The Moth

The Moth is incredible.
Here is the deal: the event happens at a different bar each time and each night has a different theme like say hope or danger. People get up to tell a 5 minute story related to that theme. To tell the story, you put your name in a hat and the host draws from it randomly. The only rules are that the story must be true and told without notes. There is a strongly advised rule that the stories are five minutes and people might boo you (or yell gong) if you exceed the limit.
There is also a host who provides the entertainment in between stories. The hosts are usually funny, but some are better than others. For instance, the woman at the Bitter End is hilarious while the guy at the Southpaw is sort of funny, but mainly just negative.
If you like This American Life, Radiolab, or poetry slams, you will definitely like this event.
If that description didn’t get you, let me pitch it to you this way: think of the most exciting, funny, or touching stories your friends have ever told you. That is what the Moth is.
Also note that It costs a very reasonable $ 8 and doesn’t include a drink minimum.
There is also a podcast and a show on NPR, but it is better live.