Arts & Culture

Big names in comedy, music stopping by Tacoma this summer

Quite a few notable comedians, musicians and bands will perform in Tacoma this spring and summer.

Whether you’re a fan of Saturday Night Live, 1970s funk or K-pop, there’s something for you.

Comedy Shows

David Sedaris will appear in Tacoma in May.
David Sedaris will appear in Tacoma in May. Anne Fishbein

David Sedaris

Author and comedian David Sedaris is coming to Tacoma this month. His books include “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “SantaLand Diaries,” “Naked,” “Calypso” and the newly published “Happy Go Lucky.” He frequently collaborates with his sister, actress and comedian Amy Sedaris. “An Evening with David Sedaris” will include readings of new, unpublished stories and his “signature blend of comedy, warmth, and keen observation.” Tickets start at $36 and are available on the Tacoma Arts Live website.

Rodney Carrington

The comedian, actor and country music artist Rodney Carrington will bring his multifaceted act to Emerald Queen Casino. His comedy special “Rodney Carrington: Here Comes the Truth” premiered on Netflix in 2017, and he also starred in the sitcom “Rodney” on ABC. His comedy albums include “Hangin’ With Rodney” and “Laughter’s Good.” Tickets start at $57 and are available on Ticketmaster and in person at the Emerald Queen Gift Shop at EQC Tacoma.

Tim Meadows

Saturday Night Live alum, actor and comedian Tim Meadows will stop by Tacoma for two nights this summer. Along with SNL, Meadows has appeared in movies and series like “The Ladies Man,” “Mean Girls,” “Grown Ups” and “The Goldbergs.” Tickets start at $30 and are available online.

Jeff Dunham

Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham will stop by Tacoma for his Artificial Intelligence Tour. The show will feature Dunham’s original characters Walter, Peanut, Bubba J and Achmed, the Dead Terrorist. His comedy specials include “Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself” and “Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity.” Tickets start at $100 and are available on Ticketmaster and in person at the Emerald Queen Gift Shop at EQC Tacoma.

Marc Maron

  • Tickets still available for the Aug. 14 at 9:45 p.m. at Tacoma Comedy Club downtown
  • tacomacomedyclub.com

Stand-up comedian and podcaster Marc Maron is in Tacoma for five shows over three nights, but four shows are already sold out. Maron’s stand-up specials include “Marc Maron: Panicked,” “Marc Maron: From Bleak to Dark,” and “Marc Maron: End Times Fun.” He also hosted the popular podcast “WTF with Marc Maron” for 16 years. Tickets start at $49 and are available online.

Comedian Pete Davidson will perform at Emerald Queen Casino in August.
Comedian Pete Davidson will perform at Emerald Queen Casino in August. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Pete Davidson

Saturday Night Live alum and stand-up comedian Pete Davidson is performing for one night only this summer. He was on SNL from 2014 to 2022 and has since appeared in movies and shows like “The King of Staten Island,” “Dog Man” and “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” His stand-up specials include “Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli” and “Pete Davidson: Alive from New York.” Tickets start at $76 and are available on Ticketmaster and in person at the Emerald Queen Gift Shop at EQC Tacoma.

Bobby Lee

Comedian and actor Bobby Lee will come to Tacoma in September. He was a cast member on MADtv and also was in movies like “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” “The Dictator,” and “Pineapple Express.” He also co-hosts the comedy podcasts Bad Friends and Tiger Belly. Tickets start at $45 and are available on Ticketmaster and in person at the Emerald Queen Gift Shop at EQC Tacoma.

Concerts

(L-R) George Brown, Ronald Bell, Robert “Kool” Bell, James “JT” Taylor and Dennis Thomas of Kool & The Gang pose with their awards backstage on June 14, 2018 in New York City.
(L-R) George Brown, Ronald Bell, Robert “Kool” Bell, James “JT” Taylor and Dennis Thomas of Kool & The Gang pose with their awards backstage on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Gary Gershoff Getty Images

Kool & the Gang

The funk band, best known for its hit “Celebration,” will perform at Emerald Queen Casino this month. Kool & the Gang was formed in the 1960s, and also produced hits like “Get Down on It” and “Cherish.” Tickets start at $76 and are available on Ticketmaster, and in person at the Emerald Queen Gift Shop at EQC Tacoma.

Forrest Frank

Christian musician Forrest Frank will bring his act to Tacoma in July. He’ll also be performing with singer Tori Kelly, Christian musician Cory Asbury and Christian folk band The Figs. Frank has a loyal following on social media and is known for songs like “UP!” and “GOD IS GOOD.” Tickets start at $70 and are available on Ticketmaster.

Enhypen

The Korean boy band Enhypen will stop by Tacoma during its world tour this summer. Enhypen’s popular songs include “Bite Me,” “Fatal Trouble,” “Sweet Venom,” and “Drunk-Dazed.” Tickets start at $81 and are available on Ticketmaster.

Cody Johnson

Country artist Cody Johnson will bring his act to Tacoma in September. He was recently named the Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Awards, and is known for songs like “The Fall” and “Travelin’ Soldier.” Tickets start at $67 and are available on Ticketmaster.

Bleachers

Bleachers, led by singer-songwriter Jack Antonoff, will round out the summer concert series at Dune Peninsula. Antonoff is a frequent collaborator with Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey and more. Bleachers’ songs include “I Wanna Get Better,” “Rollercoaster” and “Tiny Moves.” Bleachers will also be performing with The Linda Lindas. Tickets start at $87 and are available through AXS.

Minnie Stephenson
The News Tribune
Minnie Stephenson covers restaurant and business news in and around Tacoma for The News Tribune. She has previously worked for WBZ NewsRadio in Boston and the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism. Through the Howard Center, she worked on the Associated Press investigation “Lethal Restraint,” which was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2025. She grew up in Marshfield, Massachusetts and graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Maryland.
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