Just a 20-minute drive or 15-minute metro ride from Alexandria, Va., the DC Improv Comedy club is a well-known and respected institution in Washington, D.C. The club often features famous comedians, but also provides classes and instruction in improvisational comedy. The Improv, as it's called in D.C., is easily accessible by Metro on the orange, blue and red lines at Farragut West or Farragut North stations, respectively. The club's shows often sold out so it's a good idea to check the website regularly if you are trying to see a show there. The club has been around since 1992 and boasts such big names as Dave Chappelle and Ellen DeGeneres as early performers.
DC Improv Comedy Club
1140 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-296-7008
dcimprov.com
The Comedy Spot in Arlington, Va., has an improv format and performs several shows every weekend. Of the five shows, three are family-friendly and one is even geared toward children only. But if you are looking for something a little spicier, the club also offers a late-night, adults-only improv show every Friday and Saturday night. The Comedy Spot is Metro accessible at the Ballston station, as is a 17-minute drive from Alexandria.
The Comedy Spot
Ballston Common Mall
4238 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22203
703-294-5233
comedyindc.com
All Stars Comedy Club is a local venue that was created in 2003 to showcase local talent. They have a line-up of several comedians that perform regularly. The club is located inside Jenny's Asian Fusion, a restaurant in Southwest D.C., in case you get hungry while you are laughing. The website is not regularly updated, but there are phone numbers to call for info and show times. The restaurant and club are Metro accessible on the green, yellow, blue and orange lines at L'Enfant Plaza, less than 30-minutes from Alexandria.
All Stars Comedy Club
Jenny's Asian Fusion
1000 Water St. SW
Washington, DC 20024
703-739-7377?
allstarcomedy.com
If you are looking for comedy that's a little more family-friendly, Glenn Gary's Parlor Magic show may be exactly what you're looking for. The respected and renowned magician performs at the Westin Hotel in D.C., Wednesday and Friday nights. While you may be thinking, magic is not comedy, the show does promise a few laughs and surprises as Glenn Gary practices his sleight of hand, illusions and psychic moments. The hotel is Metro-accessible on the orange and blue lines at McPherson Square station, just a brief, 20-minute Metro ride and 18-minute car drive.
Glenn Gary's Parlor Magic
The Westin City Center Hotel
1400 M St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
703-963-0790
glenngary.com