Upcoming events.
Jonny Stein, Castro Comedy Cabaret
Castro Comedy Cabaret – March 8th with Jonny Stein! 🎤🎭🌈
📍 Beaux, 2344 Market St, San Francisco, CA | ⏰ 6 PM Pre-Show | 7 PM Showtime | 💸 Pay What You Can + VIP Tickets Available
Get ready for a night of top-tier queer comedy in the heart of the Castro! Castro Comedy Cabaret is back on Friday, March 8th, bringing you a comedy-forward variety show from the team that brought you Safe Words Queer Comedy Showcase and Ruckus Revival.
This month’s headliner is the hilarious Jonny Stein! A standout in the comedy scene, Jonny has graced stages from the Punchline SF to Broadway Comedy Club NYC and even landed as a finalist in the US Comedy Contest. His sharp wit and magnetic stage presence guarantee big laughs!
Come early for the pre-show video, grab a drink, and settle in for a night of bold, unapologetic, and laugh-out-loud performances. Secure your spot now!
Mental Health Comedy Hour
Mental Health Comedy Hour – Stand-Up Comedy That Gets Real
Laughter is healing, and at Mental Health Comedy Hour, we bring you stand-up comedy that’s as honest as it is hilarious. Join us every second Friday at 8 PM at All Out Comedy Theater in Oakland for a night of comedy, catharsis, and community—where comedians share their personal (and comedic) takes on mental health, therapy, and the absurdity of being human.
🧠 Real talk. Big laughs. No stigma.
📅 When: Every second Friday at 8:00 PM
📍 Where: All Out Comedy Theater, 2550 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
✨ Whether you’re here to laugh, relate, or just escape for a bit, we’ve got a lineup of incredible comedians ready to make you feel seen—and crack you up in the process.
🎟️ Grab your tickets now and let’s normalize mental health, one joke at a time!
Chelsea Bearce is Queer, as in Funny at Safe Words Queer Comedy Showcase
📅 Wednesday, March 26th | ⏰ 7 PM | 📍 SF Eagle | 🎟 Pay What You Can & VIP Tickets Available
San Francisco’s longest-running queer comedy showcase, Safe Words, is back with another night of side-splitting stand-up at SF Eagle! This month’s Queer, As in Funny edition features a stellar lineup of LGBTQ+ comedians bringing the heat, the wit, and the unexpected.
🌟 Headliner: Chelsea Bearce – A powerhouse on stage, Chelsea’s comedy is sharp, smart, and downright hilarious.
🎤 With performances by:
🔥 Tessie Chua – Quick-witted, bold, and always a crowd favorite.
🔥 Andre Margatini – Clever, charismatic, and ready to make you laugh.
🔥 Nova – A fresh comedic voice with razor-sharp observations.
🎤 Hosted by Wonder Dave! – Your favorite comedy ringmaster keeps the energy high and the laughs rolling.
This is a Pay What You Can event, but VIP tickets are available for those who want the best seats and exclusive perks! Grab your friends, claim a spot, and enjoy a night of unapologetically queer comedy in a welcoming and rowdy space.
Mental Health Comedy Hour
Mental Health Comedy Hour – Stand-Up Comedy That Gets Real
Laughter is healing, and at Mental Health Comedy Hour, we bring you stand-up comedy that’s as honest as it is hilarious. Join us every second Friday at 8 PM at All Out Comedy Theater in Oakland for a night of comedy, catharsis, and community—where comedians share their personal (and comedic) takes on mental health, therapy, and the absurdity of being human.
🧠 Real talk. Big laughs. No stigma.
📅 When: Every second Friday at 8:00 PM
📍 Where: All Out Comedy Theater, 2550 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
✨ Whether you’re here to laugh, relate, or just escape for a bit, we’ve got a lineup of incredible comedians ready to make you feel seen—and crack you up in the process.
🎟️ Grab your tickets now and let’s normalize mental health, one joke at a time!
PERVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION - by Safe Words Queer Comedy Showcase
📅 Wednesday, April 23rd | ⏰ 7 PM | 📍 SF Eagle | 🎟 Pay What You Can & VIP Tickets Available
San Francisco’s longest-running queer comedy showcase, Safe Words, presents a one-night-only special event: Perversity, Equity, and Inclusion (PEI)!
🎭 Winner of Best of SF Fringe Festival & Best Box Office! 🎭
As corporations scramble to abandon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, PEI flips the script, exposing the absurdity, hypocrisy, and contradictions behind performative progressivism. This award-winning production takes a fearless look at corporate virtue signaling, the rollback of DEI initiatives, and the ongoing fight for equity.
🌟 Created and performed by:
🔥 Ted Donatelli – A stand-up comedian and writer whose sharp wit and fearless approach to satire have made them a standout in the Bay Area comedy scene. Their work often tackles themes of identity, labor, and the absurdity of corporate culture.
🔥 Rea Kapur – A multi-talented comedian, writer, and actor. With a background in screenwriting and improv, she brings a distinct storytelling style to stand-up that blends dark humor with heartfelt honesty.
🔥 Binya Koatz – A comedian and performer known for blending surreal humor with pointed political critique. Their work has been featured in various alternative comedy spaces, always pushing boundaries with a sharp comedic edge.
🔥 Edib Farhan – A stand-up and sketch performer whose comedy explores themes of identity, activism, and cultural absurdities. Their work has been celebrated for its mix of incisive humor and deeply personal storytelling.
Expect unfiltered, unapologetic, and wildly funny performances that challenge the status quo while celebrating resilience, community, and the power of laughter.
Safe Words is bringing this critically acclaimed show to SF Eagle for one high-impact night of unapologetic, queer satire. If demand is high, an additional showtime may be added!
📢 Follow @SafeWordsComedy on Instagram & Bluesky for updates and behind-the-scenes content!
🎭 Join us every 4th Wednesday at SF Eagle for Safe Words – the Bay Area’s home for queer comedy!
Mental Health Comedy Hour
Mental Health Comedy Hour – Stand-Up Comedy That Gets Real
Laughter is healing, and at Mental Health Comedy Hour, we bring you stand-up comedy that’s as honest as it is hilarious. Join us every second Friday at 8 PM at All Out Comedy Theater in Oakland for a night of comedy, catharsis, and community—where comedians share their personal (and comedic) takes on mental health, therapy, and the absurdity of being human.
🧠 Real talk. Big laughs. No stigma.
📅 When: Every second Friday at 8:00 PM
📍 Where: All Out Comedy Theater, 2550 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
✨ Whether you’re here to laugh, relate, or just escape for a bit, we’ve got a lineup of incredible comedians ready to make you feel seen—and crack you up in the process.
🎟️ Grab your tickets now and let’s normalize mental health, one joke at a time!
BLACKOUT - Safe Words & Laughs in Color
SafeWords BLACKOUT Returns x Laugh in Color
BLACKOUT RETURNS! This Black History Month, Team Wonder Dave and Laugh in Color are bringing back one of our most electrifying events—SafeWords BLACKOUT—a powerhouse lineup of Black comedians ready to shake the stage with sharp, boundary-pushing comedy.
As part of Laugh in Color’s month-long celebration of Black stand-up, this is just one of many can’t-miss events happening across the Bay. And if you love a mix of comedy and drag, don’t forget to check out LAUGH IN COLOR x Castro Comedy Cabaret, happening earlier in the month!
📅 Date & Time:
📍 San Francisco Eagle
📆 Wednesday, February 26th
⏰ 7:00 PM Doors | 7:30 PM Show
🎤 Hosted by Jalisa Robinson
🌟 Headliner: Marcus Williams
Featuring:
🔥 Jalisa Robinson - Leading the night with wit and energy
🎭 Marcus Williams - Taking the spotlight as our headliner
✨ Cynthia in Public - Serving comedy with a side of truth
💥 Ava LaShay - Bringing the laughs once again
🎙 Becky Lynn - Back on stage and ready to slay
This isn’t just another comedy show—it’s a celebration, a statement, and a damn good time. Don’t miss this chance to support Black comedians and experience a night of unforgettable comedy.
🎟 Secure your spot now—come laugh, cheer, and turn up with us!
PART TWO: Valentines Day Double Feature - mental Health Comedy Hour
Spend Valentine’s Day in Oakland with a stand-up comedy show that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt! Mental Health Comedy Hour brings you top Bay Area comedians sharing their personal and comedic takes on mental health, relationships, and life’s absurdities.
The 9:30 PM show lineup features:
🎤 Eric Rubin – Clever, unexpected, and undeniably funny
🎤 Cathy Zhao – Fearless and sharply insightful stand-up
📅 Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
🕘 Time: 9:30 PM
📍 Venue: All Out Comedy Theater, 2550 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
💖 Whether you’re on a date, hanging with friends, or flying solo, this Valentine’s Day comedy show in Oakland is the perfect way to celebrate!
🎟️ Reserve your tickets now – seating is limited!
PART ONE: Valentines Day Double Feature, Mental Health Comedy Hour
Looking for a funny and unique way to spend Valentine’s Day in Oakland? Whether you’re single, coupled, or just need a laugh, join us for Mental Health Comedy Hour, a stand-up comedy show that blends humor, honesty, and mental health awareness.
This 8 PM show features an incredible lineup of comedians bringing you hilarious, heartfelt, and unfiltered comedy about love, life, and mental health:
🎤 Corde Snell – Smart, sharp, and laugh-out-loud funny
🎤 Abby Laporte – Quick-witted and fearlessly funny
🎤 Special performance from Eric Rubin
📅 Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: All Out Comedy Theater, 2550 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get your tickets now for this one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day comedy event in Oakland!
Hysteria Comedy Open Mic for WOMEN & QUEERS
Hysteria is all about spotlighting the hilarious voices of women and queer comedians, creating a space where everyone feels welcome, seen, and celebrated. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or a first-timer looking for an incredible night out, this lineup of comedic talent is guaranteed to bring the house down.
When: 6:30pm Sign up, 7:00pm Go up
Where: SF Eagle Bar, 398 12th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103
Come for the laughs, stay for the community, and leave with stories to tell! Don’t miss this night of Hysteria—register now! 🌈✨
LAUGH IN COLOR & Castro Comedy Cabaret
Castro Comedy Cabaret x Laugh in Color
This Black History Month, Team Wonder Dave is teaming up with Laugh in Color to spotlight Black excellence in stand-up and drag! As part of a month-long celebration featuring over 25 shows across the Bay, we’re bringing an unforgettable night of comedy and performance to the heart of the Castro.
Be sure to also check out SafeWords BLACKOUT, our all-Black queer comedy showcase later in the month!
📅 Date & Time:
📍 Beaux, San Francisco
📆 Saturday, February 8th
⏰ 6:00 PM Pre-Show | 7:00 PM Show
🎤 Hosted by Ava LaShay
👑 Headliner: Athena Nuff
Featuring:
✨ Athena Nuff - Serving both stand-up and drag as our headliner!
🔥 Ava LaShay - Hosting the night with comedy, drag, and charisma
🎭 Graciella Hamilton - Bringing the laughs
💥 Becky Lynn - Hitting the stage with sharp wit
Expect a high-energy night packed with comedy, camp, and killer performances. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
🎟 Grab your tickets now and come celebrate Black talent in the Castro!
Hysteria Comedy Open Mic for WOMEN & QUEERS
Fifth Wednesdays don’t come around often, but when they do, we make them count! 🎉 This month, we’re giving you a bonus dose of Hysteria: A Comedy Open Mic for Women and Queers. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the rare magic of a fifth Wednesday with an evening of uproarious laughter, stellar performers, and unforgettable vibes.
Hysteria is all about spotlighting the hilarious voices of women and queer comedians, creating a space where everyone feels welcome, seen, and celebrated. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or a first-timer looking for an incredible night out, this lineup of comedic talent is guaranteed to bring the house down.
When: 6:30pm Sign up, 7:00pm Go up
Where: SF Eagle Bar, 398 12th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103
Come for the laughs, stay for the community, and leave with stories to tell! Don’t miss this special fifth Wednesday edition of Hysteria—get your tickets now! 🌈✨
Safe Words EAST BAY - Queer Comedy at Fluid 510
SAFE WORDS QUEER COMEDY SHOWCASE AT FLUID510
Join us at Fluid510 for a night of unforgettable comedy featuring a lineup that captures the heart and humor of our diverse LGBTQ+ community. Experience the warmth, laughter, and connection that define Safe Words Comedy Showcase.
WHEN:
Wednesday, January 29th
7:00 PM Doors | 7:30 PM Show
WHERE:
Fluid510
1544 Broadway
Oakland, CA
TICKETS:
Pay What You Can: Suggested Price $15-$25
Your ticket goes directly to producing the show, paying our comedians, and fulfilling our mission to create safe spaces for queer audiences while accelerating the careers of queer comedians.
SPECIALS:
Two-Item Minimum: Fluid510 requires a two-item minimum for all attendees. Whether it’s a cocktail, mocktail, or snack from their fantastic menu, there’s something for everyone!
Wine Wednesday: Enjoy half-off bottles of wine all night long!
ABOUT SAFE WORDS COMEDY SHOWCASE
Safe Words is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of queer hilarity, inclusivity, and unity. Every month, we bring together the best established and emerging queer comedians to deliver a show that’s as empowering as it is entertaining.
As a premier queer comedy event, Safe Words has been featured in the Bay Area Reporter and highlighted on the Stereotypes podcast. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally looking to support, this showcase offers a space to laugh, connect, and celebrate the vibrancy of queer comedy.
FOLLOW US:
Stay up to date with our shows and behind-the-scenes magic on Instagram at @safewordscomedy.
Mark your calendar and get ready for a night of empowering queer comedy that promises to leave you laughing and inspired. Let’s fill the night with joy, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of Safe Words Comedy Showcase!
Safe Words Queer Comedy Showcase, Second Anniversary Show
San Francisco, get ready! 🎉 Safe Words Comedy Showcase is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary Extrava-Ganzah with an incredible night of queer comedy on Wednesday, January 22nd at 7 PM at the iconic SF Eagle!
This special show features the brilliant Mx. Dahlia Belle (Netflix), a standout comedian, writer, and one of the stars of Hannah Gadsby’s critically acclaimed Gender Agenda Netflix special. Dahlia is the second performer from this groundbreaking series to grace the Safe Words stage, following the unforgettable DeAnne Smith in 2024. You won’t want to miss her unique, razor-sharp wit live!
The celebration doesn’t stop there. We’re bringing you a powerhouse lineup of comedians, all visiting from out of town during Sketchfest! This means you can expect an evening of exceptional talent, featuring both new and returning faces that are guaranteed to leave you laughing.
Here’s the lineup:
Riley McCarthy
Geneva Rust-Orta
Nina Nguyen
D’Lo
And keeping the party going is your host, the incomparable Wonder Dave, who’s been at the heart of Safe Words Comedy Showcase since day one.
Pay what you can! Secure your tickets now and be part of the celebration of San Francisco’s longest-running queer comedy showcase. Let’s make this anniversary unforgettable! 🌈✨
Safe Words does Sketchfest
A Special Safe Words You Won’t Want to Miss!
Safe Words is taking SF Sketchfest by storm, bringing you an exclusive night of laughter and empowerment featuring an all-star lineup of queer comics, including some incredible out-of-town talent you wouldn’t normally get to see on our stage!
Join us Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the cozy and intimate Lost Church for a special edition of Safe Words, the Bay Area’s beloved queer comedy showcase dedicated to amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices.
This one-night-only event is your chance to experience the magic of Safe Words alongside rockstar comedians from across the country:
🎤 Rachelle Cochran – Silly, loud, and unforgettable! She’s opened for Cameron Esposito and Jay Jurden.
🎤 Ren Q. Dawe – A genderqueer prankster and organizer of the Colorado Queer Comedy Festival, featured coast to coast.
🎤 Nora Jefferies – Brooklyn-based comedian touring nationwide with sharp, hilarious observations.
🎤 Joe John Sanchez III – Portland’s neurotic and adorable producer of top LGBTQIA+ comedy showcases.
🎤 Jonny Stein – Oakland’s comedy standout featured in Don’t Tell Comedy and Sirius XM.
And of course, the show will be hosted by Safe Words’ very own Wonder Dave, who’s been lighting up stages from comedy clubs to bowling alleys with his unique mix of wit and charm.
Why This Show Is Special
SF Sketchfest is the ultimate comedy festival, and this is your chance to see Safe Words go bigger and bolder than ever. With a lineup like this, it’s a rare opportunity to experience both the incredible local talent you know and love and amazing queer comedians from around the country who you might not otherwise get to see in the Bay Area.
Details:
📍 Location: The Lost Church
📅 Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Don’t wait – grab yours and join us for this unforgettable night of queer comedy.
Celebrate the vibrant diversity of LGBTQIA+ comedy and see why Safe Words is making waves at SF Sketchfest! 🌈✨