The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) stands as the unrivaled pinnacle of comedic celebration in the United States. Established in 2004 by Caroline Hirsch, founder and owner of the iconic Carolines comedy venue, the festival has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, becoming the largest and longest-running comedy festival in the nation.
Over its illustrious 19-year history, the NYCF has graced New York City’s most prestigious venues, transforming hallowed spaces like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Apollo, BAM, the Beacon Theatre, Madison Square Garden, and Town Hall into arenas of uproarious merriment. The festival has played host to an unparalleled roster of comedy luminaries, including Judd Apatow, Aziz Ansari, Roseanne Barr, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., Jimmy Carr, Margaret Cho, Dane Cook, Billy Crystal, Larry David, Jim Gaffigan, Ricky Gervais, Kathy Griffin, Kevin Hart, Jo Koy, Artie Lange, Denis Leary, Norm Macdonald, Bill Maher, Marc Maron, Tracy Morgan, Conan O’Brien, Patton Oswalt, Ray Romano, Brian Regan, Adam Sandler, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Robin Williams, Steven Wright, and many more.
Beyond showcasing the industry’s top-tier talent, the NYCF has been a launchpad for emerging comedians. Events like New York’s Funniest Stand-Up competition and Comics To Watch have become platforms for the industry’s rising stars, offering not only recognition but also a chance to share the spotlight with established headliners. Past winners of New York’s Funniest Stand-Up include Nate Bargatze, Michael Che, Ricky Velez, and Tim Dillon. Among those who have performed on Comics To Watch are Michael Longfellow, Jaboukie Young-White and Ali Wong.
In 2006, the festival expanded its impact by partnering with Bob and Lee Woodruff for Stand-Up for Heroes, a benevolent endeavor benefiting the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This noble cause ensures stable and successful futures for our nation’s veterans, service members, and their families. Stand Up for Heroes has presented stellar performances from comedians such as Nate Bargatze, Ronny Chieng, Stephen Colbert, Jim Gaffigan, Ricky Gervais, Seth Meyers, Conan O’Brien, John Oliver, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Iliza Shlesinger, Jon Stewart, and Robin Williams. The event has also featured musical talents like Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, John Mellencamp, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruce Springsteen, and Rita Wilson, raising nearly $100 million to date.
The NYCF is not just about stand-up performances; it’s an immersive experience. The festival presents a diverse array of programming, including conversations, panel discussions, live podcast tapings, improv and sketch shows, film premieres, screenings, engaging partner activations, and much more. Evolving with each passing year, the festival expanded from seven to ten days in 2023, now featuring over 200 comedians in more than 300 shows annually.
The NYCF continues to transcend borders and boundaries, attracting comedy fans from across the nation and around the world. As it enters its milestone 20th year, the New York Comedy Festival has firmly etched its place in the heart of New York City’s cultural landscape.
