Posted in

This Purple Comedy Bus In Asheville Will Have You Laughing Until Your Cheeks Hurt

Published: August 18, 2025

Picture this: a big purple bus rolling through Asheville’s winding streets, arms hanging out the windows, booming laughter echoing off the mountains.

You haven’t experienced anything quite like LaZoom Tours before.

This isn’t your typical sightseeing excursion—it’s theater on wheels, where comedy meets history in the most delightfully unexpected ways. Founded by street performers Jim and Jen Lauzon, who brought their New Orleans flair to Asheville in 2007, LaZoom has become an iconic symbol of everything weird and wonderful about this mountain city.

Tour Options That’ll Blow Your Mind

Hey Asheville City Comedy Tour: This 90-minute adventure is pure vaudeville magic on wheels. You’ll get incredible views of downtown Asheville, Montford, and the River Arts District while guides deliver rapid-fire comedy sketches between historical nuggets. The improvisational elements keep every tour fresh—even locals who’ve lived here for decades discover new things about their city. Ages 13 and up can join this PG-13 rated romp through Asheville’s neighborhoods.

Ghosted Haunted Comedy Tour: Ready for something spine-tingling? This 60-minute nighttime journey dives into Asheville’s dark past with stories about the Pink Lady at Grove Park Inn and spirits roaming the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. The tour brilliantly balances genuine scares with comedy relief, featuring live actors who reenact murders and paranormal encounters right on the bus. You’ll laugh, you’ll scream, and you might blush at the adult-oriented content—strictly 17 and older.

A Fayetteville Ramen Shop’s Broth Is So Authentic, You’ll Swear You’re In Tokyo Related

More in North Carolina

A Fayetteville Ramen Shop’s Broth Is So Authentic, You’ll Swear You’re In Tokyo

Keep Exploring →

Fender Bender Band & Beer Bus: Here’s where the party really gets rolling. Live bands perform as you visit 2-3 local breweries including Highland and Wedge Brewing Company. The tour MC shares fascinating beer facts while you sample Asheville’s famous craft brewing scene. This 2.5-hour experience often sells out, so book early for this 21+ adventure.

Lil Boogers Kids Comedy Tour: The whole family can climb aboard for this 60-minute show designed for ages 5-12. Characters like the Candy Pirate, Ninja, and Levitator perform kid-friendly sketches while teaching Asheville history. Kids under 3 ride free when sitting on an adult’s lap, making this perfect for family outings and birthday parties.

The LaZoom Experience & Characters

Street Theater Magic: What sets LaZoom apart is the surprise appearances throughout tours. You might spot Sister Bad Habit (the infamous nun on a giant bicycle) or other outrageous characters popping up at stops.

The Iconic Purple Bus: Hard to miss and impossible to forget, LaZoom’s signature purple buses are rolling stages with gold embellishments and theatrical details. The open-air design lets you wave to pedestrians (who inevitably wave back) while experiencing Asheville’s mountain air. When temperatures drop, they close the windows and crank up the heat.

Interactive Comedy: You’re not just watching a show—you’re part of it. Guides encourage audience participation, and the energy is so infectious that even shy visitors find themselves laughing and engaging. The comedy strikes that perfect balance of being hilarious without crossing into inappropriate territory (well, except for the haunted tour’s intentionally edgy content).

Step Back In Time At This Historic Durham Campus Where Tobacco Built An Empire

More in North Carolina

Step Back In Time At This Historic Durham Campus Where Tobacco Built An Empire

Discover More

Atmosphere & Unique Touches

The LaZoom Room: Your adventure begins in this funky pre-tour bar at 76 Biltmore Avenue. The hilariously decorated waiting area sets the mood with local beer and wine options you can take on the bus. Even if you’re not touring, the LaZoom Room welcomes the public for drinks in this quirky space that embodies Asheville’s creative spirit.

BYOB Policy: You can bring beer and wine purchased from the LaZoom Room aboard all tours. This relaxed approach to beverages adds to the party atmosphere while supporting local establishments. No outside alcohol is permitted, and you must be 21+ to drink on the bus.

Dog-Friendly Fun: LaZoom welcomes furry friends with “open paws.” Small dogs under 20 pounds ride free, while larger pups need tickets and prior permission. All dogs must have current vaccinations and, as they joke, “a good sense of humor.

Other Considerations

Pricing & Value: Tours range from $27 for kids’ tours to $49 for beer tours, with city and haunted tours falling in between. The pricing reflects excellent value considering you’re getting professional theater entertainment, historical information, and sightseeing all rolled into one experience. Many visitors say it’s the best money they spent in Asheville, especially when compared to traditional tour companies.

Booking Strategy: LaZoom tours frequently sell out, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. Online booking is your best bet for securing spots, though last-minute walk-ups are occasionally accommodated if space allows.

Tour America’s Largest Private Gilded Age Mansion At This Iconic Asheville Estate Related

More in North Carolina

Tour America’s Largest Private Gilded Age Mansion At This Iconic Asheville Estate

Keep Exploring →

Parking Situation: The best option is the Biltmore Avenue parking garage at the Aloft Hotel (60 South Lexington Avenue). Street parking downtown can be challenging, so plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to handle logistics and grab a pre-tour drink.

Group Events: You can rent entire buses for private groups up to 20 people, perfect for bachelorette parties, corporate events, or family reunions. LaZoom customizes content for private groups.


LaZoom Tours
📍 76 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Writer: Travis McClendon
Contributor

I’ve lived in Asheville for the past 12 years, but North Carolina has always felt like home. And I've always loved traveling! I enjoy taking the long way just to see what’s out there. When I’m not writing, I’m out with my old Nikon, digging through record bins, or planning my next road trip.