COMING UP: For 45 years, the SF Stand-up Comedy Competition has been breaking comedians like Robin Williams and Dana Carvey.

There’s no better way to kick off the weekend than with a hearty laugh, and at the 45th annual SF Stand-Up Comedy Competition Semi-Finals this Thursday there will be plenty of opportunity to chortle, guffaw and chuckle. The event features five of the top performers from the group of comedians competing this year, each performing 8-12 minute sets and aiming for a shot at the grand prize. Previous competitors have included Dana Carvey, Robin Williams and Patton Oswalt—who’s to say who the Bay’s newest break-out comedian could be?

SF Stand-Up Comedy
Thu, 7:30pm, $38+
Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga