Philadelphia’s historic trolley tour has taken a hilarious twist, where instead of a conventional tour guide, stand-up comedians take the stage – or rather, the trolley!
The new “Stand-Up and Drink” BYOB Trolley Tour, conceived by Punch Line Philly and Founding Footsteps, kicked off its inaugural weekend last Saturday, and it promises to be a laughter-filled ride every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. through May.
Seamus Millar, a manager at Founding Footsteps and also a stand-up comedian, hosted the show and shared his enthusiasm for the unique format.
“I really love these shows,” Millar stated. “The comics seem to like them, and the people seem to like them as well. I feel like we all get to bond over being in this intimate setting.”
However, it’s important to note that this alcohol-fueled adventure is exclusively for adults over 21, and the comedic material can veer into risqué territory, as witnessed during our visit, with topics covering everything from sex work to huffing nitrous balloons.
The inaugural ride featured comedians Nicole Phoenix, Shane O’Connor, Meg Goetz, and Jon Delcolo. Attendees boarded the vintage trolley with bags packed with alcoholic seltzers and beers, setting the perfect scene for a night of laughter.
“I just think this is one of the funnest shows in Philly,” Goetz remarked, highlighting her set’s bits about engagement confusion and paranormal activity.
The live comedy experience traditionally involves audience interaction, but the unique trolley setting adds a new layer to the performance, incorporating City Hall, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and other iconic sights into the mix.
During Goetz’s performance, distractions arose, from loud party music to a honking driver, all of which proved to be great fodder for their routines.
“I wish I had my keys out,” Phoenix humorously mentioned, reacting to the honking incident. “We could have keyed him.”
As the trolley meandered through the city during the golden hour, it highlighted Philadelphia’s beautiful skyline, which even Phoenix could not help but admire.
“I always forget how pretty Philly is,” she expressed. “When you cross the bridge, you can see Center City from the Art Museum area. It’s just beautiful.”
The tour was in its early stages, with Millar indicating that adjustments in timing and routes were still being worked out as they refine the experience.
According to O’Connor, the visibility of the audience and the city beyond provided a distinct type of distraction.
“I can see all the people, and I can also see out the window,” he said, revealing his own challenge with the special venue.
Goetz acknowledged that the environment was indeed challenging compared to typical venues but also invigorating.
“The experience itself is a little bit more invigorating. The windows are open, you feel the breeze, you’re drinking, and you’re laughing,” she noted.
Phoenix embraced the unpredictable nature the trolley brings to a typical stand-up experience.
“The people that were playing really loud music in the park, I was like, hell yeah. It’s a beautiful day in April … That was my favorite part,” she reflected.
Millar expressed his hope that this unconventional platform could draw visitors to enjoy live stand-up comedy in the city.
The night’s crowd was about 20 patrons, a respectable turnout for a debut show, according to Millar.
“This is better than some of the stages I’ve actually performed on in the city,” Millar explained, comparing it to other smaller venues where comics sometimes perform for just a couple of spectators.
If all goes well, he mentioned they may consider adding more dates as summer approaches while making sure the trolleys are equipped with air conditioning.
One exciting aspect of the tour is the potential for attendees to rub shoulders with emerging comedic talent.
“You never know who you’re gonna be hanging out with because we’ve had people from this scene actually blow up,” Millar added, hinting at the spontaneous nature of the performances.
The penultimate stop on the tour was Parks on Tap, located in the azalea garden between the Art Museum and Boathouse Row.
Once there, the revelers had the opportunity to regain their balance and order a drink, all while feeling the excitement of the journey.
The return to Punch Line Philly rounded out the night, with participants eligible for another complimentary beverage with their ticket.
Phoenix spoke highly of the trolley experience, championing its ability to forge connections among attendees.
“Comedy is alive and well in Philadelphia,” she proclaimed. “You might know some headliners, but I would definitely encourage you to see local comedy. There are so many superstars – legit, super-funny people. You will find them in bars. You will find them on trolleys. You will find them in basements. But, there’s amazing comedy happening all over Philly.”
She emphasized the importance of community in challenging times, adding with heartfelt sincerity, “So anybody who’s coming out here to laugh is the shit.”
image source from：https://billypenn.com/2025/04/22/stand-up-and-drink-philly-byob-trolley-tour/
