Those looking for a fun and affordable date night may want to check out one of Charlotte's comedy clubs. Those who think they have what it takes can enroll in classes, learn how to write jokes and perform a stand-up routine.
Check out the following top-rated Charlotte comedy club experiences:
The Comedy Zone
900 NC Music Factory Blvd., Suite B3
980-321-4702
https://www.cltcomedyzone.com/
Audiences like the mix of seasoned comedians and newer comics as well as the prices at The Comedy Zone. If you sit near the stage, you may even be the target of good-natured heckling from one of the comedians. And if you'd like to try your hand at the mic, the venue typically hosts "The Open Mic" or "The Comedy Battle" on Tuesday nights. To help prepare, you can attend a beginner's stand-up comedy course that last six weeks and covers how to write and perform stand-up comedy.
Sets can last up to two hours, so you'll have plenty of time to try several items from the menu, which is larger than you might expect. Munchies and wings, burgers and sandwiches as well as several entrees and desserts are offered, and you can also order a cocktail, martini, frozen drink, glass or bottle of wine, or a beer.
Charlotte Comedy Theater
900 NC Music Factory Blvd.
803-792-1608
http://charlottecomedytheater.com/
Located in the VIP Room of Wet Willie's, Charlotte Comedy Theater bills itself as being "where the big kids play" and is for guests age 21 and up. The theater has its roots in Chicago's rich comedic history and success, and the venue hosts an ensemble of performers who improvise scenes and games based on suggestions from the audience.
Shows are very interactive, and you can enjoy joining in the fun from cozy leather couches. Tickets are quite inexpensive, and a six-week improv course is offered if you're inspired by the comedians and want to take the stage. If you have a child, you can both team up to take a weekend improv workshop. Team-building exercises are also offered for companies.
The Funny Bus Tour
Starts at 301 E. 7th St. (East Ward Park) by the Google Building and railroad stop
704-659-3186
https://funnybus.net/
The Funny Bus Tour is like a comedy club on wheels with a 90-minute tour of some of Charlotte's most interesting neighborhoods areas in uptown, the South End and surrounding neighborhoods.
Information about the area's buildings and monuments is combined with some R-rated jokes, so the tour is for adults only and guests are encouraged to bring along their own beer and wine. If you'd like a PG-13 tour, that's available on Sundays and select holidays. A short beverage and bathroom break is held about halfway through the tour. The Funny Bus is a popular favorite among locals and has also won a "BOB" (Best of the Best) award from Charlotte Magazine as the best tour to take visitors.