20 Years of Alaska Comedy! Tickets

For the last twenty years, Alaska has proudly played host to some of the funniest and most talented comedians from all over the world. From local open mic nights to nationally renowned comedy festivals, the Last Frontier's love for laughter has only grown with each passing year. In this article, we'll take a look at the incredible history and growth of Alaskan comedy, highlighting some of the stand-out concerts that have helped shape it into what it is today.

The Early Years

In the late '90s and early 2000s, Alaska's comedy scene was still in its infancy. However, there were a few pioneers pushing the envelope and helping build the foundation for what would become a thriving industry. One of those earliest contributors was the Chilkat Valley News, a weekly paper based out of Haines, which hosted an annual comedy festival known as "Red Face Weekend."

Red Face Weekend featured local comics, as well as visiting performers from the Lower 48. It became a much-anticipated event in the area, and crowds filled the high school auditorium every year for three nights of laughter and entertainment. Other small communities around the state began to take notice, and soon there were small events popping up all over.

Emergence of Bigger Names

As the decade came to a close, comedy fans in Alaska started to see more and more big names coming through the state. Legendary comedian George Carlin graced the stage at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks in 2001. A few years later, Lewis Black brought his trademark angry wit to Anchorage's Atwood Concert Hall. These shows weren't just attention-grabbing - they signaled a sign of things to come.

Comedy Festivals in Alaska

One of the most significant advancements the state made in the following years was putting on its very own comedy festivals that aimed to showcase the best talent the state had to offer. The first of those festivals was the Ketchikan Humor Festival, which started in 2003 and featured well-known names such as Bob Zany and Louie Anderson. Soon after, the Anchorage Comedy Festival began to emerge.

Since then, the Anchorage festival has brought comedians ranging from John Mulaney to Leslie Jones to Aisha Tyler to Alaska's stages. In 2018, the festival attracted over 100 performers who took part in shows across multiple venues around downtown Anchorage over the course of a week. What's more, the festival provides plenty of opportunities for locals to get involved: each year there are workshops, panels, and open mics for aspiring comedians to learn, grow and hone their stand-up skills.

Comedy Clubs

Perhaps the most significant development within Alaskan comedy, though, came with the opening of the 49th State Brewing Co.'s Punchline Comedy Club in Anchorage. The venue has become immensely popular among locals and visitors, and it’s now considered one of the premier comedy clubs in the Pacific Northwest.

The Punchline regularly hosts touring comedians and is always keen on providing a stage to new local talent. Meanwhile, new comedy nights have popped up in bars and clubs all over the state, from Ketchikan to Fairbanks. Local names such as Jasper Redd, Sophie Heaton, and Joe Brady are some of the best comedians from the state, and they often perform at Punchline.

Looking Ahead

As the Alaskan comedy scene continues to thrive, it's evident that it won't be slowing down anytime soon. There's no doubt that ten years from now, there will be far more fantastic and unforgettable comedy concerts that we'll look back on with fondness.

Whether you're a fan of the grittier local clubs or the polished international artists that pass through, Alaska's comedy scene has a little something for everyone. We look forward to continuing to explore it with you, one laugh at a time.