On atmosphere, curation, and building a room people want to return to
Montreal has no shortage of comedy shows. Between clubs, indie rooms, open mics, and late-night chaos, you can watch stand-up almost every night of the week. So what actually makes a comedy room stand out?
On third spaces, recurring rooms, and the quiet way live shows bring strangers together
A lot of people think comedy is just entertainment.
On social permission, room trust, and why laughter needs the right conditions
One of the biggest misconceptions in comedy is that audiences either "get it" or they don't.
Cafés, comedy, food, and late-night hangs for Concordia students and downtown explorers
If you're around Guy-Concordia at night, chances are you're either a Concordia student, avoiding going home immediately after class, trying to survive downtown Montreal rent prices, or looking for something to do that…
On trust, energy, and flow — and why a great comedy room is built, not stumbled into
A good comedy room is not just a place with a microphone, a lineup, and chairs pointed in the same direction.
The volunteer-powered week that turns a back room into a comedy room
I love putting on comedy shows, but people have no idea how much work goes into them. When I first started Comedy on Mackay, we were a small team, and over time we have built a community of volunteers who perform and…
On audiences, energy, and building spaces where strangers can laugh together
When I first started running comedy shows, I thought the hardest part would be the comedy itself.
On rhythm, pacing, and building a show that works for the audience and the performers
Curating a comedy lineup can be tricky because each comic brings a distinct voice, rhythm, level of experience, and energy to the room. At Comedy on Mackay, we curate our English pro-am shows around three main anchors:…
How pro-am lineups mix seasoned performers with fresh voices — and why that middle ground might be the most exciting comedy format.
You might hear the term "pro-am" used in comedy and wonder what it means. A pro-am comedy show is a lineup that features both professional and amateur comedians sharing the same stage.
From rage rooms to comedy shows — Montreal plans when your group can't agree on one thing
Finding fun group activities can be tricky, depending on what you and the others are into. It's about finding something everyone can agree on. What's great about Montreal is the wide variety of things you can do for…
On timing, translation, and finding your comedic voice when the words aren't quite yours
Doing stand-up comedy in your first language is already difficult.
A guide to the local rooms, collectives, and nights keeping English stand-up alive in the city
Montreal is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world: a place where you can buy French cheese from a neighbourhood market, turn the corner, and somehow end up at Walmart. Home to Just for Laughs and a thriving…
Bars, comedy, coffee shops, and strolls — impress your date without the stress
Dating is hard these days. There are so many expectations… like who pays first? Where should we go? I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard. If you're exhausted and want to make a good impression, here's a list of…
From improv and comedy to board games and karaoke — how to unwind after your 9-to-5
Long day at work? Boss riding your back like no one's business? It can be difficult to find ways to properly unwind after a stressful day, which is why it's important to find activities that help you disconnect from…
From improv workshops to botanical gardens — Montreal fun on a tight budget
Living in Montreal can get expensive fast, but finding fun things to do does not have to destroy your budget. One of the best things about the city is that some of its most memorable experiences are inexpensive, local,…
A local's guide to cafés, comedy, bars, and more — without emptying your wallet
These days, going out in Montreal can get expensive fast. But that doesn't mean you have to stay home and stare at your ceiling. It just means getting a little more resourceful and finding the hidden gems that make the…
From comedy shows to cheap eats — how to enjoy the city without draining your bank account.
Being a student in Montreal is a very specific experience. You're surrounded by cafés, festivals, bars, libraries, parks, cheap food, and people who somehow look stylish while carrying three tote bags and surviving on…
A guide to English stand-up open mic rooms in the city — from beginner-friendly clubs to late-night chaos.
First time in Montreal as a comedian and looking to test out your jokes? Montreal has one of the busiest English stand-up comedy scenes in Canada, with open mics happening almost every night of the week. Whether you're…
Tuesday is a weird day. It's not the start of the week, but it's not quite the middle either. You're done with work, you want to go out, but you don't necessarily want a full weekend-level commitment.
First time in Montreal and looking for something to do? Montreal has a long history in comedy, offering a variety of shows in both English and French. If you’ve never been to a stand-up comedy show, this is a great…
Oh my! We were voted #1 BEST COMEDY NIGHT in CultMTL's 2026 Best Of Montreal Survey.
Comedy on Mackay began with a simple idea: I wanted to create a comedy show where my friends and I could get better at comedy.
When I brought the project to the owner and manager at N sur Mackay, my goal was clear from the start. I wanted to build a space where people felt comfortable taking risks, trying new material, and experimenting in a…
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website!
