Best Live Comedy in Franklin, TN: Stand-Up, Improv & Open Mics
Looking for a hearty laugh in Middle Tennessee? Franklin, Williamson County, and Nashville are brimming with comedic talent and venues that promise to tickle your funny bone. From stand-up and improv to interactive shows, there’s a comedic experience waiting for you.
Whether you’re planning a fun night out with friends, a unique date idea, or even considering stepping up to the mic yourself, the local comedy scene offers something for everyone. With regular performances featuring both local and touring comedians, as well as improv troupes and open mic nights, the area has become a hotspot for live comedy.
Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt—here’s a look at where to catch some of the best comedy events happening in the area.
Oddity Improv
The Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre, established in 1937, is a historic venue that has long served as a cultural cornerstone in Franklin, Tennessee. The venue’s Art Deco-inspired design offers an intimate and immersive experience, accommodating a variety of events.
Oddity Improv
Oddity Improv is a non-profit theater company in Franklin, Tennessee, that focuses on character-driven improvisation. Their “clean-ish” shows are unscripted and interactive, creating a fun and unpredictable experience for audiences aged 13 and up. Each performance brings a new mix of scenes, characters, and storytelling, making no two shows exactly alike.
In addition to their regular shows, Oddity Improv partners with Studio Tenn to offer workshops that teach the fundamentals of improvisation, character development, and storytelling. They also offer youth improv programs designed to help kids and teens develop confidence, creativity, and communication skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Upcoming Shows
Upcoming shows include performances on Saturday, March 22, 2025, Monday, April 14, 2025, and Monday, April 28, 2025.
Whether you’re a longtime improv fan or new to the scene, Oddity Improv at The Franklin Theatre promises a night of laughter and creativity. • 419 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 538-2076 •
The Mockingbird Theater at The Factory at Franklin
The Mockingbird Theater is a premier live performance venue located within The Factory at Franklin offering a state-of-the-art experience for both performers and audiences. The theater features theater-style seating, exposed brick walls, and nearly 40-foot ceilings that contribute to its unique charm and excellent acoustics. In addition, the venue boasts a full bar serving beer, wine, spirits, and food.
The Mockingbird Theater hosts a range of events, including live music across various genres, comedy shows, and special productions.
Franklin Funnies
Franklin Funnies is a recurring comedy showcase featuring top stand-up comedians delivering sharp, clean humor suitable for all ages. Each show presents a lineup of seasoned professionals and rising stars. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for families, couples, and comedy enthusiasts seeking an enjoyable night out.
Upcoming Shows
Franklin Funnies is scheduled to perform at The Mockingbird Theater on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with a lineup featuring nationally recognized comedians Steven Rogers and Jonnie W.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, Franklin Funnies at The Mockingbird Theater delivers top-notch entertainment in an intimate setting. It’s a chance to experience live stand-up in one of Franklin’s most unique venues! • 230 Franklin Rd, Bldg 6, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 429-0157 •
Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
The Franklin Marriott Cool Springs is a premier hotel and event venue known for hosting a variety of events, including interactive dinner shows that blend comedy and mystery.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show
The Dinner Detective Mystery Dinner Show is America’s largest interactive comedy mystery dinner theater. This unique experience involves guests solving a hilarious crime while enjoying a multi-course meal. Unlike traditional mystery shows, actors are hidden among the audience. The event is designed for adults, with some mild content and adult humor; teenagers are permitted with adult supervision, but infants and young children are not allowed.
Tickets include dinner, entertainment, gratuity, and a prize package for the top sleuth who solves the mystery. A cash bar is also available throughout the event.
Upcoming Shows
The Dinner Detective Mystery Dinner Show takes place every Saturday at Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. Upcoming show dates include March 8, March 22, April 5, and April 19, 2025.
For a night of unforgettable entertainment, The Dinner Detective at Franklin Marriott Cool Springs offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Gather your friends, put your detective skills to the test, and enjoy an evening filled with surprises and laughter. • 700 Cool Springs Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 261-6100 •
The Bunganut Pig
The Bunganut Pig, affectionately known as “The Pig,” has been a cherished establishment in Franklin since 1986. This pub and eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by a diverse menu and a variety of entertainment options, with weekly events ranging from live music and comedy shows to trivia nights and open mic sessions.
Bacon & Bits Weekly Comedy Showcase
The Bunganut Pig, in collaboration with the Clean Comedy Collective, hosts the Bacon & Bits Comedy Showcase every Thursday evening. This free event features clean stand-up comedy from local and touring comedians, followed by an open mic session. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at clean standup comedy, this is the place.
Upcoming Shows
The Bacon & Bits Comedy Showcase takes place every Thursday, with upcoming shows on March 6, March 13, and March 20, 2025.
If you are looking for a laid-back evening with great food, good company, and plenty of laughs, the Bacon & Bits Comedy Showcase at The Bunganut Pig is the perfect way to unwind. Stop by on Thursday nights for a fun, free show, and maybe even take the mic yourself! • 1143 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 794-4777 •
Whiskey Room Live
Whiskey Room Live at KINGS Bowl
Whiskey Room Live, located within Kings Dining & Entertainment, offers a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting, creating an ideal setting for live music performances, comedy shows, and karaoke nights. The venue features a full bar and menu, allowing guests to enjoy food and drinks during events.
Clean Enough For TV Open Mic Night
Clean Enough For TV Open Mic Night is a weekly event that offers a platform for comedians to perform television-friendly stand-up routines. Organized by the Clean Comedy Collective, a Nashville-based group dedicated to producing premier clean comedy shows, this event aims to provide high-quality, family-friendly entertainment suitable for diverse audiences. Admission is free and a variety of food and drink options are available for purchase during the performances. Whether you’re an aspiring comedian looking to test new material or a fan of stand-up comedy, Clean Enough For TV Open Mic Night offers an enjoyable evening of laughter and community engagement.
Upcoming Shows
Clean Enough For TV Open Mic Night at Whiskey Room Live takes place every Wednesday, with upcoming shows on March 5, March 12, and March 19, 2025.
Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or just kicking back with great food and drinks, Whiskey Room Live is the perfect place for comedy lovers of all ages. Drop by and be part of the fun! • 1910 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067, (844) 683-4500 •
Live Comedy Venues in Nashville
While Franklin and Williamson County offer a robust comedy scene, neighboring Nashville expands the options with additional venues:
Zanies Comedy Club, a cornerstone of Nashville’s comedy scene, hosts performances from both nationally touring comedians and local talent. With shows nearly every night, it’s a prime destination for comedy enthusiasts looking for top-tier stand-up in an intimate setting. The club offers a full bar with a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, along with a menu of classic pub-style food to enjoy during the show. • 2025 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, (615) 269-0221 •
Third Coast Comedy Club in Nashville is dedicated to all forms of comedy, including improv, stand-up, and sketch performances. The club is home to the Third Coast Comedy Show, a popular improv troupe, and regularly hosts performances featuring both local and touring comedians. In addition to live shows, Third Coast Comedy Club offers a variety of classes and workshops, teaching improv, stand-up, and storytelling to performers of all skill levels. • 1310 Clinton St #121, Nashville, TN 37203, (615) 745-1009 •
Nashville Improv is an improvisational theater company known for its high-energy performances that blend the excitement of live theater with the unpredictability of improv comedy. Specializing in short-form improv, the troupe creates unique shows where every performance is inspired by audience suggestions, ensuring no two shows are alike. In addition to entertaining audiences, Nashville Improv offers a range of classes and workshops as well as corporate training sessions aimed at enhancing teamwork and communication through interactive improv exercises. • 2007 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212, (615) 544-5386 •
Experience the Best of Franklin’s Live Comedy Scene
Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee, are brimming with opportunities to enjoy a good laugh. From stand-up and improv to interactive dinner shows, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a fun night out with friends, a unique date, or looking to try your hand at comedy, the local venues offer a welcoming atmosphere. With regular events featuring both local and touring performers, the area’s comedy scene ensures plenty of laughter and entertainment for all ages.
Discover More Activities in Franklin and Williamson County
Looking for more ways to enjoy Franklin and Williamson County? Check out these articles:
Discover the vibrant lineup of festivals, markets, and family-friendly activities in Spring 2025 Events in Franklin and Williamson County, TN. From the Main Street Festival to local farmers markets, there’s something for everyone.
Uncover Franklin’s hidden gems and popular spots for craft cocktails and unique atmospheres in Speakeasies, Spirits, and Cocktails: 10 Franklin Bars You Can’t Miss. This guide takes you through must-visit bars, including secret speakeasies and cozy lounges.
Looking for interactive entertainment? Let’s Play! Where to Enjoy Trivia, Karaoke, and More in Franklin and Williamson County, TN explores venues offering trivia nights, karaoke sessions, and a variety of games to elevate your night out.
