The Comedy Club of Lawrence Brings Stand-Up and Late-Night Energy to Downtown Lawrence
Downtown Lawrence is getting a serious boost of laughter this week as The Comedy Club of Lawrence officially opens its doors at 811 New Hampshire Street. The venue, which held a soft opening on November 1, is gearing up for its grand opening weekend from Thursday, November 6 through Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Owned by Dustin Kaufman, a Kansas City promoter and comedian, the new club is the latest addition to Lawrence’s nightlife scene. Kaufman is no stranger to the comedy business — he also owns The Comedy Club of Kansas City, which has been running since 2019. After watching Lawrence’s independent comedy shows thrive in recent years, Kaufman said the timing finally felt right to expand. “There’s a good nightlife here, and there’s a good comedy scene here,” he said, noting that the supportive community made Lawrence a natural choice.
The building now home to the Comedy Club previously housed Mr. Brews Taphouse, a bar and restaurant that operated from early 2024 until June of this year. The new club has been renovated into a lively, 21-and-over venue featuring a full bar and kitchen, ready to serve patrons throughout its lineup of weekly showcases and headlining acts.
For its grand opening, the club will host comedian and actor JC Currais as the headliner. Currais, known for his high-energy performances and TV appearances on Conan, Lethal Weapon, and Just Roll With It, will perform 7 p.m. shows Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, plus 9:30 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday. Tickets for Currais’ sets are priced at $22 for general seating and $27 for preferred seating, available through thecomedyclublfk.com or at the door if supplies last.
Also performing during the grand opening weekend is Moneisha Williams, a Kansas City–based comedian, who will take the 9:30 p.m. slot on Thursday. Her show is priced at $16 per ticket, giving locals an affordable way to kick off the club’s first full weekend of entertainment.
Kaufman’s team is already planning to make the Lawrence location more than just a weekend stop. Beginning in early 2026, the club expects to introduce late-night shows at 11:30 p.m., keeping the kitchen open until 2 a.m. This move is designed to offer a fun, late-night option for adults looking for food and entertainment beyond the college bar crowd.
Following a series of local auditions, twenty comedians from the Lawrence area have been selected to perform in the club’s own version of the Kansas City favorite, “Host Battle.” The competition format gives up-and-coming comics the chance to showcase their material and gain exposure on a professional stage. Kaufman said this event will help the club connect deeply with local talent and provide new comedians with valuable opportunities to grow.
“We’re very proud of the talent that is on this roster,” Kaufman said. “We just want people to come out for a good time — come for a night out.”
With its mix of national acts, local comedians, and a strong emphasis on community, The Comedy Club of Lawrence is positioning itself as both a destination and a creative hub for comedy in the region. For full details, upcoming shows, and ticket information, visit thecomedyclublfk.com.
