Austin Sketch Fest is back for its eighth year, and the annual showcase of all things hilarious isn't messing around—this time, the fest is in two different locations, offering the chance for even more gut-busting laughs. From May 22 to May 28, some of the best comedians and sketch groups in the country will be performing at Spider House Ballroom and ColdTowne Theater. Already have your pass ($40-$50) but can't decide who to see? We've narrowed down our favorite shows for each night of the fest—copious amounts of laughter guaranteed.
Monday, May 22: I Didn’t See You There: The Show of One-Person Shows (10-11pm, ColdTowne Theater)
If you think it's hard doing comedy with a crew, try rolling solo. This show is actually a collection of eight, one-person shows curated by Mac Blake, featuring monologues from both newbies and veterans.
Tuesday, May 23: The Gayme Show (10:30-11:30pm, ColdTowne Theater)
This gonzo game show includes games and a grand lip-synch finale, in which the winner will be dubbed "the second gayest person in Austin." The first is host Dylan Garsee, and don't you dare take that title away from him.
Wednesday, May 24: Haymaker / The Back Pack / North American Field Guide (8:30-9:30pm, ColdTowne Theater)
The stellar, three-act lineup includes Haymaker, a house sketch team from LA; the Back Pack, four-time Frontera Fest Best of Fest winners who are now based out of East Austin; and North American Field Guide, a duo consisting of Matt Needles and Sanjay Rao and their dark humor.
Thursday, May 25: Nipsey (8-9pm, Spider House Ballroom)
The UCB sketch team—comprised of writers whose credits include Comedy Central, Netflix and Amazon—brings its popular show Nipsey Presents: Science! to Austin Sketch Fest, quite possibly the only time science will ever be the reason for laughing so hard.
Friday, May 26: Reductress Live! (8-9pm, Spider House Ballroom)
Join Reductress writers Jasmine Pierce and Taryn Englehart as they bring to life the satirical women's magazine with some of its best stories and snippets.
Saturday, May 27: Definition of Knowledge + James Adomian (8:30-9:30pm, Spider House Ballroom)
Toronto's Definition of Knowledge specializes in satirical takes on slam poetry; James Adomian is a comedian and actor who has been featured on Comedy Central's Drunk History and Adult Swim's Children's Hospital. With Vanessa Gonzalez hosting, it's bound to be a hysterical one-two punch.
Sunday, May 28: Master Pancake Theater (9-10pm, Spider House Ballroom)
End the festival with Master Pancake Theater, an audience favorite featuring John Erler and an all-star roster of comedians battling against the very worst of Hollywood.
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