If you’re looking for a comedy club in Richmond, there are two categories to choose from: the regulars and the sporadics.

The regulars include venues where laugh generation is their primary industry, featuring seasoned vets dedicated to tickling your funny bone.

But don’t discount the sporadics. Several establishments that offer comedy only once or twice a month book some seriously hilarious acts that will deliver an evening chock full of giggles and guffaws.

THE REGULARS

Coalition Theatre

Google “RVA comedy” and you’ll land at Coalition, the downtown venue where comedy is king. Its regular menu focuses on improv, but its team also spices up the action with alternatives like open-mic sketch nights, table reads of classic comedy scripts and the great “mockumentary” series, KnowledgeBomb. It’s the most reliable humor factory in town.

Richmond FunnyBone

This West End haunt is where all the up-and-coming touring comics play, often for multiple-night gigs. If you’re looking to catch the guy or gal most likely to have the award-winning Netflix special next year, this is your best bet.

ComedySportz

The format guarantees laughs. In a competitive comedy showdown, two teams compete in improv games where every night’s show is completely different. Even if some jokes don’t land, the good-natured banter between teams always entertains. Standard shows are family-friendly while “after dark” performances allow for just-barely blue material to sneak in. (You can also find some team-building and party ideas with ComedySportz here.)

THE SPORADICS

Firehouse Theatre

The Firehouse has expanded its offerings beyond standard theater to a broad range of performing arts, including burlesque, magicians and cabarets, all of which include healthy doses of comedy. Oh, and they book the occasional actual comedian as well.

The Altria

Only big names come to the Altria – your Chris Rocks, your Jerry Seinfelds – and tickets generally go fast. The slate for November 2017, for example, includes two comics: John Cleese of Monty Python fame and Gabriel Iglesias, an often-featured voice in animated films like “The Nut Job.”

Fallout

If you feel ready for a true walk on the wild side, venture to Fallout. Richmond’s favorite bondage bar, the limited-entry club has semi-regular comedy shows and open mic nights. Tread carefully and carry an open mind.