Beyond all the nightclub, casino and dining action, Vegas is the country's comedy hotspot. Venues up and down the Las Vegas Strip offer an incredible variety of hilarious entertainment, from the biggest names in the industry to the hottest up-and-coming talent. Whether you're looking for improv, sketch work or stand-up shows, Vegas is total comedy.

Q. What's the history of comedy in Las Vegas?

A. Vegas has a long and illustrious comedic history. Since the late '40s, Las Vegas has hosted the luminaries of the comedy world. The legendary Marx Brothers held court in Bugsy Siegel's Flamingo. That dynamic duo, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, also thrilled Vegas visitors at the Flamingo. George Burns was such a long-time Vegas hit performer that he celebrated his 98th birthday in the Caesars Palace Ballroom. And of course, in the early ‘60s, the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop – made Vegas known world-wide with their iconic show at the Sands.

Other classic comedians who graced Las Vegas stages included Bill Cosby, Rich Little, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Harvey Korman and Tim Conway and the Smothers Brothers.

As Vegas' comedy profile grew stronger and stronger in the ‘80s and ‘90s, masters of the craft like Jerry Seinfeld, Sam Kinison, Drew Carey, Jay Mohr and Kevin James brought their acts to the Strip.

It was only inevitable that, in 2005, Vegas would host The Comedy Festival, a four-day extravaganza of the very best in American comedy. Held at Caesars Palace, the festival's inaugural year featured a "who's who" of comedy ranging from Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, Jerry Seinfeld and George Lopez to Wanda Sykes, Bill Maher, Dane Cook, Susie Essman and Lewis Black.

The Comedy Festival returned to Vegas for the fourth time in 2008 with a host of packed performances by the likes of Jeff Dunham, Dane Cook, Kids in the Hall, Dave Attell, Ellen DeGeneres, Andrew Dice Clay and Katt Williams.

Q. Do any new comedy shows in Vegas have an old school flair?

A. Absolutely. Any city can boast a comedy club or a dozen. But only Vegas can lay claim to Playboy Comedy at the Palms.

Created by L.A. comedy impresarios Cort McCown and Paul Hughes, the bi-monthly show has a cool atmosphere, a jazz combo, and welcomes a roster of edgy comics like Harland Williams, Tammy Pescateli, Julie McCullogh, Godfrey and Al Madrigal to the Palms' stage. It's styled after the comedy club heyday of the early ‘60s. Playboy Comedy also features the Playboy Playmate of the month who stays after the show for guests who want to take pictures with her or get autographs.

In its exciting, hip Palms environs, the Playboy Comedy series is definitely an only-in-Vegas scene.

Sin City Comedy in the Harmon Theater at Planet Hollywood combines comedy from nationally-known headliner comedians and burlesque dancers, taking audiences back to an era when scantily clad women entertained audiences with bawdy jokes.

Q. What's the improv and sketch comedy scene in Las Vegas like?

A. Impromptu comedy is on full display at Improv at Harrah's. All of Vegas is abuzz over Wayne Brady: Making It Up! A modern master of improv, Brady is packing them in at the Venetian. The Riviera Comedy Club at the Riviera has a rotating line-up of headliners that are a sure bet for a night of laughs. If you enjoy shows like "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" then make sure to check out Free Beer! The Improv Show at Town Square. It features a group of improvisers delivering surprises that include lots of laughs and non-stop fun.

Q. Do the biggest comedy stars perform in Las Vegas?

A. In today's comedy world, Vegas is a must-do for top comedians, whether they are on tour or headlining an ongoing engagement.

Some comedians who make frequent stops in Vegas are everyman Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, Jay Leno and Kevin James at the Mirage, the wacky Howie Mandel at MGM Grand and the incisive Bill Maher at the Hard Rock Hotel. Other big name comedians also perform in Vegas like Jerry Seinfeld and Dane Cook at Caesars Palace and David Spade at Venetian.

And the roster of permanent marquees is as strong as ever.

Rita Rudner, with her rapier-sharp wit, is headlining at Harrah's. Carrot Top brings his zany props and zingers to the Luxor. Penn and Teller's show at the Rio turns magic into sarcastic hilarity. Louie Anderson is larger than life at the Excalibur, and George Wallace's outsized observations are filling the Flamingo.

Q. Are there any daytime comedy shows in Las Vegas?

A. When you think of comedy in Vegas, you probably have a nocturnal vision in mind. But there are a number of daytime shows, too. The Mac King Comedy Magic Show is at Harrah's. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic show is a real afternoon treat, as is Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater. For a little help understanding the opposite sex see Defending the Caveman at Excalibur starring Kevin Burke. This afternoon show gives audiences a comedic insight on the differences between men and women.

Q. What are some other ideas for fun and funny entertainment in Las Vegas?

A. When it comes to making music funny, you can check out the futuristic sounds of the incredible Blue Man Group at the Venetian.

And if you're looking for a multitude of comedic voices in Vegas, Terry Fator who performs at Mirage, is a singing impressionist and ventriloquist who makes the audience laugh with the outrageous personalities of eight puppets.

Finally, you can receive a funny "suggestion" in a Vegas way with hypnotic shows like Anthony Cools at Paris Las Vegas.

Q. Are there any dinner comedy shows in Vegas?

A. If you want to catch a comedy show and enjoy a meal, Vegas has several options. Marriage Can Be Murder at Fitzgeralds is a fun interactive dinner and murder mystery comedy show where you get to solve the crime. If you are in the mood for Italian food check out Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding where a comedic wedding ensues or Soprano's Last Supper for some comedic insight on what it takes to be a real wiseguy.

No matter where you go in Vegas, people will be laughing, a lot.