Hawthorne

If you need any ADA accommodations, please reach out to [email protected].

It's Trans Awareness Month, and we have an all-star cast of trans performers and a very special guest as bachelor: River Butcher (@rivbutcher)!

River Butcher is a Los Angeles-based standup comic, actor, and writer. His first half-hour special “A Different Kind of Dude” debuted on Comedy Central’s Youtube channel and was called “a masterclass in culture war commentary” by Esquire.com. River recently wrote on the FX pilot “Belated,” previously wrote for “A League of Their Own,” and created/starred in/wrote the critically acclaimed and GLAAD award-nominated tv show “Take My Wife.” You may have also seen him as non-binary standup comic Lindsay Brady on “Good Trouble” and Adam Conover’s sibling on “Adam Ruins Everything” or queer dinner guest Denim in the hit movie “Friendsgiving.” He has done standup all over the country, the globe, and the screen, including Ellen, Conan, Comedy Central, and HBO. River was named one of Vanity Fair’s “Ten Comics to Watch” at comedy’s prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal in 2017, just 6 years after doing his first stand up open mic. His first hour special “Someone’s Boyfriend” made it’s debut to lots of likes on Youtube in 2023. He is currently touring the country telling jokes about being trans.

Featuring Mx. Dahlia Belle (@mx.dahliabelle), Riley McCarthy (@rileycandunk) & Seattle's JoJo Blacco (@jojoblacco) as heart throbs competing for River's love, this Heart Throb will be a night to remember! Hosted by Mack Lee & Randy!

Poster by @coldmoonimageanddesign

It's Passport Day so we're bringing back the Tripster Clubhouse for one night only! Join your fellow Tripsters to share memories of the road and toast to what's next! Join in on the fun with drink specials, activities, games, raffles - who knows what we'll come up with!?

All-day happy hour with Passport
Limited-edition beer tasting * 5-8pm
Karaoke * 6-9pm
Free pool & shuffleboard * All night
Tripster Clubhouse selfie photo booth * 5-8pm
Raffle * 8pm

Must show Tripster Keychain or completed Passport to receive special drink pricing and free games.

Curious about Cosmic Tripsters and how to become one? Check out our Passport program to learn more.

Part comedy special, part concert, and full of surprises. Bernice Ye, dubbed “The Jackie Chan of Comedy” by The Stranger, brings Wuhan Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ ta Duck Wit to Portland’s Kickstand Comedy for one night only. Wu-Tang energy meets immigrant storytelling in a live show blending stand-up, original comedy rap, martial arts, audience interaction, and cinematic multimedia. It’s about identity, ambition, and building your own clan when the world doesn’t hand you one.

Born in Wuhan, China, Ye came to the U.S. with $1,000 and a computer science degree from Peking University. She built a career at Microsoft and Hulu, then walked away from tech for the comedy stage. Now an internationally touring comedian, comedy rapper, and taekwondo black belt, she turns that unlikely journey into an evening of laughter, music, and reinvention. It was the most unhinged sequence of decisions she’s ever made. It’s working. With 400K+ followers and more than 100 million views online, Ye has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, The Stranger, and Seattle Gay News. Her credits include the New York Comedy Festival, Bergamot Comedy Festival, and Best of the Fest honors at Burbank Comedy Festival, Laugh After Dark, and Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Festival.

Following previous appearances at The Siren Theater, Ye returns to Portland with the road-tested show that launched a 13-city national tour. Whether you’ve followed her online or are discovering her for the first time, you’re invited into the Wuhan Clan. Come for the comedy. Leave with a clan—and songs stuck in your head.

In this live Dungeons and Dragons show, comedians and performers take to the stage to play some theater games, share some jokes, and play some D&D.

This season of Magic Tea Party, you will join Dungeon Master Juliet Mylan, who will lead:

• Cosmo Reynolds (as Joey, just some guy with a ukulele that frequents Portland open mics)
• Jenna Britann (as Holbrook, a 165,786,084 yr old dilophosaurus),
• Riley McCarthy (as Enoch "Nucky" Fallstar, an apostle of the doomsday cult Threshold of Paradise with some unorthodox powers)

Audience members will take part in controlling the players' fate as they navigate an AU magical Portland in a series of side quests to gather magical artifacts for MOMSI (that's Magical OMSI for the layperson). The show can include strong adult themes and language, so if you bring your 8-year-old, just know they may learn something you were hoping to discuss with them after they hit puberty. Recommended for ages 16+ and parental guidance for those younger.

Small concessions booth with snacks, sodas, seltzers, beer, and wine available at the show. A coffee shop is located in front of the theater, and beverages are welcome in the theater. Tickets are GAYAF (Give As You’re Able Friend) with a suggested donation of $20 to compensate the performers and keep this independent LGBTQ theater running.

Cited by The Portland Mercury as "One of the funniest (and most educational) comedy shows in town": Comedy, queer history, and dangerously delightful shenanigans collide at Be Gay Do Crime.

July features a Know Your Rights presentation by community activist Frances Portillo, with scenarios acted out in sections by the featured BIPOC improv troupe Brown Sugar.

**This presentation is specifically geared towards allies wanting to know more about how to support their immigrant and BIPOC neighbors and community members.**

Also featuring the talents of local comedians and performers, including:

• Stand-up comedy from Lindy Tongol (Host of qu eer, BIPOC show House Party)
• Improv from Brown Sugar
• Stand-up from Julia Corral (host of Comedy in the Park, House Party, and Bruja-ja)

July's show will be hosted by Jane Dillinger and Jenna Britann.

Tickets are GAYAF — give as you’re able, friend. Ticket sales will go towards compensating the hosts and performers. All additional tips collected during the show will support a different local community non-profit organization each month.

(Please note, this show is about history and adult themes, and adult content is often included, including themes of violence, racial discrimination, homophobia, sexual violence, sexual content, drug use, mature language, etc. There are also "dishonorable guests" whose comedy or artistic material could include similar themes. Recommended for ages 14+ and parental discretion for those under age 18.)

8PM-1AM, NO COVER, 21+

NO FUN's long running Wednesday Night KARAOKE!!!!

With Your Host KJ JESSICON

Get your song in early and sing your hearts out!!!!

Join Farina Bakery every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night for amazing live performances from local musicians. Open late for delicious desserts, a full coffee bar and free live music. Stay up to date on Instagram for updates, our weekly lineup, and opportunities to play at weekly open jams.

X-Prov is a fully improvised, never-before-seen episode of the X-Files where you choose the case and your favorite FBI agents solve a brand new mystery. Is the truth really out there?

Remember the X-Files? What if you got to see one more episode, never before seen and never to be seen again?

In X-Prov, the audience decides which X-File agents Mulder and Scully will investigate. This completely improvised homage to America’s favorite conspiracy-laden ‘90s procedural will feature shadowy government organizations, small-town secrets, and at least one unexplainable creature.

Featuring Tessa Waring (as seen in Group Shower) as Scully, Mo Merrill (as seen waiting for the bus on Glisan) as Mulder, and a supporting cast of Kickstand favorites.

So ask yourself: Do you want to believe?

A one-clown kaleidoscope of beauty, tradition, and tyranny — where a pansori diva, a K-beauty fanatic, and a self-proclaimed dictator collide in a hilarious search for identity and power.
In Take Me to Your Leader: The Seoul of a Clown, beauty, ritual, and absurdity collide in a one-clown fever dream. From the haunting rhythms of pansori to the fluorescent glow of a K-beauty altar, Monel Chang (aka Moldy Melon) shape shifts through characters both divine and deranged: a folk diva, a skincare-obsessed disciple, and a dictator throwing themself a birthday party.

Part satire, part spiritual exorcism, and entirely clown, this genre-defying solo performance unpacks the obsessions that bind — from perfection and purity to power and control. With live sound, ritual gesture, and a face full of toner, The Seoul of a Clown invites audiences into a surreal search for identity, laughter, and liberation.

Cult favorites Hopes ‘n’ Prayers returns to Kickstand Comedy with an explosive late-night comedy show that will blow you into a million pieces. Throw out your SSRIs and mainline the dopamine that is Party for the End of the World. Join another favorite indie team for a night of improv comedy, party games, chaotic characters, end-days camaraderie, and whatever the hell else they feel like.

***content warning: guns, violence, sex, language, giant boobs, abstinence, drug use, war (what is it good for), suicide, patricide, matricide, fratricide, misandry, shit and piss, vomit, semen, sexy anthropomorphic animals, depression, addiction, alcohol use, hot carl, two girls one cup, slime, squirt, blood, menstruation, tooth decay, incontinence, impotence, desecration of national monuments, vehicular manslaughter, paranoia, diseases of despair, astrology, anti vaxxing, over vaxxing, neurodivergence, recycling, that thing of when a person on a lime scooter flies off and is mortally wounded, skateboard, huffing, puffing, poppers, whoppers, antiauthoritarianism, flashing lights, being way up on high, petty theft, acab, rippin beers, big tech, artificial insomnia, ménage á trois, peace, love, unity, respect, drunk driving, arson, being in a cemetery after it closes, cannibalism, disney adults, going no contact, uncles and nephews being in a band, bus of life, late stage capitalism, columbine, male loneliness epidemic, 23&me, polyamory, the 2008 financial crisis, microplastics, plastic surgery, running from the law, breaking stuff, little to no respect for furniture, splash zone, osteoporosis, scoliosis, paranormal encounters, blood, sweat, tears, hemorrhoids, neck, back, pussy and crack issues, bill paxton, bizarre allergies, mass extinctions, war on christmas, using the computer, organ theft, broken hearts, huge boats, bodily harm, necrophilia, sexually transmitted infections, buying in bulk, heliocentrism, conspiracies, witches who buy things on amazon.com, pussy hats, hillary clinton jail time, 9/11, buying airline tickets for a discount on 9/11, factory farming, evolution, long content warnings, toxic positivity, party rocking, not being sorry for party rocking, unappealing textures, atheism, misotheism, loving god with no proof, homosexuality, and homophobia.***

Hopes ‘n’ Prayers is Diana Kolsky (The Chris Gethard Show), Lauren Sinner (Night Cheese), and Blade Weedman (Fuckos).

30 of Portland's best improvisers, one totally secret guest host. Every show rearranges the performers into brand-new teams and features a special character host. You won't know who it is until they step out on stage. No two shows are the same, and it's always a surprise.

Past guest hosts have included David Lynch, High School Theater Students, a baby, Tinder Dracula, Waluigi, and many more...who will it be this week? Come and find out.

A show where comedians present their “completely real” conspiracy theories. Hosted by Ally J Ward. Are you ready to suspend your disbelief and see the world for what it really is? Join a night of wisdom, insight, and truth-seeking with Speculation Proposition. Hosted by the head of Speculation Nation, Ally J Ward (Portland’s Funniest Person 2025 by the Willamette Week).

Experts* (*comedians) will present their completely real* (*completely made up) conspiracy theories to Speculation Nation* (*you, the audience). Expand your mind with Speculation Proposition.

Featuring Presentations by:

• Gabe Holmes
• Naomi Dixon
• A literal Bone Demon

An improvised comedy news program where you are the news. Join Breaking News as they create an entire broadcast news program based on your favorite current event: you. No algorithms. No competing corporate interests. Just the blazing-hot energy of a live studio audience. Producers, grab your clipboards. Anchors, big smiles. Back from break in 3… 2… 1…

Fresh from their year-and-a-half run as one of the top improv teams at Kickstand Comedy, Breaking News brings you their brand new hour-long show. Featuring Thea Crowley, John Taylor, Lauren Sigler, Justin Himes, Julie Basque, and Catherine Retica.

Velodrome is a weekly improv showcase of Portland's best and brightest indie teams. Every week, you'll see 3 different teams, each bringing their unique forms, flavors, and a whole lot of funny.

Monthly Rotating Anchor Teams:

• Shaving Season - 1st Thursdays - Cast: Carmen Pfeil, Kerry McPherson, Lori Blonn, Kaz Shepherd
• Brown Sugar - 2nd Thursdays - Cast: Alé Martinez, D’Guar Herrera, Dyvisha Gordon, Laz Romankiw, Michelle Dorantes, Nicholle Ortiz, Monel Chang, Tali Aflague
• Cat Cabinet - 3rd Thursdays - Cast: Ben Spoon, Krista Wright, Lisa Wheeler, Trinton Tello
• High Risk Behavior- 4th Thursdays - Cast: Alexander Henderson, Amirra Patterson, Ashley Bove, Chloé Riggs, Ian Davis, Jax Ko, Kevin Holden, Wayne Moodie, Wren Reynolds

Kickstand’s Harold teams perform classic improv comedy. What makes it classic? Scenes featuring oddball characters, strange situations, big emotions, and magical connections all made up completely on the spot from your one-word suggestion. It's like watching a sitcom that only exists for the 25 minutes it's being performed.

The Harold is a quintessential improv comedy form developed and honed at theaters like iO, UCB, and Second City. Google it if you must… but all you really need to know is that it's gonna be a night of great comedy from Kickstand's rising talent.

2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month

Team 1 Cast:
Alisha Madison Hunter
Bimpe Adewusi
Chris Anderson
Joe Arthur
Jordan Curry
Rosie Fry
Savannah Webber
Tyler MacFarland
Directed by Adam Trabka

Team 2 Cast:
Carmen Pfeil
Madison Ford
Magenta Ferguson
Molly O'Reilly
Paige Howell
Peter Zingelmann
Sat Khalsa
Zeke Zager
Directed by Randy Smith

Enjoy a comedy show about Portlanders living in Portland. Kickstand's signature style of improv is performed by a rotating cast of incredibly talented players

Rotating Cast featuring:
Afrita Davis, Chris Williams, Craig McCarthy, Dana Murphy, Diana Kolsky, Eric Simons, Jon Bolden, Justin Himes, Kristen Schier, Mariah Muñoz, Michael Zimmer, Natalie Haddad, Roland Mechanik, Thea Crowley

Kickstand brings you the best in Portland improv comedy with our 3 incredible house teams here to make you laugh.

Dear Diary
From cringe-worthy crushes to over-the-top teenage hormones, Dear Diary finds the humor in the sometimes painful (and smelly) journey of being a teenager. Every show features a guest reading real teen diary entries that the improvisers bring to life. Cast: Aleah Liebenau, Brianna Núñez-Webb, Jon Bolden, Kara Moore, Katie Knackstedt, Lauren Sinner, Natalie Haddad, Roland Mechanik

Sardine
Open up and lean in for a night of improv comedy with your local bottom dwellers. Sardine takes you on a character-driven exploration, turning your familiar mishaps into a cathartic display of comedy. Misery loves company — all are welcome in the tin. Cast: Hannah Dulaney, Jo Nichols, Meg Kausch, Mo Merrill, Sophie Thorsen

Townies
Anything can happen at a Townies show. It could feel like a stage play one week and a hyper fever dream the next. The only way to know where they're going is to follow along, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Cast: Catherine Retica, Emily Bolcik, Lucas Salazar, Tim Hunt

Welcome to the wild, unhinged, and undeniably horny world of HONK. Affectionately known as "Portland's Horniest Improv Team," delivering polished improv with a naughty side—laughing, learning, and dry humping along the way. Each month, HONK invites some special guests to get down and unleash their sexy side. Expect steamy surprises and deep dives into themes like Car Sex (honk honk), Bachelorette Parties, First Times, and Where is the line between fingering and rubbing?

HONK has been soaking stages for over three years and collectively has decades of improv experience under their belts (among other things). They are the winners of Kickstand’s 2024 Cage Match, have performed at the Vancouver Improv Festival, RISE Improv Festival in Denver, MILF festival in Los Angeles, iO Fest in Chicago, and their performers have guested with UCB’s Holy Shit Improv.

“You made me feel young again!” — Horned Up Audience Member

The Pretty Flower starts with an original scene inhabited by interesting characters. But any thought, idea, phrase, or memory can jump out and come to life in a new world of comedy.

Two gorgeous improv forms presented by Kickstand's house teams. It's two shows in one.

The Eventé is focused on the world of a single event, the characters, the backstory, and everything around it. Like watching a live sitcom.

The Pretty Flower cast:
Cami Craven
Eiley Morrison
Gabriele Zachary Chodosh
Gracie Canfield
Kristin Gregory
Laz Romankiw
Nathan Offers
Wren Reynolds
directed by Kristen Schier

The Eventé cast:
Carmen Pfeil
Madison Ford
Magenta Ferguson
Molly O'Reilly
Paige Howell
Peter Zingelmann
Sat Khalsa
Zeke Zager
directed by Diana Kolsky

Attention, Bravo fans, freaks, and even just the Bravo-curious. Join a hot show where we’ll be improvising an entire episode of Real Housewives set in your hometown. You bring the hot goss and saucy details of where you grew up, and enjoy the boozy brunch, album release parties, and wine in the face.

Featuring special appearances from bravolebrities (or at least they look and sound like ‘em) and plenty of time to make your hot takes known.

Come be with your people. (But no Bravo knowledge needed to have a good time)