NYC Comedy Fest Unleashes Star-Studded Fall Lineup

Veteran comics and rising stars set to perform across the city’s iconic venues

The nation’s largest and most enduring comedy gathering, the New York Comedy Festival, is making its highly anticipated return this autumn. This year’s event promises a vibrant showcase of comedic talent, drawing both established headliners and emerging voices to the five boroughs.

Festival Features Top-Tier Talent

The 21st iteration of the festival boasts a formidable roster. Attendees can look forward to performances from acts including The Basement Yard, Hannah Berner, Michael Blackson, Louis C.K., Margaret Cho, Alex Edelman, Chris Fleming, Pete Holmes, Morgan Jay, Ismo, Ryan Long, Nurse John, Yohay Sponder, and the cast of Strangers with Candy, featuring Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, and Amy Sedaris, alongside Trevor Wallace, and many others.

Further show announcements are expected in the coming months, according to festival organizers.

A Decade of Laughter and Iconic Venues

Established in 2004 by Caroline Hirsch, the festival has become a cornerstone of the comedy calendar, presenting over 100 shows across ten days. It transforms legendary New York City landmarks like Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theatre, Madison Square Garden, and Town Hall into stages for laughter.

“We’re thrilled to unveil this year’s incredible lineup — a dynamic mix of global headliners and rising voices that reflect where comedy is right now and where it’s headed. We’re proud to continue to bring New York City the very best of the best,” Hirsch, Founder and Owner of the New York Comedy Festival, said. “In a constantly shifting landscape, we stay committed to spotlighting new voices, championing fresh perspectives, breaking form, and shaping a festival that sets the standard both creatively and commercially.”

—Caroline Hirsch, Founder and Owner of the New York Comedy Festival

The festival’s reach is significant; in 2023, over 300,000 tickets were sold for comedy events nationwide, demonstrating the enduring demand for live stand-up performances. (Source: The Comedy Store).

Early Showings Highlighted

The initial schedule offers a glimpse of the comedic powerhouses hitting the stage:

Friday, November 7

• 7 p.m. – Ismo: Woo Hoo! World Tour at Town Hall

Thursday, November 13

• 7 p.m. – Yohay Sponder: Self Loving Jew at Town Hall
• 7 p.m. – Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour at The Beacon Theatre
• 8 p.m. – The Basement Yard: From the Basement to the World Tour at Madison Square Garden

Friday, November 14

• 7 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. – Michael Blackson: America Is Fkd Comedy Tour at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel NY
• 7 p.m. – Pete Holmes: The PETE HERE NOW Tour at Town Hall
• 7:30 p.m. – Louis C.K. Ridiculous at The Beacon Theater

Saturday, November 15

• 6 p.m. – Alex Edelman: What Are You Going To Do at Carnegie Hall
• 7 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. – Michael Blackson: America Is Fkd Comedy Tour at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel NY
• 7 p.m. – Margaret Cho: Choligarchy at Town Hall
• 7:30 p.m. – Louis C.K.: Ridiculous at The Beacon Theater
• 8:45 p.m. – Chris Fleming at Carnegie Hall

Tickets for these initial offerings are scheduled to go on sale starting Monday, July 21, at 11 a.m. via the NYCF website.