Discovering a great stand-up comedian in Anchorage has never been easier, as more and more performers are heading north to take the stage in Alaska’s largest city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of laughs to be had, with comedy shows popping up all over town. 

Anchorage has a rich history of hosting major comedy acts, from legends like Kevin Hart to Jerry Seinfeld. Today, residents and visitors alike are treated to an ever-growing roster of comedians, with a variety of venues offering comedy. Regular shows at places like the Peanut Farm, where Bradley Butcher hosts Comedy by the Creek, are becoming local favorites, alongside spots like Bear Tooth Theatrepub, Van’s Dive Bar, and Koot’s.
 

“It’s definitely growing, and it feels like you have options now rather than seeing a comedian once every few months,” Butcher said. 

These smaller venues complement larger spaces like the Alaska Airlines Center, Sullivan Arena, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (PAC), where Comedy Up North will take place, and the Egan Center which continue to host major acts, adding even more selection to the city’s comedy scene.
 

New Era of Comedy

For years, the Fly By Night Club was the heart of the Anchorage comedy scene, with Mr. Whitekeys offering an Alaska-centric twist to his brand of humor. While there is no dedicated comedy club in the city, Butcher believes a new, dynamic scene is emerging. This is why he was excited about the success of Comedy by the Creek, which he says is the ideal space for those new to watch a stand-up comedy show.

“It’s the perfect room for comedy, and it has a comedy club feel to it,” Butcher said. “Go there with a friend or a group and enjoy a night of comedy.”

Butcher is also committed to using comedy as a force for good. A portion of the proceeds from the shows at Peanut Farm support local mental health initiatives in Anchorage.

“Comedy for me has been a huge help for my mental health. So in my own way I wanted to use that to bring more awareness to people that wouldn’t typically look into asking for help,” Butcher explains.

With shows featuring comedians like Giulio Gallorotti, DJ Demers, Jordan Rock, and Kerryn Feehan, Butcher’s efforts have been met with a great response, with crowds continuing to come back. That's why he's excited to bring Comedy by The Creek back in the fall. In the meantime, he’ll be hosting a series of shows this summer called Comedy Up North at the PAC's Sydney Laurence Theatre on June 12, June 26, July 10, and July 24. Butcher isn’t the only one mixing comedy with philanthropy. The Alaska B4UDie Comedy Festival, a week-long comedy and arts event across the state, also raises funds for those in need while showcasing both national talent and Alaska comedians.
 

Anchorage’s Eccentric Appeal to Comedians

One of the draws for comedians to Anchorage is the chance to experience Alaska. Many of the performers are eager to explore all the Great Land has to offer. “Everyone (of the comedians) I have talked to wants to go fishing, see the northern lights, or do something you can only find in Alaska,” Butcher explains.

These once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experiences are why so many entertainers are drawn to Anchorage. It’s not just comedians—musicians like Diplo and Ludacris, who each performed in Southcentral Alaska, also found time to explore. They took flightseeing tours with Alaska Helicopter Tours to Knik Glacier, one of the 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage. Ludacris even went viral after sharing a video of himself drinking glacier water, which sparked millions of views.

Not only are they visiting and performing in Southcentral Alaska, they’re helping promote it. This is why Butcher believes influential comedians and musicians posting about their trips will only encourage more people to visit.
 

A Growing Comedy Hub

As Anchorage’s comedy scene continues to thrive, it’s clear that the city is emerging as a hub for both local and visiting comedians. With a mix of small venues and arenas, Anchorage offers a unique chance to enjoy some of your favorite comedians and experience the best of Alaska.

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