Everyone knows we’re the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but did you know that we’re also the Land of 10,000 Laughs?
Well this week we are, anyway.
Now in its third year, the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival is hosting events nightly through Oct. 26, showcasing both our local talents and others from across the country. This means more than 50 comedians in 12 days, all bringing out their best jokes, jabs, and quips in the form of stories, film, standup, improvisation, and theater. The shows will be spread out across Twin Cities venues, and will include original returning favorites like the Punchline Punchout contest, The Dirty Show, and the 10,000 Shorts Comedy film contest.
Here’s a breakdown of the week’s events:
Punchline Punchout: The comedians are given a topic on the morning of the show and then have 12 hours to prepare their routine for that night, when two teams of eight are each given four minutes to knock out their opponent. Oct. 22, 8 p.m. at The Comedy Corner Underground, Oct. 23, 8 p.m. at Joke Joint Comedy Club, and Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. at The Comedy Corner Underground.
Think Fast: Improvisation skills are put to the test, as comedians perform 3-5 minute sets based on randomly assigned topics. Oct. 24, 8 p.m. at HUGE Theater.
10,000 Shorts Comedy Contest: Twin Cities directors’ best 5-minute or less sketches compete against one another. Oct. 24, 8 p.m. at The Comedy Corner Underground.
The Dirty Show: Nothing’s off limits here; sensitive subjects, bad words, thoughts, and intentions included. Oct. 25, 10 p.m. at Galactic Pizza and 11:55 p.m. at The Comedy Corner Underground.
The Turkeys: This local group has been seen on Premium Blend, Last Comic Standing, Live at Gotham, the Late Show with David Letterman, and more, and will be joined by Cy Amundson, who you might recognize from Conan. Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. at Camp Bar.
Sex, Drugs and On the Road: Get a behind-the-scenes telling of a comedian’s life on the road. Oct. 25, 10 p.m. at The Comedy Corner Underground.
Bye Bye Liver: The Actors Theater of Minnesota presents this play that mixes drinks, drinking games, and males versus female inebriation. Oct. 26, 7 p.m. at Camp Bar.
The Comedy and Magical Musical Show: The finale to the week, this show features Mike Brody, the official comedian for SyFy channel’s Ghost Hunters, and Mark Mallman, a musician known for his non-stop marathon concerts. Oct. 26, 9:30 p.m. at Camp Bar.
Individual tickets are available here.
