[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.]

Mentioned here many times over, Portland is a comedy town where traditional stand-up thrives. These days, alternative-format unscripted comedy shows put on by stand-ups are taking the spotlight—and we’re here for it. Game shows, talk shows, panel shows, and roasts are a great way for stand-ups to showcase their quick wit and promote chaos without facing the beast that is Portland’s equally impressive improv scene. Polished and reliable material is a stand-up’s ultimate goal. However, comedians always want to shake it up, and we know how audiences fucking love chaos.

While alternative-format comedy shows are nothing new to this city, you’ve undoubtedly noticed a surge in your algorithm of crowdwork clips and game show reels. To a certain extent, we can thank streaming networks like Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor) for bringing highly produced, interactive, and unscripted comedy content to your feed. If you haven’t heard of them, I’m sorry for you, and you should watch my favorite show—Very Important People.

More importantly, you should know that these types of live shows are right down the street from you. You’d rather be there in person—say, instead of watching on your phone while pooping—I promise. Here are some of my favorites in no particular order:

Leave Your Troubles at the Door

First Friday of the month at Funhouse Lounge and sometimes other venues across the city.

Hosted by Chris Hudson, Leave Your Troubles at the Door brings no rehearsed punchlines. Instead, stand-up comedians take on the audience’s real-life problems, turning them into spontaneous, off-the-cuff comedy. Before the show, attendees anonymously submit their troubles, and throughout the night, some of the town’s best comics riff on your issues in real time. For once, the jokes aren’t about the comedian’s life—they’re about yours. You are unlikely to leave with a solution to your problems… but holy shit, y’all can’t be helped anyway, right?

The Ricky Winters Show

About every two months, at almost every comedy venue in town.

Keep an eye out for the next one by following the socials of the man possessed, James Hartenfeld.

Portland’s #1 tabloid talk show. Has. Everything. It’s serving over-the-top drama, absurdity, confrontation, and big laughs. Stand-ups, as larger-than-life guests, talk with Ricky Winters (James Hartenfeld) for an outrageous live show channeling the chaos of classic daytime TV—think Portland’s own Jerry Springer.

With a history of sold-out shows across the city, you can expect absolute mayhem, and like Springer, things can get physical. Recently, a committed comedian went for the Emmy and ended up with a broken bone. The audience, safe and oblivious, was having a great time as always. No legal drama here, however—just a beloved local performer now proudly flaunting crutches and legendary status.

Roast City Battle

Twice monthly—Dante’s and Funhouse Lounge

When it comes to the rise and fall of different comedy trends, the popularity of roast battles remains untouchable. Cam Strong hosts Roast City, a recurring roast battle where, in the name of comedy (and maybe a little personal vengeance), comedians verbally bodyslam each other. The four-round, joke-for-joke format is then judged by a panel of (you guessed it) more comedians, who deliver the final verdict.

I’ve had the privilege of judging these battles, and I’ve discovered that my kink is watching any glimmer of self-esteem leave the eyes of Portland’s funniest top-dog comedians in real time, knowing they'll spend a sleepless night squirming in existential quicksand. Don’t expect any trigger warnings, and bring a strong stomach—mostly for the belly laughs.

Two Evils

Every few months at Siren Theater. If you’re reading the Mercury, you’ll definitely know when it’s time for the next one.

Driven by both narcissism and journalistic synergy, I can’t NOT mention Two Evils. This silly-ass game show is hosted by yours truly and the legendary Arlo Weierhauser—oh, and graciously presented by the same publication you’re reading right now.

That said, it’s objectively “a hell of a time.” (Get it?)

Two little devils (Arlo and myself) prompt our comedian guest—and the entire audience who vote on their phones—to choose between two truly terrible options. Before a decision is made, the booming “voice of God” (The Mercury’s very own Wm. Steven Humphrey) provides additional context upon request. Once everyone (audience included) submits their answer, our lord shares the holy truth and chaotically awards points to either the audience or the comedian guest.

There are prizes, of course—but really, it’s a game show meant to reveal just how fucked up y’all are, and to show that, naturally, God is never fair. Would you rather have sex with your grandmother’s corpse or miss the next show? The choice is yours.