill of a backyard hang
What to Know
- When: Spring through early fall, weather permitting
- Cost: $13–$25
- How to Get In: Online RSVP recommended (tickets go fast)
- Heads Up: Shows run rain or shine, but may move indoors if weather turns
6. Gotham Comedy Club (Pop-Up Collaborations)
Everyone knows Gotham Comedy Club for its polished shows and legendary alumni, but in recent years, they’ve started popping up in less conventional spots—parks, plazas, and even patios.
Why You Should Watch Gotham’s Moves
- Top-tier comics paired with casual, surprising venues? It works.
- Summer collaborations with local cultural festivals have included outdoor showcases in places like Hudson River Park
- It’s the kind of place where you might accidentally see a Saturday Night Live regular on an unlisted bill
What to Know
- When: Sporadic summer events, plus year-round indoor schedule
- Cost: $20–$50 for outdoor pop-ups
- How to Get In: Follow Gotham’s site or subscribe to their newsletter
- Bonus: Shows near food trucks or beer gardens are common—dinner and a show, basically
7. New York Comedy Club (Festival & Summer Collaborations)
Another heavy-hitter with indoor roots and outdoor potential, New York Comedy Club has long been a staple in the East Village and Midtown scenes. But don’t sleep on their outdoor experiments.
Where They Might Pop Up
- Look out for rooftop takeovers or block party-style events tied to the New York Comedy Festival
- The club often supports smaller venues and collaborates with festivals, meaning you might catch their branding on park events or pop-up street shows
What to Know
- When: Watch summer weekends and festival weeks
- Cost: $15–$40
- How to Get In: NYCC’s site or Instagram is your best bet
- Potential Locations: Cooper Square, Bryant Park, or Williamsburg rooftops
More Outdoor Laughs Across the City
Even beyond the big names and staple venues, the city’s full of spontaneous moments that turn into unforgettable nights. Want to find those hidden gems? You’ve got options.
Where Else to Look
- Bryant Park often hosts comedy as part of its summer performance series
- Washington Square Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park have seen stand-up pop-ups with some shockingly good talent
- Backyard spaces in Bushwick, Greenpoint, and even Long Island City often double as event spaces for indie comics
Tools to Help You Stay in the Loop
| Platform | Why It Helps |
| Eventbrite | Tons of free or low-cost pop-up shows |
| doNYC | Citywide event tracker with solid comedy listings |
| Follow comics like Mark Normand, Judah Friedlander, and Raanan Hershberg for secret sets | |
| X (Twitter) | Many shows are announced last-minute—search “NYC comedy outdoor” |
Tips for Making the Most of Outdoor Comedy in NYC
You’re outside, maybe with a drink in hand, and a comic is roasting someone’s dog for barking mid-joke. It’s all part of the charm. Still, a little prep can go a long way:
- Check the Weather: A 20% chance of rain can turn into a thunderstorm real quick
- Dress for Comfort: Evenings get chilly, even in July. Layers help
- Bring Seating: Some shows provide chairs, many don’t
- Get There Early: Free shows often hit capacity fast
- Bring Cash or Venmo: Tips and drinks often go smoother that way
- Mind the Neighbors: Outdoor comedy means real neighborhoods—keep it respectful when you leave
Wrapping It Up
Outdoor comedy in New York isn’t just a seasonal trend—it’s a full-on movement. In 2025, from big-time festivals to scrappy backyard shows, the city’s got something funny happening on nearly every block.
So whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, keep your eyes open and your evenings free.
Because in New York, sometimes the best punchlines aren’t on TV—they’re under the stars, in a park, with a crowd that’s laughing right along with you.
