The Riot Comedy Club announces new permanent home on Washington Avenue, opening August 2026

Houston’s fast-growing comedy club unveils a purpose-built, 150-seat venue at 1925 Washington Ave.; no longer operating at Rudyard’s 

HOUSTON (July 9, 2026) – Today, The Riot Comedy Club announced it has started a new chapter, moving to a permanent home purpose-built for comedy at 1925 Washington Ave. in Houston. The new venue is expected to open in August, with Grand Opening events to be announced in the coming weeks.

Effective immediately, The Riot is no longer operating at its former Rudyard’s location. During the brief transition, the club will continue hosting shows every weekend at The Riot Comedy Club Conroe, located inside GuadalaHARRY’s at 219 Simonton St.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but as we’ve grown, it became clear we needed a space that fully delivers the experience we want to give our guests, our comedians, and our staff,” The Riot Comedy Club Founder and CEO Brian Gendron said. “We’re not just changing locations – we’re building a dedicated venue for comedy that supports Houston’s growing scene, bringing together live shows, hospitality and an expanded food and beverage program.”

Designed specifically for live comedy, the new 4,700-square-foot Washington Avenue venue features a custom 150-seat showroom, ample parking, full food and beverage service, a daytime coffee shop and café, a full evening bar and full ADA accessibility.

“Houston has an exciting, emerging and very underrated comedy scene, and we want to be the place that helps it grow,” Gendron said. “We’re committed to building a venue where local comedians can develop, national acts want to stop, and audiences can be part of something that’s genuinely good for this city.”

Grand Opening programming and the full schedule for the new venue will be announced soon. The club occupies a historic storefront in Houston’s Old Sixth Ward – part of Arts District Houston, a state-designated cultural district – next door to James Beard Award-winning cocktail bar Julep and steps from popular destinations including B&B Butchers, Aiko, and Puttery.

Guests holding tickets to Riot’s upcoming Houston shows will receive full refunds and will be invited to a complimentary show at the new venue once it opens. The club will follow up directly with ticket holders. 

For updates, visit www.theriothtx.com or follow @theriotcomedy.

About The Riot Comedy Club

Established in 2020, The Riot Comedy Club is Houston’s premier destination for stand-up comedy. With locations in Houston, Conroe (Riot Conroe) and San Antonio (Riot Riverwalk), The Riot presents shows featuring local talent and touring national acts, and also produces The Riot Comedy Festival each year in April. The club’s new permanent Houston home opens at 1925 Washington Ave. in August 2026. For more information, visit www.theriothtx.com.

Media Contacts

Nick Scurfield | Scurfield Group | (713) 304-1956 | [email protected] 

Kelsey McCullough | Scurfield Group | (713) 857-6353 | [email protected]