September means one thing: Are you ready for some football?

This is a comedy column, but if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Both the pros and the college stars have begun another season. And you’re probably going to watch a lot of it. So grab the remote, get your favorite foods and enjoy the games.

But keep in mind, you can’t watch football all the time. You have to do other stuff, too. Maybe spend time with friends and family, perhaps? Even the most enthusiastic fan needs a few laughs (no, the upcoming debates don’t count). And if your team isn’t destined to hold a trophy at the end of the season, you might need several evenings of comedy to make things bearable again.

Fortunately, plenty of shows this month fit the bill.

Here are the highlights:

Piff the Magic Dragon. If you saw Piff on America’s Got Talent last year, you know what he’s about. If not…how do we explain it? A guy in a dragon costume and his trusty chihuahua (also in a dragon costume) perform magic. The guy acts like he’s being forced to perform to fulfill community service hours. He’s sarcastic with the audience and his stage assistants. He doesn’t smile. And somehow it’s hilarious. And a good magic show to boot.

If it sounds like quirky fun, he’s in town for a full weekend. If you’re not sure, you should give it a chance. And if it’s not your cup of tea, no worries. It’ll probably sell out without you.

In case you missed it, here’s a bit of Piff’s time on America’s Got Talent. $25. Sept. 8, 8:30 p.m.; Sept. 9, 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; Sept. 10, 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; and Sept. 11, 7 p.m. Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.

Gary Gulman. Gulman has an understated presence, which isn’t a good fit for animated pratfalls and physical comedy. Fortunately, that’s not what he’s about. An intelligent storyteller, his comedy is a series of sharp observations and witty premises, performed with an emphasis on the writing. Sometimes comedy requires you to pay attention, and audiences are rewarded for their effort when Gulman performs. $35. Sept. 15, 8 p.m. The Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400. atthecap.com.

Bert Kreischer. Kresicher comes around every so often, but he seems to perform at unusual times for comedy. Maybe he’s really busy at night. Whatever the reason, it makes his shows special events for his fans. Sometimes he performs at 4:20 p.m. (if you don’t get the reference, we’re not explaining it). This time it’s high noon for his “Call-In Sick Show.” Whatever time of day it is, fans will pack the room to hear some epic storytelling from a master partier. Now a little older and wiser, he performs like your brilliant/crazy buddy telling you about his life and weird adventures. And in this case, hearing about it is just as fun as being there.

Here’s a sample of Bert’s storytelling. $25. Sept. 23, 12 p.m. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.

The Second City and Slate’s Unelectable You. The Second City, the iconic improvisational theater group, takes aim at the presidential election with help from the writers at Slate magazine. When it comes to politics, many people feel like crying. Well, why not laugh instead? If there was ever an event that lends itself to parody and mockery, the 2016 election is probably it. Expect plenty of sketch comedy, music and improv from the people who know how to do it best. $35-$45. Sept. 25, 8 p.m. The Straz Center (Ferguson Hall), 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827. strazcenter.org.