WiseSnatch at Upstairs Gallery

WiseSnatch—funnywomen Rachel Farmer, Megan Johns, and Jo Scott—has been around for a couple of years now. But in the spring, the group nabbed a coheadlining run at iO and thus officially made the leap from nascent upstarts to stalwart players. The fuss? Simply put, these must-see Chicago comedians crank up the weirdness as an incomparable triad whose ballsy scene work and seamless transitions you won’t soon forget. The team performs at the Den Theatre on August 21 at 8 p.m. and August 22 at 7 p.m.

Invisible World at the Annoyance Theatre

Annoyance founder and ringmaster of unhinged comedy Mick Napier leads a cast of plucky oddballs in this experimental sketch show that joyously kicks good taste to the curb. While the framework offers a hat tip to Second City (where Napier also directs), thematically the scenes share more common threads with the work of John Waters. Witness the grieving son who turns a family funeral into a roast or the woman who dares to have an affair with her roommate’s parents. This show will reliably split your sides and occasionally leave your jaw slack. See it Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Parlour Car at Bar DeVille

It has been said that comedy isn’t pretty, but what if it were? What if there were an elegant bar where you could order a craft cocktail, then retreat to a handsomely appointed backroom where half a dozen of the city’s best merry pranksters would amuse you with their sparkling wit? Credit producers Adam Burke, Matty Ryan, and Jeff Steinbrunner for creating a showcase that is comfortable for audiences and comics alike. But never fear: The comedy remains unfiltered, unfettered, and unadulterated. Sets are Thursdays at 9 p.m.

Arguments and Grievances at Schubas Tavern Upstairs

Dueling blowhards sharpen their blades on each other in this inventive live debate show (and related podcast), which asks its participants to spar over topics such as waterboarding versus skateboarding, polio versus leprosy, and french fries versus French kissing. Producers Kevin Brody, Goodrich Gevaart, Zach Peterson, and Kevin White move the evening along quickly and interject high jinks along the way. The duelers keep going until a victor is declared—by audience applause. Watch the fun on the first Sunday of the month at 8 p.m.