You’re sitting in an arena. It’s huge. There’s that specific hum of ten thousand people waiting for a guy who once famously spent an entire comedy set talking about a dead horse in a ditch. But before Nate Bargatze ever touches the microphone, someone else has to walk out there first. Honestly, it’s one of the hardest jobs in showbiz. You’re opening for a guy whose fan base includes everyone from your church-going grandma to your cynical college roommate.
Nate is currently rolling through his 2026 Big Dumb Eyes World Tour, and if you've been paying attention, you know he doesn't just pick random locals to fill time. He’s built a comedy ecosystem.
The Regular Cast of Nate Bargatze Opening Acts
Most people expect one opener. Maybe two. Nate usually brings a whole squad, turning a stand-up show into something that feels more like a variety hour or a late-night talk show lineup.
Julian McCullough is the name you’ll hear most often. He’s basically the glue of the tour. McCullough usually acts as the host, appearing early to set the tone and returning between sets to keep the energy from dipping. He’s got that sharp, quick-witted vibe that balances out Nate’s slower, more deliberate Southern drawl. If you saw the Be Funny tour, Julian was likely the one who introduced the other three or four guys.
Speaking of those guys, the rotation is deep. Steven Rogers has been a massive fixture lately. He’s a guy who Nate and Brian Regan actually backed for his special Half of We. Rogers has this specific brand of "vulnerable but fast" humor that kills in these big rooms. He’s been hitting the Big Dumb Eyes dates in cities like Raleigh and Tallahassee, proving that Nate likes to keep his circle tight with people he’s personally mentored or produced.
Then there’s the Nateland podcast crew. You can’t talk about Nate Bargatze opening acts without mentioning Aaron Weber, Dusty Slay, and Brian Bates. While they all have their own headlining careers—Dusty Slay is selling out theaters on his own now—they still pop up on the big arena dates. Weber recently dropped his special Signature Dish, which Nate executive produced. It’s a family business at this point.
Why the Lineup Changes Every Weekend
If you bought tickets for the show in St. Louis and your friend saw the show in Phoenix, you might have seen totally different people. That’s intentional. Comedians have schedules too.
- The Podcast Factor: If a show is near Nashville, expect the Nateland regulars.
- The Special Taping Factor: Nate uses his platform to highlight comics for his Nateland Presents series. You might see Graham Kay or Greg Warren because they are currently working on projects under Nate’s production banner.
- The "Clean" Requirement: Nate is famous for being "clean," but his openers don't necessarily have to be G-rated—though they usually keep it PG-13 to match the room's vibe.
Nick Thune is another one to watch for. He’s been a guest on the podcast recently and has been seen on various tour legs. He brings a slightly more "alt" feel to the stage, sometimes using a guitar, which provides a nice break from the standard observational stuff.
What to Expect When the Lights Go Down
Most Nate Bargatze shows follow a very specific rhythm. Usually, the "host" (often McCullough) comes out about 10 to 15 minutes after the ticketed start time. People are still finding their seats, carrying overpriced popcorn, and trying to remember where they parked.
You’ll typically get three to four openers. Each one gets about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s fast. It’s punchy. By the time Nate comes out, you’ve already laughed at four different styles of comedy. It’s a masterclass in curation. Unlike some headliners who pick openers who won't "outshine" them, Nate seems to pick people who are legitimately dangerous—comics who could easily headline the room themselves.
Dustin Chafin is another name that’s been popping up on the 2025 and 2026 runs. He’s a NYC-based veteran who brings a bit of "crafted chaos" to the stage. He’s even part of the Nateland at Sea cruise events.
The Logistics of the Big Dumb Eyes Tour
If you’re heading to a show this year, keep a few things in mind about the timing. Usually, for a 7:00 PM show:
- The Host hits the stage around 7:15 PM.
- Two to Three Openers follow in rapid succession.
- Nate Bargatze usually takes the stage around 8:15 or 8:20 PM.
- The whole thing is usually wrapped up by 9:30 or 9:45 PM.
It’s an efficient operation. There’s no intermission. If you get up to pee during Nic Novicki or Joe Zimmerman’s set, you’re missing some of the best working comics in the country.
How to Follow These Comics
The smartest thing Nate does is the "walk-off." At the end of the night, he usually brings all the openers back out on stage for a final bow. It’s a class move. If you liked a specific guy, check the Nateland Instagram or the tour section of Nate's website. Most of these guys, like Lachlan Patterson or Mike James, have their own specials on YouTube or Dry Bar Comedy.
Supporting the Nate Bargatze opening acts is basically supporting the future of that specific, "good-for-the-whole-family" comedy that Nate has pioneered.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Nateland Podcast: Before your show date, listen to the most recent episodes. Nate almost always mentions who is riding on the bus with him that week.
- Arrive Early: Don't be the person walking in during the second opener. The hosting set by Julian McCullough is often where some of the best crowd work happens.
- Follow the "Nateland Presents" Brand: If you see a comic with a special produced by Nateland, there is a 90% chance they will show up as one of the Nate Bargatze opening acts at some point in the 2026 tour.
- Check Local Listings: Sometimes Nate will pull a local favorite from a nearby comedy club to do a guest "spot" (usually 5 minutes) right at the start. It’s rare in arenas, but it happens in smaller theater venues.