Phoenix’s biggest comedy shows of 2026

The 2026 comedy circuit in Phoenix features a strong lineup of arena-sized headliners and legendary performers. From observational masters to high-energy truth-tellers, the city’s major venues are hosting some of the most anticipated tours of the year.

Jim Breuer

Wednesday, Feb. 25
Celebrity Theatre, 40 N. 32nd St.
Jim Breuer is the comic behind SNL’s cult-favorite character Goat Boy and gained acclaim for his spot-on impression of Joe Pesci. Beyond the sketch stage, he starred in the 1998 stoner comedy classic “Half Baked” with Dave Chappelle. During his tours, Breuer offers high-energy, family-centric storytelling that often touches on marriage, parenting three daughters and his experiences as a caregiver for his elderly parents. Despite his early associations with “stoner humor,” his modern standup is notably clean, with the comedian avoiding profanity for over a decade. He also frequently incorporates his love for heavy metal into his performances, performing comedic impressions of rock icons like Brian Johnson of AC/DC. 

John Mulaney

March 5-6
Celebrity Theatre, 40 N. 32nd St.
John Mulaney could be considered a “renaissance man,” as he has had such a robust career. He served as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” from 2008 to 2013, where he notably co-created the flamboyant Stefon with Bill Hader. Since then, he has released several critically acclaimed stand-up specials on Netflix, including “New in Town,” “The Comeback Kid,” “Kid Gorgeous at Radio City” (which won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing) and the recent “Baby J,” which humorously addressed his personal struggles with addiction and recovery.

Seth Meyers

Saturday, March 14
Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
We’ve been fans of Seth Meyers since he was manning the “Saturday Night Live” Weekend Update desk; now, the “Late Night with Seth Meyers” late-night talk show host is hitting the road for a standup tour. His original show on March 14 has sold out, but the venue added a second one so more people can hear the comedian weigh in on politics, family life and much more. To tide yourself over until the show, watch Meyers’ comedy special, “Dad Man Walking,” on HBO Max.

Ali Wong

Sunday, April 26
Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
Writer, actress and comedian Ali Wong recently announced a show in the Valley. The star of TV shows and movies such as “Beef” and “Always Be My Maybe,” Wong will bring her hilariously filthy, bracingly honest standup act to the ballroom at Talking Stick Resort.

Trevor Noah

Saturday, May 2
Gila River Resort & Casino – Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler
Trevor Noah’s comedy show feels like catching up with the smartest, funniest friend you have — the one who can turn a tiny observation into a whole worldview. He walks onstage with his easy, conversational charm, and suddenly the room shifts. People lean in. He hasn’t even hit the first punchline yet, but you can feel it coming. His humor is sharp without being mean, global without feeling distant. He’ll glide from childhood stories to cultural quirks to the absurdity of modern life, stitching everything together with that signature grin that makes the whole crowd relax. He effortlessly moves between sincerity and silliness, offering little flashes of insight wrapped in jokes that hit clean and fast.

Nate Bargatze

June 26-27
Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St.
Hailed as the “nicest man in stand-up comedy,” Nate Bargatze has redefined mainstream comedy through his deadpan delivery and commitment to clean, family-friendly humor. Born into a family of entertainers — his father was a former clown turned magician — Bargatze spent years honing his craft in Chicago and New York before returning to Nashville. In 2024, he became the highest-grossing stand-up comic, selling over 1 million tickets. Bargatze, who hosts the podcast Nateland, also hosted the 2025 Emmy Awards.

Matt Rife

Saturday, Dec. 26
Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St.
Matt Rife moves through a room like he’s got a sixth sense for chaos. One minute he’s riffing on his own absurd rise, the next he’s zeroed in on someone in the front row who didn’t expect to become part of the show. His comedy lives in that sweet spot between polished and unpredictable, where the punchlines feel effortless, but the energy stays just a little dangerous. Rife treats standup like a live experiment. He’s quick, he’s sharp and he’s fully committed to whatever weird turn the night takes.