Editor’s Note: We’re well beyond the halfway point of the calendar year, so it’s full steam ahead through the remaining dog days of summer. Get out and enjoy some sun while you can, but if you’d rather set your coordinates for doing something fun indoors to beat the heat, comedy clubs are generally pretty good for air conditioning. It’s truly a win-win for everyone involved. With homegrown talent, national headliners, and open mics galore highlighting the calendar, the plethora of powerful comedy throughout the commonwealth continues to show up, night after night. Enter Mic’d Up, our ongoing weekly series that details the best live comedy shows to consider as you head out and about. Below, find our rundown for this week, through Sunday (August 4).
Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest at Strand Theatre
The only thing better than two and a half weeks on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer time would naturally have to be two and a half weeks worth of comedy on Martha’s Vineyard. With headlining sets from Deon Cole, DL Hughley, and more, the well-paced but action-packed schedule touts a number of top-tier comedic talents that will surely make you want to add days on to your vacation for an extended stay.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMEDY FEST :: Monday, July 29 to Saturday, August 17 at Strand Theatre, 11 Oak Bluffs Ave. in Oak Bluffs, MA :: Times vary, $72.50 to $165 :: Advance Tickets
Comedy & Cabernet at City Winery
Week after week, Jim McCue and the Boston Comedy Festival team curate one of the most consistent shows in the city. This week will be no different as they aim to bring another full fight card of non-stop laughs to City Winery.
COMEDY & CABERNET :: Friday, August 2 at City Winery, 80 Beverly St. in Boston, MA :: 6 p.m., $25 to $35 :: Advance Tickets
Best of Boston Comedy Showcase at Laugh Boston
With five fan favorites around the region — Jay Martin, Janet McNamara, Mary Spadaro, Chris Kinback, and Jason Cordova — there will hardly be time to catch your breath in The Seaport this weekend as some of the best in the game put on full display exactly what has made them so in demand over theses last few years.
BEST OF BOSTON COMEDY SHOWCASE :: Saturday, August 3 at Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St. in Boston, MA :: 6 p.m., $25 :: Advance tickets