Nationally touring comedian Myq Kaplan is set to headline a one-night performance at Bar Two Eleven in downtown Bellingham on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. The event, presented by local comedy series Guffawingham, brings a nationally recognized stand-up to an intimate Northwest Washington venue, signaling both the region's growing appetite for live comedy and its ability to attract top-tier talent.
Kaplan's television credits include appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show, and Comedy Central Presents. His sharp wordplay and insightful humor have earned him a global fanbase. "I love doing comedy anywhere, and Bellingham is one of those anywheres!" Kaplan said. His vegan lifestyle has also been a recurring theme in his material, beginning with his first album, Vegan Mind Meld. "As a vegan, Bellingham is one of my favorite hams," he joked.
The performance is part of Guffawingham, a comedy series created by comedian and producer Tim Riney that pairs touring headliners with regional performers. This model gives local audiences more opportunities to experience live stand-up without traveling to major metropolitan areas. The evening will also feature Seattle comedian Richard Bowen, known for his rapid-fire one-liners and named Laffy Taffy's "Chief Laugh Officer," and longtime Bellingham comedian Brett Emerson, whose quick wit has made him a familiar face in the region. "I love performing in the Pacific Northwest, because I'm a pacifist, a northerner, and a big fan of Mae West," Kaplan added.
The show is expected to draw comedy fans from throughout Northwest Washington and nearby British Columbia, underscoring Bellingham's emerging role as a regional entertainment hub. For a city of its size, hosting a comedian of Kaplan's caliber represents a notable cultural coup, one that could encourage more national acts to consider similar stops. The event also highlights the work of local producers like Riney, who are building a sustainable comedy scene by connecting audiences with both touring and homegrown talent.
Tickets for the performance are available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/guffawingham/2444106. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. at Bar Two Eleven, 211 E. Chestnut Street, Bellingham, WA.
