Best Indie English Comedy Shows in Montreal
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 local comedy scene, the city has a lot to be proud of. If you’re looking to support local talent and discover some of the best indie English comedy shows in Montreal, here’s a guide to where to start.
Comedy on Mackay
Voted #1 Best Comedy Night in Best of CultMTL 2026, Comedy on Mackay is a weekly stand-up comedy show founded by Tina Cruz in November 2024 at N sur Mackay, a woman-owned and woman-managed bar in downtown Montreal. The show showcases some of Montreal’s strongest local comedy acts and has welcomed comedians from across Canada.
Comedy on Mackay runs every Tuesday at 8 PM and 10 PM, with tickets priced at $15 before tax and 50% off for students. The show also hosts a biweekly dinner-and-comedy night at Matcha Zanmai on Rue Mackay, with dessert and matcha starting at 7 PM and comedy beginning at 8 PM.
Known for its strong curation, high-energy atmosphere, and welcoming downtown vibe, Comedy on Mackay has quickly become a go-to destination for English stand-up in Montreal.
The Kickback
Recognized by CultMTL readers as one of Montreal’s best comedy nights and considered Canada’s #1 Comedy Party, The Kickback is a high-energy comedy experience founded and hosted by Eva Alexos. The show brings together some of Montreal’s strongest local talent alongside major headliners from across Canada and abroad.
More than a traditional stand-up show, The Kickback blends sharp comedy, nightlife energy, music, and community into an unforgettable night out. Whether you’re coming for the jokes, the vibes, or the after-party energy, The Kickback delivers the kind of comedy night that feels uniquely Montreal. For more information about the show, go to www.kickbackcomedy.ca
MTLOL.ca
Hosted and produced by Erik Intrevado, he produces multiple shows in Montreal, including at Burgundy Lion on Wednesdays at 8 PM, followed by an open mic at 10pm featuring professionals testing new material and up-and-coming performers performing stand-up comedy for the first time. MTLOL is also restarting comedy nights at Peel Pub every Thursday after a change in management. Find out more information at www.mtlol.ca
The World’s Smallest Comedy Show
Voted one of the top comedy nights by CultMTL readers, the World’s Smallest Comedy Show hosts a pro/am show on Mondays at 8 PM, the Dirty Mic at 10:30 PM, and Wednesday’s Trivia night. They also feature a monthly femme night hosted by Abby Stonehouse. Hosted at Hurley’s Pub, this show is for you if you’re looking for an evening of English stand-up on Mondays or Wednesday nights. Follow them on Instagram.
The Comedy Cave MTL
The Comedy Cave provides comedy shows in the West Island and the Plateau, hosted and produced by Nazeer Khan. They also produce the legendary Grumpy’s Open Mic, hosted by Sarah Warren. A pop-up comedy show, the Comedy Cave MTL also performs outside of Montreal. If you’re looking for an enjoyable evening with friends and family, definitely check out their shows. Go to www.comedycavemtl.com
The Montreal Indie Comedy Collective
Originally called the Polymic, the now-rebranded Montreal Indie Comedy Collective focuses on providing marginalized and underrepresented voices with a platform to perform stand-up comedy. It is produced by Carmina Berbari and Raquel Maestre, who continue this mission by curating performances featuring queer voices in the local Montreal comedy scene. If you’re looking to experience an evening of diverse voices, check them out! You can follow them on Instagram.
Canadian Comedy Cartel
The Canadian Comedy Cartel is a comedy collective based in Montreal that puts on English stand-up comedy shows throughout the week. It is run entirely by comedians, with shows at McLean’s on Wednesdays, Pub St. Paul on Thursdays, and Third Floor Comedy Club. For more information, go to www.comedycartel.ca
Montreal’s English comedy scene is constantly growing, with new shows, rooms, and performers popping up all the time. Whether you’re looking for a polished pro show, an intimate indie room, a late-night mic, or a comedy party, there’s something happening almost every night of the week. And who knows? You might catch the next comedy voice before everyone else does.