New York City’s premier comedy showcase returns for its 2026 edition, offering a packed lineup of stand‑up talent at venues throughout Manhattan. Founded more than two decades ago by Caroline Hirsch, owner of the legendary Caroline’s comedy club, the New York Comedy Festival has grown into the country’s largest and longest‑running comedy festival.
Headliners and Featured Acts
This year’s roster features a mix of established veterans and rising stars. Audiences can expect performances by Ben Bankas, Mojo Brookzz, Tim Dillon, Adam Friedland, Ilana Glazer, Jess Hilarious, Jordan Klepper, Marc Maron, Ms. Pat, Sarah Sherman, Patti Harrison, Daniel Sloss, Ziwe and many others. The festival also includes special collaborations such as Comic Relief × The Moth and the Gayme Show starring Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni.
Schedule Highlights
Shows will run from November 6 through November 15 at a variety of iconic city locations, including Town Hall, The Beacon Theater, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Hard Rock Hotel NY’s Music Row venue, Kings Theatre and The Venue on Music Row. Highlights include:
- Friday, Nov. 6 – Gayme Show! at BMCC Tribeca (7 PM); Ms. Pat at The Venue on Music Row (7 PM & 9:45 PM); Ziwe at Town Hall (7 PM).
- Saturday, Nov. 7 – Tim Dillon at The Beacon Theater (7 PM); Joanne McNally: Pinotphile at Town Hall (7 PM).
- Sunday, Nov. 8 – Sarah Sherman & Patti Harrison at Town Hall (7 PM); Marc Maron’s Yammering Into The Void Tour at The Beacon Theater (7:30 PM).
- Thursday, Nov. 12 – Ben Bankas at Town Hall (7 PM); Jordan Jensen at The Beacon Theater (8 PM).
- Friday, Nov. 13 – Adam Friedland at Town Hall (7 PM); Ilana Glazer Live! at The Beacon Theater (6:45 PM); Jess Hilarious (two shows) at The Venue on Music Row (7 PM & 9:45 PM); Dropout Improv at Kings Theatre (8 PM).
- Saturday, Nov. 14 – Comic Relief & The Moth Present: Funny Story at Town Hall (3 PM); Daniel Sloss – Bitter at The Beacon Theater (7 PM); Sh&t Show hosted by Jordan Klepper at Town Hall (7 PM).
- Sunday, Nov. 15 – Mojo Brookzz: Outta Pocket Comedy Tour at The Beacon Theater (6:30 PM).
Tickets and Additional Programming
Presale tickets are available from July 15 at 11 a.m. through July 19 at 10 p.m. General‑public sales begin July 20 at 11 a.m. All tickets can be purchased through the festival’s website, nycomedyfestival.com. In addition to stand‑up sets, the festival will feature live podcast recordings, film screenings, panel discussions and other interactive experiences.
Community Impact
The festival continues to draw visitors from across the region, supporting local venues, restaurants and hospitality businesses. By showcasing a diverse array of comedic voices, the event reinforces New York City’s reputation as a cultural hub while providing families and friends with affordable, family‑friendly entertainment options throughout the ten‑day run.
WABC‑TV is a proud partner of the New York Comedy Festival.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
