MONDAY, MAY 1
The Riff at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m. A unique open mic hosted by the kates. Comedians get a surprise topic and riff for four minutes.
The Armando Diaz Experience at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. Tonight’s guest monologist is Chicago Fire’s Christian Stolte.
Afterthoughts: A Comedy Roast Show at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. While comedians are on stage, their friends write jokes about them and then share them with the audience. Tonight features Kristin Fenchak, Carly Kane, Sarah Perry, Gena Gephart , Adam Burke and more TBA.
Warren B. Hall at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Tonight and Tuesday. At Rosemont Zanies on Wednesday.
Camp: A Comedy Show at The Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe, 8:30 p.m. Tessa Orzech hosts Claire Swanson, Chris Damen, Mike Wiley, Charlie Vergos, and CAMP’s Samantha Berkman. Free show. Donations appreciated.
PJ’s and Punchlines at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Comedy showcase hosted by Taneshia Rice.
TUESDAY, MAY 2
Seinfeld: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything at Elmhurst College, Frick Center, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, 7:00 p.m. A talk by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, the author of Seinfeldia.
Demetri Martin at Century Centre Landmark Cinema, 2828 N. Clark, 7:30 p.m. Demetri Martin is in town for a special screening of his new movie Dean and a Q&A after the film.
Secrets, Lies and Alibis at The Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., 8:00 p.m. Sketch inspired by audience secrets. Featuring Molly Kearney, JUST NESH, Rodescu Hopkins, Jamie Brew and Case Blackwell. Hosted and featuring performances by Alex Seligsohn, Sarah Albritton, Amy Nico Schwartz, and Elliot Lerner.
The Comedy Bowl at Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey, 8:00 p.m. The fifth season finale of this comedy variety show. Includes trivia games and prizes. Hosted by Mona Aburmishan. Featuring Jhovany Diaz and more TBA.
Warren B. Hall at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Also at the Rosemont Zanies on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.
Chicago Underground Comedy Short Film Festival at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. Chicago Underground Comedy is one of comedy’s most groundbreaking showcases. Tonight: The first ever Chicago Underground Comedy Film Festival with short films from nineteen different artists.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3
Annabelle Gurwitch in Conversation with Julia Sweeney at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, 7:00 p.m. Comedian Annabelle Gurwitch has written films, television shows and essay collections. Her new book about her unique southern Jewish family is Wherever You Go, There They Are. She’ll be interviewed by SNL alum and Chicagoan, Julia Sweeney.
Jermaine Fowler at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Jermaine Fowler is the star of CBS’s Superior Donuts (which takes place in Chicago). His new album, Give ‘Em Hell Kid is available on iTunes and Spotify. Tonight, Thursday and Friday.
Warren B. Hall at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m.
Winner … of Our Discontent at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The new 105th Mainstage revue. Tickets sell out fast. Check site for additional shows throughout the week.