Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash
The New York Comedy Festival 2026 lineup was officially announced on July 13, confirming a star-studded roster of headliners for the ten-day run across New York City. The festival, which is the largest and longest-running annual comedy event in the United States, brings together more than 200 comedians for over 100 shows from November 6 through 15. Moreover, confirmed headliners include Marc Maron, Ms. Pat, Jess Hilarious, Ziwe, Ilana Glazer, Jordan Klepper, Daniel Sloss, Joanne McNally, and Sarah Sherman and Patti Harrison. Furthermore, Ben Bankas, Mojo Brookzz, Comic Relief x The Moth, Dropout Improv, Adam Friedland, and Gayme Show Starring Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni are also among the announced performers. Consequently, the 2026 lineup reflects the festival’s tradition of combining established names with emerging voices across multiple comedy formats.
Founded by Caroline Hirsch in 2004, the New York Comedy Festival has grown into what organizers describe as the world’s biggest comedy festival. The event takes over iconic New York venues including Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theatre, Town Hall, and Kings Theatre alongside clubs and stages throughout the five boroughs. Moreover, the festival extends beyond stand-up to include live podcast recordings, film and television screenings, sketch and improv showcases, panel discussions, and fundraising events. Consequently, NYCF functions as a comprehensive celebration of comedy in all its forms rather than a traditional stand-up showcase.
The full New York Comedy Festival 2026 show schedule
The 2026 New York Comedy Festival schedule runs across ten days with events confirmed at multiple venues. Below is the full announced schedule:
Friday, November 6: Gayme Show Starring Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Ms. Pat at The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel NY at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Ziwe at Town Hall at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 7: Joanne McNally Pinotphile at Town Hall at 7 p.m. Ms. Pat at The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel NY at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Sunday, November 8: Sarah Sherman and Patti Harrison at Town Hall at 7 p.m. Marc Maron Yammering Into The Void Tour at the Beacon Theater at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 12: Ben Bankas at Town Hall at 7 p.m. Jordan Jensen at the Beacon Theater at 8 p.m.
Friday, November 13: Adam Friedland at Town Hall at 7 p.m. Ilana Glazer Live at the Beacon Theater at 6:45 p.m. Jess Hilarious The Don’t Play Wit Me Tour at Hard Rock Hotel NY at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Dropout Improv at Kings Theatre at 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 14: Comic Relief and The Moth Present Funny Story at Town Hall at 3 p.m. Daniel Sloss Bitter at the Beacon Theater at 7 p.m. The Show Hosted by Jordan Klepper at Town Hall at 7 p.m. Jess Hilarious The Don’t Play Wit Me Tour at Hard Rock Hotel NY at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Sunday, November 15: Mojo Brookzz Outta Pocket Comedy Tour at the Beacon Theater at 6:30 p.m.
Moreover, additional shows and events will be announced in the coming months, including annual staples like Stand Up for Heroes and New York’s Funniest Stand Ups.
How to buy tickets for the New York Comedy Festival 2026
Tickets for the New York Comedy Festival 2026 are available through a presale before going on sale to the general public. Bread Financial, an official festival sponsor, is providing early access to the presale. The presale window runs from Wednesday, July 15 at 11 a.m. ET through Sunday, July 19 at 10 p.m. ET. Moreover, general public ticket sales open on Monday, July 20 at 11 a.m. ET. Furthermore, all tickets can be purchased through the festival’s official website at nycomedyfestival.com. Consequently, fans who want priority access to the most in-demand shows should act during the presale window rather than waiting for the public sale.
Hard Rock Hotel New York is returning as the official host hotel for the New York Comedy Festival for the fifth consecutive year. The hotel will host festival performances, events, and after-parties throughout the ten-day run. Moreover, exclusive overnight packages will be available for both attendees and performers during the festival period. Additionally, the venue will host Ms. Pat and Jess Hilarious shows on multiple nights at The Venue on Music Row. Consequently, Hard Rock Hotel New York serves as one of the festival’s most active programming hubs alongside the larger theater venues.
Why the New York Comedy Festival matters for the comedy world
The New York Comedy Festival has spent more than two decades building a reputation as the defining destination for both comedians and comedy fans. The festival’s Stand Up for Heroes event, launched in 2007 to benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, has raised more than $117 million to date. Moreover, past performers have included Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Conan O’Brien, Trevor Noah, Jerry Seinfeld, and Bruce Springsteen among many others. Furthermore, the 2026 lineup continues that tradition of mixing legendary figures with the current generation of comedy’s most vital voices. Consequently, NYCF occupies a unique position in the comedy calendar that no other festival in the United States can replicate.
Festival founder Caroline Hirsch described the 2026 event as a celebration of comedy’s biggest voices alongside a showcase for the talent shaping its future. Moreover, her comments reflect the dual mandate that has guided the festival since its founding, honoring the art form’s history while creating space for new voices to break through. Additionally, the 2026 sponsors including NBC and Peacock, SiriusXM, iHeart Radio, ABC7, and Variety underscore the breadth of the festival’s industry relationships. Consequently, the New York Comedy Festival enters its 2026 edition with the cultural infrastructure and audience reach that cement its status as the country’s most important comedy event.
Source: New York Comedy Festival press release / FRANK PR
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