Strong stage presence for Colorado Springs comedy scene
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From left: John Mulaney, Tig Notaro and Nate Bargatze. Photos: Gonzallo Marroquin, Unique Nicole and Ethan Miller/Getty
Big-name comedians are coming to Colorado Springs in growing numbers — a sign that the city has made it onto the national comedy map.
Why it matters: The momentum means bigger shows for fans and more opportunities for local comics to get noticed.
State of play: John Mulaney, Mike Birbiglia and Fred Armisen, three heavyweights on the comedy scene, are playing the Ford Amphitheater on May 14.
Zoom out: A variety of venues and good connections to promoters have helped lure big acts, according to Jeff Lapsansky, director of marketing for The Broadmoor World Arena and the Pikes Peak Center.
- That means Springs fans don't always have to trek to Denver — both Mulaney's and Bargatze's comedy tours have dates in both cities.
Zoom in: In the two years since opening, the 8,000-seat Ford Amphitheater has attracted big names thanks to its AEG booking deal.
- Standup comics Jim Gaffigan and Louis C.K. performed during the amphitheater's 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively.
The big picture: Comedy is growing, with more comics selling out large venues nationwide and comedy specials filling streaming services.
- At home, "post-COVID, we just saw people like Bargatze who played the [2,000-seat] Pikes Peak Center become [8,000-seat] World Arena people," Lapsansky told Axios.
The other side: A gap remains between big-venue national acts and the local comedy ecosystem.
- Comics can struggle to get started in Colorado Springs, where open mic nights are limited.
- Looney's Comedy Corner, which hosted Adam Carolla earlier this year, is the only dedicated club in the city, possibly limiting stage opportunities for new and developing comics.
"It's not like telling jokes in the shower," Eric Phillips, owner of 3E's Comedy Club, which closed in 2024, told Axios. "I think it's those additional open mic opportunities that the city is lacking."
- This often pushes acts to Denver, says local comedian Russell Keller, who produces three monthly comedy shows in area bars.
Yes, but: "Stagetime is key," Looney's owner Erik Hawkinson told Axios. "The [performers] who are driven find the stage time."
- Hawkinson pointed to a variety of comedy shows citywide, along with the annual Colorado Springs Comedy Festival each October, as signs of the local scene's strength.
Worthy of your time: "Pay attention to the openers" at the big-venue shows, suggested Keller.
- Big comedians occasionally use a local comic to soften up the crowd.
What's next: Beyond the big shows, a variety of comedy is available in the coming weeks:
- Viral crowdwork act Lucy Darling performs May 29 at the Pikes Peak Center.
- Area groups perform regularly at the Peak Improv Theater.
- Comedian and actor Pauly Shore plays May 28 at the Boot Barn Hall.