Where else to watch comedy

There's plenty to laugh about in Sacramento: former Mayor Kevin Johnson getting pied in the face, the California State Fair goat that always tries to eat the skirts of unsuspecting women. Beyond that, hardworking Sacramentans want a reliable way to unwind and belly laugh to forget their troubles—and their country's clownlike politicians.

The usual comedy hangouts tend to get a lot of attention, like the Sacramento Comedy Spot, Punch Line Comedy Club, Laughs Unlimited and Tommy T's. Here are some lesser-known venues around town.

Ooley Theatre

With only about 30 seats, the Midtown venue has snug, underground vibes and cheap tickets. A weekly Thursday comedy show at 8 p.m. is BYOB, costs $8 and features mostly local stand-up comedians. Early next year, every first Saturday, nationally touring comedian Jason Resler will take the stage at 8 p.m. for $12 and Mike E. Winfield at 10 p.m. for $15. Or, if you’re feeling gutsy, get up on stage. The newly launched CapCity Improv offers drop-in improv classes every Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The first jam is free, and it costs $5 after that. For stage-shy comedy lovers, check out the $5 long-form performances by house ensembles the Conniption Fits and the Holy Rollers every third Saturday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 2007 28th Street, www.facebook.com/CapCityImprov.

On the Y

At this cozy dive bar in Arden-Arcade, you could have chill evening of showing off your billiards skills in front of a biker gang. Or every Thursday at 8 p.m., you could enter the Comedy Zone—with no cover. The open-mic has featured neighborhood amateurs and pros who are stopping by for the evening. Keep the laughs going with the karaoke session that follows. 670 Fulton Avenue, www.facebook.com/ontheysacto.

Momo Sacramento

Above the bumpin’ shows at Harlow’s, Momo usually spotlights deejays in its swanky club. But one or two Sundays a month, Comedy Burger lightens the mood with host—and former co-host of the television show Cannabis Planet—Ngaio Bealum, who also pens The 420 column for SN&R. Talented locals like Keith Lowell Jensen and Cheryl “The Soccer Mom” Anderson grace the stage. 2708 J Street, http://momosacramento.com.

Third Space Art Collective

Every other month, this funky art space in Davis features an all-ages comedy show with local and Bay Area comedians. The $5 cover benefits the studio or another worthy cause. David Liebe Hart—as seen on Adult Swim’s Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!—is scheduled to perform March 2017. 946 Olive Drive in Davis, http://thirdspacedavis.com.

Oak Park Brewing Co.

Alcohol and comedy are a natural recipe for laughs. Oak Park Brewing hosts no-cover comedy nights every third Monday of the month. The show starts at 8 p.m. and the bar opens at 6 p.m. so you can get warmed up ahead of time. The kitchen is closed on Monday, but you can bring in outside food. Although the venue is all-ages, the comedy is decidedly adult with four professional comics onstage for 10 to 20 minutes each. Past headliners include Daniel Humbarger, Anthony K, Mean Dave and Cheryl Anderson—this soccer mom gets around! 3514 Broadway, www.opbrewco.com.