Denver Comedy Scene Faces Challenges with Venue Closures
Denver’s comedy scene has long been a national standout, but recent closures and relocations of local performance venues have cast a shadow over its reputation.
The latest casualty is Wide Right, a popular Ballpark neighborhood spot for comedy fans and stand-up comedians. Owner Meghan DePonceau announced on Facebook that the venue would be closing its doors for good in December.
This closure comes on the heels of the news that another Denver comedy venue, Denver Comedy Underground, will also be shutting down at its current location. The timing is particularly unfortunate as the city gears up for this week’s High Plains Comedy Festival, a major event that shines a spotlight on Denver’s vibrant comedy scene.
Among the venues hosting festival events is Mutiny Information Cafe, a beloved bookstore and coffee shop known for its punk-rock vibe. However, Mutiny is also preparing to move to a new location in Englewood to cut costs.
Together, these venues have been instrumental in hosting a variety of comedy nights, open mics, and showcases over the years.
Wide Right, which first opened as a Buffalo, N.Y.-themed bar in 2019, has been a hub for stand-up comedy, storytelling nights, roast battles, and karaoke. Founded by DePonceau and Jeremy Pysher, the venue has been a fixture in Denver’s comedy scene for five years.
The space at 2100 Curtis St. has a rich history as the former home of Old Curtis Street, where the acclaimed Grawlix trio got their start before finding success with their truTV sitcom, “Those Who Can’t.”
Despite the impending closure of Wide Right, DePonceau remains dedicated to supporting Denver’s comedy community. She encourages fans to visit the venue for one last show, mic, game, or karaoke session before it closes its doors.
While the closure of Wide Right is a blow to Denver’s comedy scene, it is not an isolated incident. Denver Comedy Underground, located in the basement of the Althea Center for Engaged Spirituality, recently announced its closure due to operational challenges.
Ben Bryant, the founder of Denver Comedy Underground, explained that the decision to close was made after the venue struggled to keep up with liquor sales and other expenses. The search for a new space is underway, but options are limited.
As the comedy community grapples with these losses, the High Plains Comedy Festival serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of Denver’s comedians. Despite the challenges, the city’s comedy scene continues to thrive with a mix of established venues, open mics, and touring acts.
While the closures of Wide Right and Denver Comedy Underground are significant setbacks, they also highlight the volatile nature of the comedy industry. As venues come and go, new opportunities emerge for aspiring comedians to make their mark on the scene.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to stay updated on entertainment news in Denver.
