SAN DIEGO HAS A COMEDY SCENE.

Here is where you learn what is worth your night.

Paradox Comedy is your go-to weekly guide for stand-up comedy across San Diego County — from buzzing comedy clubs in the downtown Gaslamp Quarter to hidden gems in North County, San Diego.

Every week I send out The Lineup: the shows worth your night, the comic you'll want to say you knew before everyone else did, and no, I don't include every show that gets submitted. Free, straight to your inbox.

Whether you’re a local looking for a night out or on vacation searching for something unforgettable to do, we’ll help you discover:

Must-see comedy shows happening this week in San Diego
Rising local comedians before they blow up
Comedy-friendly bars, cafes, and venues in your neighborhood

Explore the best stand-up comedy shows in Downtown San Diego, laugh oceanside in La Jolla, catch late-night comics in Carlsbad, and uncover indie shows from Escondido to Encinitas.

San Diego has a comedy scene — and you’re invited!

Plan Your Night Out

Comedy isn’t just the show — it’s the experience. Check out our favorite local venues, bars, and hangouts that make the San Diego comedy scene unforgettable.

Start with THE LINEUP

Every Monday, we publish THE LINEUP, our curated list of the best comedy shows across San Diego County. Subscribe to get it sent straight to your inbox so you never miss a night of laughter.

Yeah, the comics here are funny but are they dateable? You’ll find out on Sept 26 when comics get a chance to exchange jokes for love. Read more about this show in my latest substack. Link in bio! ❤️ ALSO - Get a free ticket when you use promo code PARADOX at checkout. Follow @stooduplive - ticket info in their bio. #sandiegocomedy #nightlife #comedyshow

My substack image may be imbalanced and off center but at least you know I made it in 8 minutes on Canva instead of AI. READ THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO SAN DIEGO COMEDY CLUBS - out now on Substack. Link in bio!
Edit: I definitely forgot the laugh factory, lol. 🪩 ✨ #sandiegocomedy #substack #comedyclubs #sandiegonightlife

Did you hear? There's a new GM at the La Jolla Comedy Store. But he's not new at all. Twenty years at the comedy establishment - he started as a volunteer, then door guy, assistant GM and forever a comic in his own right, performing at clubs across the US. Now he's running the whole club. New Substack up, link in bio. #sandiegocomedy #thecomedystore #standupcomedy

The betrayal! But good to see so many comics I’ve interviewed over the years chasing their dreams and absolutely crushing. Excited to hit some mics and scope out more comics you need to know about. Can we build a scene that keeps talent? I think we can try! 🪩 ✨ #sandiegocomedy

What’s your favorite San Diego county comedy show right now?

🚨 ‼️ ⏰ you guys, this is not a drill - THE @whitneycummings is working out new material Tuesday through Thursday at the @comedystorelj June 9-11 at 7pm. 😮 Tickets are only $35 (plus fees) and Thursday is already unsurprisingly sold out. 🫢

It’s so much fun to see a pro work out new material, guys. Don’t miss this opportunity!! I’m excited for anyone who can make it - it’s going to be so much fun! 🤩 🪩 ✨
•
#sandiegocomedy #whitneycummings #standupcomedy #lajolla

Had a blast at the La Jolla Comedy Store’s 50th anniversary! 🪩 ✨🥳 50 years of legendary comedy. A staple of comedy history. Have you ever been to a show here?? An honor to celebrate with some of the funniest comics in San Diego. Check out the last slide for a special guest. 🤭 #sandiegocomedy #standupcomedy #lajolla

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

#sandiegocomedy

@paradoxcomedy

PARADOX COMEDY SOUNDTRACK

Your favorite songs from Paradox's IG Stories!

You DM'd me and your messages were read -- here is a collection of songs most frequently used on Paradox Comedy's Instagram Stories.

HI, I'M VANESSA

This is just like, my opinion, man.

I've sat through enough bad open mics in San Diego to have earned an opinion, and enough great sets to know exactly what I'm looking for the second I walk into a room.

In 2021, I saw Theo Von at the La Jolla Comedy Store and got hooked, not just on the show, but on the whole ecosystem underneath it: the club owners, the door guys, the comic who's been grinding Tuesdays for three years and is about to become impossible to get a ticket for. I started paying attention. Then I started writing it down.

I take my laughter seriously. It is, after all, carbonated holiness (per Anne Lamott.) That's why San Diego County comedy fans trust me to steer them in the right direction.

Per Mitzi Shore: "It is a sin to encourage mediocre talent."

Submit A Comedy Show

Want your show featured in THE LINEUP? Submit your details here.
We highlight a curated selection of shows happening throughout San Diego County.

Some things to consider:

Are the comics actually good?
Does the flyer look like you care about the audience?
Is the venue perfect for comedy fans to watch COMEDY?

PARADOX COMEDY PODCAST

More about the San Diego Comedy Scene

Interested in learning more about the comedians, shows, and clubs I talk about? Listen and subscribe to the Paradox Comedy Channel as I go in-depth with up-and-coming stand-up comics on their comedy journey and talk about my favorite clubs, recommend shows you should go to, and comedians

in the San Diego Comedy Scene!

Subscribe on YouTube!

Partner with Paradox Comedy

Want to collaborate, advertise, or feature your business in The Lineup?

Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch to explore paid partnership opportunities.

Check back soon

Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.