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 and is expected to draw comedy fans from throughout the region and nearby British Columbia.
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. The event will take place at Bar Two Eleven, located at 211 E. Chestnut Street in Bellingham. 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 show matters because it offers local audiences a chance to see a nationally recognized comedian without traveling to a major city. For Bellingham's comedy scene, it highlights the growing appeal of regional series like Guffawingham, which connect touring headliners with local talent. The event also underscores the economic and cultural benefits of live entertainment, drawing visitors to downtown businesses. As Kaplan's appearance shows, even smaller markets can attract top-tier comedy, enriching the community and providing a boost to the local arts landscape.
