While there certainly are great music tours stopping in south Florida this summer, there are also plenty of comedy tours. We’ve put together a list of some of top upcoming comedy shows in the Tampa area that are not to be missed.

From Coastal Comedy Night to Pride-themed comedy shows in June to a plethora of open mic options, Tampa certainly offers options to catch stand-up. Many comedians are engaging in extensive tours. The previous three years were challenging for comedy shows, given the lack of outdoor venues that are suitable for such shows. Now, there is comedians performing almost every night of the week.

Where To Go?

The greater Tampa Bay region of western Florida has a wide range of comedy theater options. Venues such as Tampa Improv and the Gimmick in Ybor City obviously specialize in such stand-up shows. Then, the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center draws some of the biggest names in the business. Finally, intimate clubs such as the Tampa Theatre and Spitfire Comedy House continuously book creative performances.

If you’re interested in taking comedy classes, it’s never too late to sharpen your skills. Spitfire Comedy offers that as well. Stand-up and sketch comedy classes are offered for all skill and experience levels. In fact, if you want to test the waters, you can just “drop in” on Sunday afternoons at a small cost.

What’s On Tap?

We could all use a good reason to belly laugh. The Washington Post reported earlier this year that the “contagious nature of laughter means we’re more likely to laugh harder and longer in groups, as at a comedy club or in a movie theater.” The study went on to detail that laughing together is a valuable form of direct communication.

So please welcome to the stage five upcoming comedy shows in Tampa that are not to be missed.