If laughter is the best medicine and you’re feeling a little under the weather, head on over to one of these DC area comedy clubs to feel good, relieve stress and add a little joy in your life. Many of the District’s comedy clubs feature well-known comedians, such as Charlie Murphy, as well as local, up-and-coming stand-up comics. The area’s venues also provide a full-service bar and restaurant, happy hour specials, educational classes and much more. Here are some must-see shows and comedians to catch this spring.

Baltimore Comedy Factory
6 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 547-7798
www.baltimorecomedy.com

Norm MacDonald
Price: $27
Date: April 20 – 21, 2012
Time: Friday: 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Sat – 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

Most recognizable from his five year stint on “Saturday Night Live,” Norm MacDonald’s stand-up is not to be missed this April as he makes four appearances at the Baltimore Comedy Factory. His most recent work has been on Comedy Central’s “Sports Talk,” and the network has even named his stand-up one of the 100 greatest comedy performances of all time. Come out for big laughs as this native Canadian showcases his dry wit and unique humor to a D.C. audience.

Related: Best Comedy Clubs in the D.C. Area

The Comedy Spot
4238 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22203
703-294-5233
www.comedyindc.com

The Blue Show
Price: $15
Date: Every Saturday night
Time: 10 p.m.

For a new take on stand-up comedy, check out the after-hours improvisational show at the Comedy Spot. Featuring the stars of the popular ComedySportz show, the Blue Show is characterized by “profanity and cursing as well as sexual impropriety.” Though the comics don’t necessarily make the jokes dirty on purpose, there is no excessive need to worry about censorship in this adults-only show.

DC Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant
1140 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-296-7008
www.dcimprov.com

Larry Miller
Price: $22
Dates: April 27-29, 2012
Time: Fri and Sat- 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Sun – 8 p.m.

“Pretty Woman” fans will know Larry Miller as the snobby store manager in the film, but he has since appeared in over 50 films and shows since that big screen cameo. A frequent guest of late night talk shows, Miller’s poignant, relevant humor is showcased in his contributions as a columnist in both the Huffington Post and Weekly Standard in addition to his podcasts. Come out to the DC Improv Comedy Club to catch his stand up on any three nights of this special event.

Gilbert Gottfried
Price: $25
Date: May 4 – 5, 2012
Time: 8 and 10:30 p.m.

Known for being one of the most sought-after stand-up comics, as well as his high-pitched nasal voice, Gilbert Gottfried will make a special, two-day appearance at the DC Improv. His show will feature his uncensored opinion on a wide variety of topics, including politics as well as his most dirtiest (and funniest) jokes. The night ends with what’s known in the stand-up comic industry as “the dirtiest joke of all time.”

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Riot Act Comedy Theater
801 E St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-697-4900
riotactcomedy.com

Eddie Griffin
Price: $35
Date: May 4 – 6, 2012
Time: Fri and Sat 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sun 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Eddie Griffin started his comedic career in 1990. Since then he’s snagged a role in more than 40 movies, starred in his own sitcom and appeared at comedy clubs throughout the country. In May, he’s back at the Riot Act Comedy Theater with a new round of raunchy jokes. For a taste of the show, check out his most recent Comedy Central special, “You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It.”

Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.