The 10 Must-See Comedians Hitting Charlotte, NC In Early 2026: A Fresh Tour Guide
The Queen City’s comedy scene is set to explode in early 2026, bringing a massive wave of A-list and rising stand-up talent to venues across Charlotte, NC. With the current date being late December 2025, now is the perfect time to secure your tickets for the most anticipated shows of the new year, featuring everyone from stadium-filling veterans to the freshest voices in the game. This guide provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive look at the comedians and tours that are absolutely essential viewing in the first half of 2026.
Forget the old routines—the comedians hitting Charlotte are bringing their newest, freshest material from recent specials and massive world tours. Whether you’re looking for high-energy storytelling, sharp social commentary, or classic ventriloquism, the Charlotte comedy calendar for 2026 is packed with options at major venues like the Spectrum Center and the intimate setting of The Comedy Zone.
January to February 2026: The Winter Comedy Rush
The year kicks off with a bang, featuring one of comedy’s biggest stars and a legendary late-night host making a rare club appearance. January and February are crucial months for comedy enthusiasts to grab tickets before they sell out.
Bert Kreischer: The "Permission to Party" Tour
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Venue: Spectrum Center
- The Buzz: The shirtless, high-energy comedian Bert Kreischer is bringing his globally successful "Permission to Party" Tour to Charlotte’s largest arena. Known for his incredible storytelling, including the famous "Machine" story, Kreischer’s current tour is a celebration of life, family, and debauchery. This show promises the loud, raucous energy his fans expect, making it one of the biggest comedy events of the season.
Craig Ferguson: The Late-Night Legend Returns
- Date: Wednesday, February 4 – Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Venue: The Comedy Zone - Charlotte
- The Buzz: The former host of CBS’s *The Late Late Show* is performing a multi-night run at the more intimate Comedy Zone. Craig Ferguson, a New York Times bestselling author, is known for his quick wit, philosophical tangents, and unique interviewing style. His recent stand-up specials like *I'm So Happy* and his *Pants on Fire* tour material have focused on his life post-late-night, offering a blend of sharp observation and self-deprecating humor. Seeing a star of his caliber in a club setting is a rare Charlotte treat.
Eric Neumann and Liz Miele: Rising Club Stars
The local comedy clubs are also featuring major national touring acts that have gained traction on social media and through popular podcasts:
- Eric Neumann: Performing at The Comedy Zone on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Neumann is quickly becoming a favorite on the national circuit, known for his relatable, observational comedy.
- Liz Miele: Headlining The Comedy Club at Duckworth's from Thursday, February 26 to Saturday, February 28, 2026. Miele has appeared on Comedy Central and her specials have garnered millions of views, solidifying her as a must-see comedian known for her clever take on modern life.
March to May 2026: Arena-Sized Laughs and A-List Headliners
Spring 2026 brings a powerhouse lineup of stadium tours and two of the most successful comedians working today, ensuring a diverse range of comedic styles for Charlotte audiences.
The We Them One's Comedy Tour
- Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Venue: Spectrum Center
- The Buzz: This is a massive, must-see event for fans of urban and improv comedy. The "We Them One's Comedy Tour" is an all-star showcase featuring some of the biggest names in the business. The incredible lineup for the Charlotte stop includes the legendary host Mike Epps, alongside comedy heavyweights DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, Chico Bean, Mojo Brookzz, Tony Roberts, and TK Kirkland. This show brings together stars from *Wild 'n Out* and *The 85 South Show*, guaranteeing high-energy, unpredictable, and hilarious performances.
Ali Wong: The Queen of Confessional Comedy
- Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Venue: TBD (Major Charlotte Venue)
- The Buzz: Ali Wong is one of the most in-demand comedians globally, following the massive success of her Netflix specials and her Emmy-winning role in the series *Beef*. Her Charlotte performance will likely feature material from her current tour, which follows her latest special, *Single Lady* (2024). Wong is known for her raw, confessional, and boundary-pushing comedy about motherhood, marriage, divorce, and professional ambition. Tickets are expected to sell out instantly, so prepare to act fast.
Jeff Dunham: The Ventriloquist Phenomenon
- Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
- Venue: TBD (Major Charlotte Venue)
- The Buzz: Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham is bringing his "Artificial Intelligence Tour" to the Queen City. Dunham is one of the highest-grossing comedians in the world, famous for his cast of characters, including Peanut, Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, and Bubba J. His current tour promises new material and the introduction of new, hilarious puppets, blending classic ventriloquism with modern, topical humor.
Chelsea Handler: The "High and Mighty Tour"
- Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
- Venue: TBD (Major Charlotte Venue)
- The Buzz: Comedian, actress, and best-selling author Chelsea Handler is scheduled to stop in Charlotte as part of her "High and Mighty Tour." Handler’s stand-up is characterized by her unapologetic, candid, and often political humor, drawing heavily from her personal life and current events. Expect a sharp, witty, and deeply engaging performance from the veteran comedian.
The Charlotte Comedy Zone: Your Local Hub for Stand-Up
While the arenas host the massive tours, The Comedy Zone remains the heart of Charlotte's stand-up scene, offering continuous, high-quality shows throughout the winter and spring. In addition to Craig Ferguson, the venue is hosting a number of other notable acts:
- T.I. (TIP Harris): The rapper and actor will be performing a special event run on Friday, January 9, 2026. This is a unique opportunity to see the multi-talented artist in a stand-up setting.
- Steve Trevino: Known as "America's Favorite Husband," Trevino will be headlining The Comedy Zone on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, 2026. His comedy focuses on family, marriage, and his experiences as a father, resonating with a massive, loyal fanbase.
- Local & Touring Talent: Throughout January, February, and beyond, the Comedy Zone will continue to feature a steady stream of national touring comedians and local Charlotte talent, ensuring there’s always a fresh show to catch.
To ensure you don't miss out on any of these incredible comedy events, be sure to check the official websites for the Spectrum Center, Ovens Auditorium, and The Comedy Zone for the latest ticket drops and schedule updates. Charlotte is quickly becoming a major stop on the national comedy circuit, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of its funniest years yet.
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