Lots of Laughs this week
From touring stand-up veterans to local open mics and burlesque, comedy fills Rapid City stages November 5–11.
Chris “Crazy Legs” Fonseca is coming back to Rapid City, and he has good reason to expect a full room. The veteran stand-up comedian sold out his previous two appearances at the Hotel Alex Johnson, where he’ll return Saturday, November 7, for another night in the Historic Ballroom.
Fonseca has spent more than four decades making audiences laugh, including appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and at major comedy festivals. Born with cerebral palsy, he has built a career around sharp observations, personal stories and an ability to make audiences reconsider their assumptions, usually while they’re laughing.
His Rapid City show also features Denver comedian Ricky Ramos and South Dakota comedian Maurae Gab, who has recently returned to the Black Hills and will host the evening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with comedy beginning at 7 p.m.
Fonseca is one of several comedians taking the stage this week. From national touring acts to a dedicated downtown comedy club, Rapid City has a pretty full schedule for anyone looking for a laugh.
More Stand-Up Around Rapid City
Nick Hoff | November 6 & 7
West River Comedy Club, downtown Rapid City
Nick Hoff brings two nights of stand-up to West River Comedy Club on Friday and Saturday, both beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Hoff’s comedy draws heavily from marriage, parenting and everyday life. He has appeared on CBS and MTV, toured with Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy, and released several stand-up specials, including America: The Final Season. His debut comedy album, Baby Daddy, reached No. 1 on the iTunes comedy charts.
Rob Schneider | November 7
Performing Arts Center of Rapid City, Historic Theater
Comedian and actor Rob Schneider performs Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Schneider is known for his years on Saturday Night Live and films including Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, The Hot Chick and The Animal. His Rapid City appearance is part of his current stand-up tour.
Steven Farmer | November 8
Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City
Austin-based comedian Steven Farmer takes the stage at the Dahl Arts Center on Sunday at 7 p.m.
Farmer draws material from small-town life, travel and the odd jobs he’s held along the way. His performances incorporate accents, impressions and original characters. He has also competed in the San Francisco Comedy Competition and Boston Comedy Festival.
Local Comedy and Open Mics
West River Comedy Club, located at 632 1/2 St. Joseph Street in downtown Rapid City, has been operating since 2024 and maintains a regular schedule of touring headliners, local performers and open mic nights.
The club’s Thursday Open Mic Night on November 5 begins at 7 p.m., with Brandyn Johnson hosting. Admission is free, and the event gives both experienced and first-time comics a chance to test material in front of an audience. The show is for ages 21 and older.
On Wednesday, November 11, the club changes things up with Midweek Peek, a burlesque and comedy revue that combines burlesque performances with featured stand-up comedy. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and is also 21 and older.
Comedians can also find space at two mixed-format open mics around town. Josh Marques hosts Monday’s Open Mic Night at The J Bar at 7 p.m. and Wednesday’s Open Mic Night at Joe’s Place at 8 p.m. Both welcome comedians alongside musicians, poets and other performers, so the lineup varies from week to week.