The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF), the largest and longest-running annual comedy festival in the United States, returns for its 21st edition, running from Friday, November 7 to Sunday, November 16. This year’s headliners include 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, Strangers with Candy with Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello and Amy Sedaris, Trevor Wallace and more. Additional shows will be announced in the coming months.
Founded by Caroline Hirsch in 2004, the festival brings together some of the biggest names in comedy and stand-up, featuring more than 100 shows over ten days across all five boroughs. Featuring 200+ top comedians from around the globe, the festival takes over iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theatre, Madison Square Garden and Town Hall —cementing New York City’s status as the comedy capital of the world.
For more than two decades, the New York Comedy Festival has remained dedicated to showcasing the best in comedy with bold, inclusive programming that reflects the cultural landscape. From marquee stand-up sets and cutting-edge improv to thought-provoking panels, galas, emerging talent showcases, live podcast tapings, and immersive brand activations, the festival celebrates comedy in all its forms. With a dynamic lineup that speaks to superfans and first-timers alike, the festival continues to build on its rich legacy while pushing the art of comedy forward for new audiences and creators.
“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” said Caroline Hirsch, Founder and Owner of the New York Comedy Festival. “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.”
“I have no idea how many planets had to align for this opportunity to be given to two kids from Queens but we are so excited and will give New York the best possible show we can,” says Joe Santagato of The Basement Yard.
In addition to the 2025 headliners, the New York Comedy Festival will also 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 Presented by Threads, Comics to Watch, and opportunities to experience live podcast recordings, panel discussions and much more.
For more information, to purchase tickets and to stay up to date on all the latest festival news visit https://nycomedyfestival.com and follow on, Instagram, Threads, X and Facebook using the hashtag #MakeNYLaugh.
Bread Financial is the Official Sponsor of the New York Comedy Festival and the Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card will serve as the Official Card of the event. Cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets to NYCF shows beginning Wednesday, July 16 at 11 AM ET until Friday, July 18 at 10 PM ET. Bread Cashback™ American Express® Cardmembers will also have access to purchase preferred tickets until Monday, August 11. For complete presale and preferred ticket details, visit https://nycomedyfestival.com.
“We are proud to enhance our cardmembers’ experience with an exclusive opportunity to be among the first to purchase tickets to the New York Comedy Festival and have access to preferred ticketing so they can enjoy what is sure to be an exciting event later this year,” said Ralph Andretta, President and CEO of Bread Financial. “Additionally, we are thrilled to continue our support of this iconic New York City event, especially as the Festival celebrates its 21st year of making New York City laugh and showcasing incredible rising talent.”
Hard Rock Hotel New York will return as the official host hotel for the NYCF for the fourth 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 21 at 11 AM ET. Tickets can be purchased through the NYCF website at www.nycomedyfestival.com. Additional shows will be announced soon.
The 2025 NYCF is made possible by its sponsors Bread Financial, Threads, Hard Rock Hotel New York, ABC7, iHeart Radio, NYC Media & Entertainment, NYC Tourism + Conventions, Founded in NYC, New York Magazine, New York Post, Vulture and The Wall Street Journal.
The 2025 New York Comedy Festival Schedule (events confirmed to date and are subject to additions and changes)
Friday, November 7
- 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM – Ryan Long at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel New York
- 8:00 PM – Nurse John: The Short Staffed Tour at The Beacon Theatre
Saturday, November 8
- 7:00 PM – A Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Cancellation of Strangers with Candy with Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello and Amy Sedaris at Town Hall
- 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM – Ryan Long at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel New York
- 7:00 PM– Trevor Wallace: The Alpha Beta Male at Beacon Theatre
- 8:00 PM – Hannah Berner: None of My Business Tour at Carnegie Hall
Sunday, November 9
- 7:00 PM – Ismo: Woo Hoo! World Tour at Town Hall
Thursday, November 13
- 7:00 PM – Yohay Sponder: Self Loving Jew at Town Hall
- 7:00 PM – Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour at The Beacon Theatre
- 8:00 PM – The Basement Yard: From the Basement to the World Tour at Madison Square Garden
Friday, November 14
- 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM – Michael Blackson: America Is Fkd Comedy Tour at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel NY
- 7:00 PM – Pete Holmes: The PETE HERE NOW Tour at Town Hall
- 7:30 PM – Louis C.K. Ridiculous at The Beacon Theater
Saturday, November 15
- 6:00 PM – Alex Edelman: What Are You Going To Do at Carnegie Hall
- 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM – Michael Blackson: America Is Fkd Comedy Tour at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel NY
- 7:00 PM – Margaret Cho: Choligarchy at Town Hall
- 7:30 PM – Louis C.K.: Ridiculous at The Beacon Theater
- 8:45 PM – Chris Fleming at Carnegie Hall
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