Updated List of Big Comedy Shows in Portland, Maine, For 2026

Each and every year, people pile into Portland, Maine, to visit the world-class restaurants, shops, bars and to be close to the ocean.

But Portland is also home to several great entertainment venues that bring it big name concerts, off-broadway shows, and some of the very best touring comedians in the world.

Several comedians have already lined up their dates and shows in Portland, Maine, for 2026 with more likely announced as the year progresses.

Here's what happening so far:

Nick Offerman - April 16 - Merrill Auditorium

Best recognized for his signature role in NBC's Parks & Recreation, Nick Offerman is bringing a unique stand-up experience to Merrill Auditorium on Thursday, April 16.

Offerman will be joined by professional woodworker Lee Buchanan as the pair will make the audience chuckle and hopefully be inspired to get off their phones and use their hands to make things. Ticket details can be found here.

Rodney Carrington - April 23 - State Theatre

Rodney Carrington has made a career out of blending his sarcastic comedic stylings with some original country music.

Carrington is back out on the road again this spring with one stop in Portland, Maine, at the State Theatre on Thursday, April 23. Ticket details can be found here.

Tig Notaro - April 25 - State Theatre

Humorist and storyteller Tig Notaro is once again returning to Portland, Maine, on Saturday, April 25 for a pair of shows at the State Theatre.

Notaro will bring her latest stand-up tour titled 'Out of Nowhere' to the State Theatre. Ticket details can be found here.

Killers of Kill Tony - May 2 - Merrill Auditorium

Members of the number one podcast in the world, Kill Tony, are embarking on a nationwide tour to bring their different styles of dark humor to stages across the country.

The Killers of Kill Tony will arrive in Portland, Maine, for one night only at the Merrill Auditorium on Saturday, May 2. Ticket details can be found here.

Fortune Feimster - June 18 & 19 - Merrill Auditorium

Beloved for her self-deprecation and southern charm, Fortune Feimster is bringing her 'Takin' Care of Biscuits' tour to Portland, Maine, for two nights.

Feimster will perform at the Merrill Auditorium on Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19. Ticket details can be found here.

*NEW* Comedy Bang! Bang! - June 29 - State Theatre

The award-winning Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast comes to life as Scott Aukerman, Paul F. Tompkins and the Comedy Bang! Bang! all-stars bring their 'Ground Beefing' tour to Portland, Maine.

Comedy Bang! Bang! arrives on Monday, June 29, at the State Theatre.

Ticket details can be found here.

Kathleen Madigan - August 8 - State Theatre

One of the hardest working comedians in the world, Kathleen Madigan is constantly on the road and is once again bringing her latest stand-up set to Portland, Maine, on Saturday, August 8.

Her latest tour 'Flying Cats & Marching Armadillos' will arrive at the State Theatre for one night only. Ticket details can be found here.

Ilana Glazer - August 19 - State Theatre

Best known for creating and starring in the raucous Comedy Central series Broad City, Ilana Glazer will bring her latest stand up set to Portland, Maine, at the State Theatre on Wednesday, August 19.

Glazer recently released a special on Hulu called 'Human Magic'. Ticket details can be found here.

*NEW* Dave Attell - August 21 - State Theatre

Dave Attell has plenty of credits to his name including Insomniac on Comedy Central, Bumpin' Mics with Jeff Ross and several memorable hour-long specials.

Attell remains of the best stand-up comedians around returns to Portland, Maine, yet again on Friday, August 21 at the State Theatre.

Ticket details can be found here.

Tom Papa - September 12 - State Theatre

No stranger to visiting Portland, Maine, Tom Papa is once again hitting the road this summer and fall with a new tour titled 'Grateful Bread'.

Papa will perform for one night only at the State Theatre on Saturday, September 12. Ticket details can be found here.

Kathy Griffin - October 2 - Merrill Auditorium

Holding the Guinness Book of World Records for the most written and performed stand-up specials, Kathy Griffin is bringing her 'New Face, New Tour' act to Portland, Maine.

Griffin will perform at Merrill Auditorium on Friday, October 2. Ticket details can be found here.

*NEW* Marc Maron - November 5 - State Theatre

Known globally for his beloved podcast, Marc Maron has spent the last decade collecting new fans with his stand up comedy.

Maron has released several comedy specials in recent years and returns to Portland, Maine, on Thursday, November 5 at the State Theatre with his 'Yammering Into The Void' tour.

Ticket details can be found here. 

*NEW* Leslie Jones - November 6 - State Theatre

Known for her time as both a writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live, Leslie Jones has also been on the road for years honing her stand up act.

Jones will once again return to Portland, Maine, on Friday, November 6 at the State Theatre with her latest round of observations and annoyances.

Ticket details can be found here.

Jay Leno - November 7 - Merrill Auditorium

Best known for his long tenure as the host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno got his start as a stand-up comedian and has spent the last decade plus returning to his roots.

Leno will bring his latest musings on the state of the world to Merrill Auditorium on Saturday, November 7. Ticket details can be found here.

*NEW* Bert Kreischer - November 15 - Merrill Auditorium

It's possible that nobody hates shirts more in the world than Bert Kreischer. Shirt or no shirt, Kreischer has a new tour with more shenanigans ready for Portland, Maine.

Berty boy will be back at the Merrill Auditorium on Sunday, November 15, with his 'Permission to Party' tour.

Ticket details can be found here.