In-person comedy shows are back, but online live streaming is also still an option

There’s simply no substitute for the power of live laughter.

Sure, the advent of live streaming (coupled with hefty doses of podcasts and Netflix binges) may have helped to carry us through the pandemic, but the prospect of actual humans enjoying comedy together remains a singularly powerful experience. Thankfully, the opportunity to see some of stand-up’s sharpest wits is back with a full slate of in-person shows scheduled to hit the Bay Area this fall.

For the cost of admission — and proof of vaccination — options ranging from an evening with the Don Rickles of drag queens to the gross-out stories of a “Jackass” alumnus are yours to be enjoyed. Out of respect for varying comfort levels during these uncertain times, we’ve included a live-stream option to ensure all comedy fans have something to look forward to this season.

The self-proclaimed “clown in a gown” is back. After winning the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2014, Bianca Del Rio has built herself a veritable drag empire. She’s written a best-selling book, starred in two films, taped comedy specials and toured her furiously funny, take-noprisoners brand of stand-up to venues across the world. The only drag queen to ever headline both Carnegie Hall and Wembley Arena, Del Rio’s trademark wit and razor-sharp tongue are heading to San Francisco for a pair of shows this October. Prepare to be shocked and delighted.

Bianca Del Rio:

8 p.m. Oct. 1. $42.50-$125. The Warfield, 982 Market St., S.F. www.thewarfield theatre.com

8 p.m. Oct. 3. $42.50-$125. Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St., S.F. palaceof finearts.com

Kelly Anneken’s Lack of Variety Hour:

Don’t let the name of the show fool you: Oakland’s Kelly Anneken can do it all. A regular at local institutions like the Punch Line and Cobb’s Comedy Club, she’s also cultivated a devoted audience for her TV recap podcasts “Up Yours, Downstairs!” (focused on

Wanda Sykes:

The veteran comic, actor and writer — who won an Emmy for her work on HBO’s “Chris Rock Show” before eventually going on to pen two books of her own — is taking her show on the road again. Expect a blend of the news of the day mixed with personal reflections on topics ranging from racial profiling to gay marriage as only

Bryan Bedder / Getty Images for Turner 2018 Chris Gethard records his “Beautiful/Anonymous” podcast at the 2018 New York Comedy Festival. In S.F., he will follow it with a stand-up show.

Denise Malone “Drag Race” winner, actor and author Bianca Del Rio will do two October shows in San Francisco.