The 7 Must-See Comedians Hitting Tampa, FL In Early 2026: The Ultimate Stand-Up Schedule
Tampa’s comedy scene is absolutely exploding, and if you're looking for the best live stand-up comedy in Florida, you've come to the right place. As of today, December 25, 2025, the schedule for late 2025 and all of 2026 is packed with major headliners, viral sensations, and legendary performers coming to the biggest venues across the city, including the Straz Center, Seminole Hard Rock, and the legendary local clubs like Side Splitters and Tampa Funny Bone.
Forget the old routine; the new year brings a fresh wave of talent and highly anticipated tours. From political satire to observational humor and viral TikTok stars, the Tampa Bay area is solidifying its reputation as a major destination on the national comedy circuit. Here is your definitive guide to the biggest names and hottest tickets for comedians coming to Tampa, FL, right now.
Featured Headliners & The Definitive Tampa Comedy Schedule for 2026
The Tampa Bay region is a magnet for top-tier stand-up talent, offering a diverse array of shows from intimate comedy club sets to massive arena performances. Securing your tickets early is highly recommended, as many of these shows are selling out fast, reflecting the massive appetite for live comedy in Tampa.
- DL Hughley: One of the original "Kings of Comedy," DL Hughley is set to bring his sharp, topical humor to the Tampa Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant. Known for his political commentary and quick wit, his shows are a guaranteed sell-out, making this a top comedy event in Tampa.
- Venue: Tampa Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Kathy Griffin: The Emmy and Grammy-winning comedian is bringing her "New Face, New Tour" show to the Straz Center. Griffin is famous for her scalding, topical comedy, and fans should prepare for a saltier-than-usual night of laughter. This is a major event for the Straz Center comedy lineup.
- Venue: Straz Center for the Performing Arts (Ferguson Hall)
- Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
- Bored Teachers “Is It Friday Yet?!” Comedy Tour: This tour is a massive hit with educators and anyone who has ever worked a demanding job. It’s more than a comedy show; it’s an ultimate night of laughter and solidarity, launching its brand new tour in Tampa.
- Venue: Tampa Theatre
- Date: Starting January 2026
- Adam Ray: Known for his roles in films and his popular podcast, "About Last Night," comedian Adam Ray will be performing at the Hard Rock Event Center. His high-energy stand-up and celebrity impressions are a must-see for fans of modern comedy.
- Venue: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
- Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
- One Funny Lisa Marie – America's Favorite Tik Tok Mom: For fans of viral comedy, One Funny Lisa Marie is bringing her internet fame to the stage. She's a perfect example of how the new generation of comedians is connecting with audiences through social media.
- Venue: Tampa Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant
- Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
- Bryan Callen: A familiar face from television and film, Bryan Callen is performing a series of shows right at the end of 2025, bridging the gap into the new year at one of Tampa’s staple comedy venues.
- Venue: Side Splitters Comedy Club
- Date: Fri, Dec 26 - Sun, Dec 28, 2025
- Dale Jones: Ring in the New Year with Dale Jones, who is scheduled for multiple nights at Side Splitters, offering a perfect way to celebrate the holiday with live stand-up.
- Venue: Side Splitters Comedy Club
- Date: Wed, Dec 31, 2025 - Sat, Jan 03, 2026
A Deep Dive into Tampa's Premier Comedy Venues
To fully enjoy the stand-up shows in Tampa, it's essential to know the landscape of the local comedy clubs and major theaters. Each venue offers a distinct atmosphere, catering to different types of comedy experiences, from intimate club settings to grand theatrical productions.
Side Splitters Comedy Club: The Local Legend
Side Splitters is often considered the heart of the Tampa comedy scene. It’s a classic, no-frills comedy club that consistently books a mix of national touring comedians and up-and-coming local talent. If you’re looking for a traditional comedy club experience—complete with drink minimums and close-up seating—this is the spot. It’s the venue of choice for comedians like Bryan Callen and Dale Jones, offering multiple shows over a weekend run, making it a reliable source for live stand-up comedy in Tampa. They are instrumental in fostering the local comedy community.
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts: Big Names and Grand Stages
The Straz Center, specifically its Ferguson Hall, is where you’ll find the biggest, most established names in comedy. When comedians like Kathy Griffin or major touring productions come to town, the Straz Center is usually the destination. The experience here is more theatrical, offering excellent sightlines and a more formal setting. It’s the perfect venue for a high-profile comedy event or a special date night.
Tampa Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant: Dinner and a Show
The Tampa Funny Bone is part of a national chain known for booking a wide array of talent, from household names like DL Hughley to viral stars like One Funny Lisa Marie. This venue typically offers a full-service restaurant experience, allowing patrons to enjoy dinner and drinks alongside the show. It’s a great option for those who prefer a one-stop entertainment spot.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa: The Event Center Experience
The Hard Rock Event Center is reserved for massive, one-night-only events, attracting comedians who can fill a large theater, such as Adam Ray. These shows often feel more like rock concerts than traditional stand-up, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting. It’s the place to catch a superstar comedian on a major national tour.
More Comedy Entities & Topical Authority in Tampa Bay
Beyond the headliners, the Tampa Bay area is rich with other comedy-related entities and figures that contribute to the robust local scene. Keeping an eye on these names and venues is key to staying ahead of the curve in Tampa's comedy landscape. This topical authority is crucial for any true comedy fan.
Other Noteworthy Comedians & Shows Often Touring in the Region:
- Matt Rife: A rapidly rising star who frequently sells out major venues.
- Bert Kreischer: Known for his high-energy, shirtless comedy and massive tours.
- Katt Williams: A legendary figure whose shows are always highly anticipated.
- Kevin James: The sitcom star often tours with his family-friendly stand-up.
- Paul Virzi: A popular podcaster and touring comedian with a strong following.
- T.J. Miller: An actor and comedian known for his unique, often surreal style.
- Gary Owen: A comedian with a huge following known for his relatable, observational humor.
Key Comedy-Adjacent Entities & Venues:
- Tampa Improv Comedy Theater: While not listed with specific headliners in the immediate schedule, the Improv is a major national chain and a consistent source of top-tier stand-up.
- Tampa Theatre: A historic venue that hosts special comedy tours and live podcast recordings, like the Bored Teachers tour.
- Theatre in Tampa: A general resource for finding all types of live performances, including stand-up comedy from December 2025 through February 2026.
- Local Open Mics: Many smaller bars and venues host open mic nights, which are the incubators for the next generation of Tampa comedians. Supporting these shows is vital for the health of the local comedy ecosystem.
Whether you are a devoted fan of political satire, observational comedy, or just looking for a fun night out, the schedule of comedians coming to Tampa, FL, in 2026 offers something for every taste. The city's diverse venues and high-caliber talent ensure that the laughter will continue well into the new year. Check the official venue websites for the latest ticket sales and schedule updates.
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