Comedy Night FEBRUARY

Laugh your way out of the month and into the next at The Ideal’s monthly stand-up comedy showcase, presented by Lucky Cat Comedy & Events. On the final Thursday of each month, we turn the room over to a carefully curated lineup of local, regional, and nationally touring comedians.

February Headliner: Mel Mackey

Born in Cedar Rapids and now based in Des Moines, Mel Mackey is one of Iowa’s most compelling stand-up voices. Recently crowned Funniest Person in Iowa at the finals held at The Ideal Theater, Mackey’s comedy blends sharp observation with deeply personal storytelling.

Drawing from her experiences growing up as a Filipino American in Iowa, Mackey delivers material that is insightful, disarmingly honest, and quietly fearless. Her stand-up doesn’t rely on cheap punchlines or shock value. Instead, she invites audiences into moments of awkwardness, resilience, and recognition, tackling themes of identity, belonging, and the subtle absurdities of everyday life. Whether unpacking social expectations or recounting moments of being “othered,” her work is both thoughtful and consistently funny.

Rounding out the night is a handpicked selection of standout local comics, curated by Lucky Cat Comedy & Events to ensure a full evening of high-quality laughs from start to finish.

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