The largest and longest-running annual comedy festival in the United States returns with over 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows across all five boroughs from November 6-15.
This year’s headliners include Ben Bankas, Mojo Brookzz, Comic Relief x The Moth, Dropout, Adam Friedland, Gayme Show! Starring Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni, Ilana Glazer, Jess Hilarious, Jordan Jensen, Jordan Klepper, Marc Maron, Joanne McNally, Ms. Pat, Sarah Sherman & Patti Harrison, Daniel Sloss, Ziwe and more, with additional shows being announced soon. It was founded by Caroline Hirsch in 2004.
The festival features more than 100 performances and events over 10 days in all five boroughs with 200 acclaimed and emerging comedians from around the globe performing iconic venues that include Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theatre, Town Hall, Kings Theatre and countless clubs and stages that have helped define the art form, and cement New York City’s status as the comedy capital of the world, according to.
For over two decades, the NYCF has championed every corner of the comedy world with a bold, diverse lineup that extends far beyond stand-up. From live podcast recordings, film and television screenings, and sketch and improv showcases to thought-provoking conversations, industry panels and star-studded fundraising events, the festival celebrates comedy in all its forms.
By embracing both established stars and the next generation of talent, NYCF continues to evolve alongside the industry while remaining the definitive destination for comedians and fans alike.
“Each year, the New York Comedy Festival serves as both a celebration of comedy’s biggest voices and a showcase for the talent shaping its future,” festival founder was quoted as saying in the press release. “This year’s lineup brings together established stars, fan favorites, and a remarkable new generation of comedians. We’re very proud to continue making New York City the epicenter of the comedy world, where artists, industry leaders, and fans come together to experience the very best the art form has to offer.”
In addition to the 2026 headliners, the New York Comedy Festival is to announce additional details for major events in the coming months that have become staples during the Festival including Stand Up for Heroes, New York’s Funniest Stand Ups and opportunities to experience live podcast recordings, film screenings, panel discussions, and much more.
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit https://nycomedyfestival.com and follow on, Instagram, Threads, X and Facebook using the hashtag #MakeNYLaugh.
Bread Financial is an Official Sponsor of the New York Comedy Festival and the Bread Cashback® American Express® Credit Card will serve as the Official Card of the festival. Early access to purchase pre-sale tickets to NYCF shows is provided by Bread Financial and begins Wednesday, July 15 at 11:00 AM ET until Sunday, July 19 at 10:00 PM ET. For complete pre-sale and preferred ticket details click here.
Hard Rock Hotel New York will return as the official host hotel for the NYCF for the fifth year. With music and entertainment at its core, the hotel will once again be home to various festival performances, events, and after-parties along with exclusive overnight experiences for those in the audience or commanding the stage.
Tickets for all shows are available to the general public starting Monday, July 20 at 11 AM ET. Tickets can be purchased through the NYCF website at www.nycomedyfestival.com.
The 2026 NYCF is made possible by its sponsors Bread Financial, NBC & Peacock, Hard Rock Hotel New York, ABC7, iHeart Radio, New York Post, NYC Tourism + Conventions, The Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment, The Onion, SiriusXM, and Variety.
Event Schedule for New York Comedy Festival 2026 (Events Confirmed to Date Though Subject to Additions, Changes)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
● 7:00 PM – Gayme Show! Starring Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
● 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM – Ms. Pat at The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel NY
● 7:00 PM – Ziwe at Town Hall
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
● 7:00 PM – Joanne McNally: Pinotphile at Town Hall
● 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM –Ms. Pat at The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel NY
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
● 7:00 PM – Sarah Sherman & Patti Harrison at Town Hall
● 7:30 PM – Marc Maron: Yammering Into The Void Tour at The Beacon Theater
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
● 7:00 PM – Ben Bankas at Town Hall
● 8:00 PM – Jordan Jensen at The Beacon Theater
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
● 7:00 PM – Adam Friedland at Town Hall
● 6:45 PM – Ilana Glazer Live! at The Beacon Theater
● 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM – Jess Hilarious: The Don’t Play Wit’ Me Tour at The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel NY
● 8:00 PM – Dropout Improv at Kings Theatre
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
● 3:00 PM – Comic Relief & The Moth Present: Funny Story at Town Hall
● 7:00 PM – Daniel Sloss — Bitter at The Beacon Theater
● 7:00 PM – Sh&t Show hosted by Jordan Klepper at Town Hall
● 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM – Jess Hilarious: The Don’t Play Wit’ Me Tour at The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel NY
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
● 6:30 PM – Mojo Brookzz: Outta Pocket Comedy Tour at The Beacon Theater
About the Festival – One More Time
Launched in 2004, The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) was created by Caroline Hirsch and Carolines. The NYCF has brought together the country’s top comedians including Judd Apatow, Bill Burr, Margaret Cho, Larry David, Kevin Hart, Jo Koy, Nick Kroll, Bill Maher, Trevor Noah, Conan O’Brien, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, Tracy Morgan, and many others to venues throughout the five boroughs of New York City. In 2007, NYCF launched the “Stand Up for Heroes” event to benefit The Bob Woodruff Foundation, which has featured performances by Stephen Colbert, Jim Gaffigan, Ricky Gervais, John Mayer, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, John Oliver, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jeff Ross, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart, and many others. To date, Stand Up For Heroes events have raised over $117 million. For more information, visit https://nycomedyfestival.com and follow on Instagram, X and Facebook using the hashtag #MakeNYLaugh.