{"id":6109,"date":"2026-10-06T05:06:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T05:06:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/best-second-city-october-dates\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T05:08:42","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T05:08:42","slug":"best-second-city-october-dates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/best-second-city-october-dates\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Of The Second City: October 2026 Tickets &amp; Dates"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Key Takeaways For October 2026 Best Of The Second City<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>October 2026 Best of The Second City performances at the Mainstage run on Mondays and Saturdays starting October 5, with direct ticket links below.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Saturday shows on October 17, 24, and 31 draw the strongest demand and tend to sell out fastest.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Monday performances on October 19 and 26 usually feel less crowded and can create a more relaxed, intimate room.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The Second City Mainstage at 1616 N. Wells St. is the flagship theater, while UP Comedy Club nearby offers a smaller room at a slightly higher starting price.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Best of The Second City presents a greatest-hits mix of classic sketches, newer material, and improv, separate from the current 114th Mainstage Revue, Pandemonium, Please Hold.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>OnesToWatch Live provides current dates and direct purchase links so readers can move from research to checkout quickly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"solid-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2F\">View All Best Of The Second City Tickets<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>October 2026 Mainstage Dates With Direct Ticket Links<\/h2>\n<p>These listings cover Best of The Second City performances at Second City-Chicago: Mainstage in Chicago, IL. As of October 5, 2026, the dates below are upcoming, and each entry connects directly to its ticket page.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Monday, October 5, 2026 \u2014 Second City-Chicago: Mainstage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" class=\"solid-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fevent%2FZ7r9jZ1A7qyFy&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\">Get Tickets For October 5<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Saturday, October 17, 2026 \u2014 Second City-Chicago: Mainstage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" class=\"solid-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fevent%2FZ7r9jZ1A7qy1p&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\">Get Tickets For October 17<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Monday, October 19, 2026 \u2014 Second City-Chicago: Mainstage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" class=\"solid-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fevent%2FZ7r9jZ1A7qyGE&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\">Get Tickets For October 19<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Saturday, October 24, 2026 \u2014 Second City-Chicago: Mainstage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" class=\"solid-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fevent%2FZ7r9jZ1A7qyGv&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\">Get Tickets For October 24<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Monday, October 26, 2026 \u2014 Second City-Chicago: Mainstage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" class=\"solid-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fevent%2FZ7r9jZ1A7qy1d&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\">Get Tickets For October 26<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Saturday, October 31, 2026 \u2014 Second City-Chicago: Mainstage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" class=\"solid-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fevent%2FZ7r9jZ1A7qyGg&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\">Get Tickets For October 31<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Previous OnesToWatch Live-Tracked Mainstage Date<\/h2>\n<p>The following OnesToWatch Live-tracked Best of The Second City performance at Second City-Chicago: Mainstage occurred before October 5, 2026.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Saturday, October 3, 2026 \u2014 Second City-Chicago: Mainstage<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>How October 2026 Fits Into The Bigger Second City Schedule<\/h2>\n<p>The OnesToWatch Live-tracked Mainstage dates sit within a larger October 2026 run across multiple Second City rooms. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/us.tickets.secondcity.com\/\">The Second City&#8217;s official ticketing page<\/a> lists Best of The Second City performances at both the Mainstage and UP Comedy Club, including October 30 at UP Comedy Club and October 31 at the Mainstage. Tickets for Best of The Second City at the Mainstage start at $46.95, while <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/us.tickets.secondcity.com\/event\/best-of-the-second-city-l29epm\">UP Comedy Club tickets start at $51.95<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Mainstage and UP Comedy Club share the same overall complex but use different entrances and rooms. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/plan-your-visit-chicago\">The Mainstage is at 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614, and UP Comedy Club is at 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60614<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/locations\/chicago\">The Mainstage Theater seats up to 290 guests with cabaret-style tables facing the stage<\/a>. UP Comedy Club offers a smaller, more enclosed room and a slightly higher base ticket price.<\/p>\n<p>The October 2026 calendar also features the 114th Mainstage Revue, <em>Pandemonium, Please Hold<\/em>. The theater describes it as <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/secondcity.com\/chicago\/holidays-at-the-second-city-early-bird-deals\">\u201ca loud, fast, and gloriously unhinged night of comedic mayhem.\u201d<\/a> That show follows its own schedule and presents original sketch, improv, and live music from a six-person cast. The e.t.c. Theater adds further programming, including <em>Reality Detox: The Improv Experience<\/em>, so the building stays active across multiple stages.<\/p>\n<p>Best of The Second City also appears on touring calendars beyond Chicago. Upcoming listings include Glen Ellyn, IL on February 12, 2027 at McAninch Arts Center \u2013 Belushi Performance Hall, a March 14, 2027 date at Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, OH, and an April 2, 2027 performance at Presidio Theatre in San Francisco, CA.<\/p>\n<h2>Choosing A Night: Saturday Energy Or Monday Breathing Room<\/h2>\n<p>Saturday dates on October 17, 24, and 31 attract the strongest demand. Friday and Saturday Mainstage performances in Chicago often sell out, especially in peak seasons. Secondary-market get-in prices for The Second City Mainstage 114th Revue rose 11% over the 30 days before October 5, 2026, moving from a 30-day low of $183.75 to $204.38 all-in, which signals sustained demand for Mainstage shows. Booking early for Saturday Best of The Second City performances follows the same logic.<\/p>\n<p>Monday dates on October 19 and 26 present the same material in a calmer setting. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadotravel.app\/en\/attractions\/second-city\">Tuesday through Thursday shows at The Second City generally draw smaller crowds than weekend performances, although individual nights can still sell out<\/a>. That pattern often carries over to Monday, creating a more intimate room and a looser feel. First-time visitors who prefer a lower-key night often gravitate toward a Monday.<\/p>\n<p>Halloween on Saturday, October 31, stands out as the highest-intensity option. A holiday night at a long-running Chicago comedy institution tends to move quickly, so seats for that performance are especially time-sensitive.<\/p>\n<h2>Know Before You Go: Practical Details For Your Visit<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Show Length:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/chicagoshowguide.com\/guides\/second-city\/\">The Second City\u2019s Mainstage revues typically run about 120 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/shows\/chicago\/the-second-city-mainstage-114th-revue-chi\">A full visit for the 114th Mainstage Revue, Pandemonium, Please Hold, usually spans 2\u20133 hours, factoring in the 120-minute run time, a 15-minute intermission, and seating that opens 45 minutes before curtain<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadotravel.app\/en\/attractions\/second-city\">Performers sometimes return for a free 30-minute improv set after the main show, although this bonus segment is not guaranteed and historically has skipped Fridays<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Arrival:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadotravel.app\/en\/attractions\/second-city\">The bar fills quickly before showtime, and late arrivals may wait at the door until a natural break<\/a>. Arriving 20 minutes before curtain works for straightforward entry. Arriving 30 to 40 minutes early gives more time for a drink and a relaxed seat selection.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dress Code:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/faqs\">The Second City keeps the dress code casual, so guests can choose anything from jeans and a t-shirt to a more dressed-up look<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Getting There:<\/strong> The CTA Brown or Purple Line to Sedgwick station places riders about two blocks west of The Second City, roughly a 10-minute walk. The Armitage Brown\/Purple station sits closer, at about a 3-minute walk. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/chiunscripted.com\/parking-in-river-north-chicago\/\">Street parking near The Second City on weekend evenings is scarce, especially in the dense River North core<\/a>. Blocks near Chicago Avenue or Kinzie Street and areas west of Orleans Street sometimes offer slightly better odds. <\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/parkwrigley.com\/chicago-garage-parking-vs-street-parking-which-is-better-for-you\/\">For drivers coming from the Wrigley Field area, garage parking often provides the most predictable pricing, guaranteed availability, and a more secure option<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadotravel.app\/en\/attractions\/second-city\">Rideshare pickup on North Avenue after shows can involve a wait and frequent surge pricing<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/getridewise.com\/blog\/concert-event-rideshare-guide\">Walking one or two blocks before requesting a car usually shortens the wait, and in some cases a 3\u20136 block walk helps clear the highest-demand surge zone<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Groups:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/group-events\">The Second City supports group events for parties of 16 or more and directs Chicago inquiries to groupschi@secondcity.com, Toronto inquiries to groupsTOR@secondcity.com, and general event questions to events@secondcity.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Photography:<\/strong> Photography during performances inside the theaters is not allowed. Guests can take photos in the lobby and bar before the show.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What The Show Is:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/shows\/chicago\/best-of-the-second-city-chi\">Best of The Second City collects standout sketch comedy and songs from the company\u2019s archives, refreshed for current audiences, alongside newer material and the troupe\u2019s signature improvisation, performed by The Second City Touring Company<\/a>. The institution has operated since December 1959, and its stages have helped launch performers such as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carell.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What Is The Best Of The Second City, And How Is It Different From The Mainstage Revue?<\/h3>\n<p>The Best of The Second City is a curated revue from The Second City Touring Company that highlights notable sketches, songs, and improv from across the theater\u2019s history, updated for contemporary audiences. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/chicago.suntimes.com\/theater\/2026\/05\/27\/how-second-city-show-gets-made-pandemonium-please-hold\">The Mainstage Revue, currently the 114th Revue titled Pandemonium, Please Hold, is built through a longer development process in which the resident ensemble shapes new material through improvisation and audience feedback while still performing the previous revue<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/chicago-mainstage-showtimes\">The 114th Revue and Best of The Second City follow separate schedules, although both appear on Saturdays and Mondays<\/a>. Best of The Second City functions as a greatest-hits entry point, while the Mainstage Revue presents the newest work from the resident cast.<\/p>\n<h3>How Far In Advance Should Tickets Be Purchased For October 2026 Performances?<\/h3>\n<p>Saturday shows on October 17, 24, and 31 reward early booking because weekend Mainstage performances often sell out and Halloween adds extra demand. Monday performances on October 19 and 26 usually have more flexibility, yet the short remaining window in October 2026 still makes advance purchase sensible for any date. OnesToWatch Live\u2019s direct ticket links above provide a quick route to current pricing and seat selection.<\/p>\n<h3>What Is The Difference Between Seeing Best Of The Second City At The Mainstage Versus UP Comedy Club?<\/h3>\n<p>Both venues sit within The Second City\u2019s Chicago footprint but serve different room sizes and price points. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/plan-your-visit-chicago\">The Mainstage is located at 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614, and UP Comedy Club is at 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60614<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/locations\/chicago\">The Mainstage Theater seats up to 290 guests with cabaret-style tables<\/a> and represents the classic Second City experience. UP Comedy Club offers a smaller room, a different atmosphere, and a higher starting ticket price. Show content can vary between the two spaces, so listings should be checked carefully when choosing a date.<\/p>\n<h3>Are There Any Discounts Available For Best Of The Second City Performances?<\/h3>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/chicago\/holidays-at-the-second-city-early-bird-deals\">The Second City\u2019s Chicago early-bird holiday offer, available from September 14 through October 9, 2026, provides 25% off tickets to Not Today, Santa and Pandemonium, Please Hold for all December shows with the case-sensitive code HOLIDAY2026<\/a>. That promotion excludes Best of The Second City. For Best of The Second City, the most reliable way to see current prices and availability is through the ticket links on this page. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/group-events\">Groups of 16 or more can contact The Second City for group booking options by emailing groupschi@secondcity.com or calling 312.337.3992<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"solid-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2F\">Check Current Best Of The Second City Dates<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Does The Best Of The Second City Tour Outside Chicago?<\/h3>\n<p>Best of The Second City appears on touring schedules beyond its Chicago engagements. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/atthemac.org\/events\/the-best-of-the-second-city\/\">One third-party ticket site lists a February 12, 2027 stop in Glen Ellyn, IL at McAninch Arts Center \u2013 Belushi Performance Hall, although the venue\u2019s own site currently documents February 12 performances in 2022<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vanwertlive.com\/events\/detail\/the-best-of-the-second-city\">A March 14, 2027 date appears at Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, OH<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.presidiotheatre.org\/show-details\/the-second-city\">Presidio Theatre in San Francisco, CA lists an April 2, 2027 performance at 7:30 PM<\/a>. For travelers planning around the show, the October 2026 Chicago run remains the most immediate option.<\/p>\n<h2>Read Next<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/see-second-city-september-shows\/\">Second City Mainstage September 2026: Tickets &amp; Dates<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/chicago-theatre-tour-experience-october\/\">When To See The Chicago Theatre Tour In October 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/operation-mincemeat-chicago-october-schedule\/\">Chicago Theater Tickets for October 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/best-concerts-chicago-october\/\">Best Concerts In Chicago October 2026: A Roster Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/chicago-october-weekend-events\/\">Best Things To Do In Chicago: October 16\u201318, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>See Best Of The Second City in October 2026. OnesToWatch Live tracks every mainstage date so you can grab tickets before they sell out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":6108,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6109"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6186,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6109\/revisions\/6186"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}