When Lindsey Templin first started booking comics at The Cellar, she wasn’t sure Fargo would embrace a full-scale comedy scene. Seven and a half years later, the laughter spilling out of the basement venue proves just how wrong she was.

“We’ve been around long enough that I think most people know us now,” she said, “but I still hear people say, ‘So it’s just local comedians?’ I always have to explain—no, these are legit comics. They fly in from New York or L.A. just to perform here for the weekend.

Building A True Comedy Club

The Cellar feels like something you’d stumble upon in Chicago or Brooklyn with close tables, low lights, brick walls, and lots of laughs.

“We’ve had people perform here who later blow up and become household names,” she said. “My job is to pay attention to the comedians who are right on the edge of making it big. A lot of them perform here in front of 90 people, and a year later, they’re too big to ever play a room that small again.”

Over the years, The Cellar has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy, including Tim Dillon, Louis C.K., and rising star Geoffrey Asmus, whose sold-out performance Templin still describes as one of the funniest nights in the club’s history.

“Geoffrey’s been here five times,” she said. “He loves coming to Fargo. Comedians tell us all the time that the audiences here are just… nice. They’re fun, friendly, and really receptive. It’s different from New York or L.A.”

A Full Comedy Season

This year is the The Cellar’s first-ever full comedy season, running every weekend from September through May.

“For the first time, we’re fully committed to hosting shows every weekend,” Templin said. “It’s a big undertaking, but we’ve built enough of a following that it finally feels sustainable. I want people to know that it’s something they can count on. Any weekend, they can say, ‘Hey, should we check out a comedy show?’ and know we’ll have one.”

An Intimate Night of Laughter

With just 90 seats, every laugh, pause, and punchline feels immediate and shared.

“It’s a chance to see big comedians in a really intimate setting,” Templin said. “You’re not hundreds of feet away like in a theater. You’re close enough to see every expression, every moment.”

Where Fargo’s Comedy Scene Grows

Beyond bringing in national talent, The Cellar also invests deeply in local comedians through its weekly open mic nights.

“It’s really cool to have a place that brings such a variety of people together over a common interest like stand-up,” Templin said. “You get to watch people improve over time, but also see friendships form between people who might never have met otherwise.”

That sense of community has become a defining part of Fargo’s comedy culture. Each week, new and veteran comics test material, share feedback, and support each other’s growth.

And that community extends to the main weekend shows, too—where national headliners share the stage with local openers. “Every weekend we feature local comedians,” she said. “We always have a local host and a guest set. It’s our way of giving Fargo talent the same platform as the pros.”

What the Local Comics Say

Nathan Roe

“If someone had never been to the show before, I’d say they can expect a broad variety of local comics and different walks of life coming together to have a fun night together as a community. You’ll get to see an interesting cross-section of Fargo made up of creative people getting to express themselves in a judgment-free environment.”

Instagram | @nath_roe

Ruby Richard

“The energy at the cellar is always electric, and the crowds are eager to have fun! Whether you’re there for a Wednesday night open mic or a ticketed weekend show, it’s a guaranteed blast. It’s a great space with a fun vibe, and the crowds are always happy to be a part of it.”

Instagram | @rubyyyrichard

Bethany Abeln

“The Cellar’s style and setup make it a perfect room for comedy. The low ceilings and close environment makes it great to connect with the audience, and it’s a great size room. The vibes rule!”

Instagram | @bethanyabeln

Blaise Kkautzman and marquay belcher have a podcast together called “I woke up for this”. Check it out on all streaming platforms!

Blaise Kautzman

“I may be biased because it’s my home club, but The Cellar at Front Street has a special vibe to it that other places don’t have. The crowds are always in such a good mood right as they walk through the doors. The low ceilings and layout of the room make it an intimate vibe and give off an aura that makes performing there one of my favorite places to tell jokes.”

Instagram | @blaiser.kautz
Youtube | @blaiserkautz

Upcoming Shows at The Cellar!

Jan 9 – Tommy Ryman & Ciana Violet
Jan 10 – Fargo’s Funnies Competition Round A
Jan 16 – Ben Katzner & Aidan Thibault

Yousha Pirseyedi

“Front Street is the rare kind of comedy room where everyone— audience, comics, and staff— genuinely wants to see each other win. From day one, the environment is welcoming, supportive, and drama-free, giving new comics real opportunities to grow. If you show up and put in the work, Front Street puts you on stage, keeps you in the rotation, and gives you the stage time you need to develop. Despite Fargo’s size, comics here have gone on to open for major acts and work nationally, thanks in large part to the encouragement and connections that start in this room. In bigger cities, you can wait forever just to get a few minutes; here, the staff stays late just to make sure everyone gets up. It’s a small scene with a big heart—and a place that genuinely builds comics rather than competing against them.”

Instagram | @youshacomedy

Marquay Belcher

“There are many reasons to go to a show at The Cellar. Aside from topnotch comedy from nationally touring acts and the local Open Mic scene, many talented comedians perform here. When touring comics like Tim Dillon or Mike Rainey come through, they mention the club’s intimate feel. It’s a small room, but the laughs are big; everybody whose headshot is on the wall loves this place, it’s always memorable, and we get calls about coming back. At the open mic, we can’t accommodate everyone, though we wish we could. The Cellar is truly special. I hear it from everyone who attends. I’ve never heard anyone complain; every show I’ve been part of is full of laughter. Some sets are goofy, some political, some about life, but always funny.”

Instagram | @marquayquay