Nationally touring comedian Myq Kaplan will headline a special one-night performance at Bar Two Eleven in downtown Bellingham on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. The event, presented by local comedy series Guffawingham, brings one of stand-up comedy's sharpest comedic voices to Northwest Washington.
Kaplan has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show, and Comedy Central Presents. His insightful humor and signature wordplay have garnered a global fanbase. "I love doing comedy anywhere, and Bellingham is one of those anywheres!" said Kaplan.
Kaplan is also well known within the vegan community. His first comedy album, Vegan Mind Meld, introduced audiences to comedy inspired by his vegan lifestyle, a theme that still appears throughout his stand-up today. "As a vegan, Bellingham is one of my favorite hams," Kaplan joked.
The performance is presented by Guffawingham, a local comedy series created by comedian and producer Tim Riney. The series brings nationally touring comedians together with regional performers, giving Bellingham audiences more opportunities to experience live stand-up close to home. The evening also features Richard Bowen, a Seattle comedian known for his rapid-fire one-liners and sharp observations. Bowen earned national recognition after being named Laffy Taffy's "Chief Laugh Officer." Rounding out the lineup is Brett Emerson, a longtime Bellingham comedian whose quick wit and fearless sense of humor have made him a familiar face on stages throughout the region.
"I love performing in the Pacific Northwest, because I'm a pacifist, a northerner, and a big fan of Mae West," Kaplan said.
The performance is expected to draw comedy fans from throughout Northwest Washington and nearby British Columbia for a rare opportunity to see a nationally touring headliner in an intimate downtown venue. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/guffawingham/2444106.
This event matters because it brings a nationally recognized comedian to a smaller market, enriching the local arts scene and providing economic benefits to downtown Bellingham businesses. Guffawingham's efforts to pair touring headliners with regional talent not only elevate the comedy landscape but also foster community engagement and cultural exchange. For comedy fans in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, it offers a rare chance to see top-tier stand-up in an intimate setting, reinforcing Bellingham's growing reputation as a destination for live entertainment.
