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The NY Comedy Festival lineup is here, with headliners Margaret Cho, The Basement Yard and Hannah Berner

And they're bringing the funny to MSG, Carnegie Hall and more

Written by
Juan A. Ramírez
Margaret Cho
Photograph: Nick Spanos | Margaret Cho
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The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF), the country’s largest and longest-running annual comedy festival, will return for its 21st edition this November, with over 200 comedians across 100 shows at iconic NYC venues like Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre and Town Hall from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 16.

Its initial blockbuster lineup has just been announced, with comedy legends like Margaret Cho and (somehow) Louis C.K. welcoming members of the podcast generation, including The Basement Yard and Hannah Berner. A special treat comes in the form of a Strangers with Candy reunion, with cast members Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello reuniting on the 25th anniversary of the cult Comedy Central series’ cancellation.

RECOMMENDED: The best comedy clubs in NYC

A jam-packed ten days brings the cream of the comedy crop to New York’s five boroughsthe de facto comedy capital of the worldfor bold, inclusive programming that goes beyond stand-up and improv, with panels, galas, emerging talent showcases, live podcast tapings, and immersive brand activations.

On landing Madison Square Garden, one of the most important stages worldwide, Joe Santagato of the born-and-bred Queens podcasters The Basement Yard says: “I have no idea how many planets had to align for this opportunity to be given.”

In keeping with the increasing social media comedy revolution, Threads will present New York's Funniest Stand Ups. And festival staples like Stand Up for Heroes and Comics to Watch return to showcase the field’s full breadth.

Created in 2004 by Caroline Hirsch, former owner of the beloved Carolines on Broadway club, the festival has brought fans comedy’s most beloved and boundary-pushing names together under one festival bill.

Tickets for all shows will be available for purchase through the NYCF website starting Monday, July 21 at 11 a.m. with additional shows to be announced soon.

Here are the New York Comedy Festival events confirmed so far:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7

  • 7:00 p.m & 9:45 p.m. – Ryan Long at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel New York
  • 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. (TBD)– Nurse John: The Short-Staffed Tour at The Beacon Theatre 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8  

  • 7:00 p.m. – 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 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. – Ryan Long at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel New York
  • 7:00 p.m.– Trevor Wallace: The Alpha Beta Male at Beacon Theatre
  • 8:00 p.m. – Hannah Berner: None of My Business Tour at Carnegie Hall

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9  

  • 7:00 p.m. - Ismo: Woo Hoo! World Tour at Town Hall

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 

  • 7:00 p.m. – Yohay Sponder at Town Hall
  • 7:00 p.m. – Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour at The Beacon Theatre
  • 8:00 p.m. – The Basement Yard:  From the Basement to the World Tour at Madison Square Garden

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 

  • 7:00 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. – Michael Blackson: America Is Fkd Comedy Tour at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel NY 
  • 7:00 p.m. – Pete Holmes: The PETE HERE NOW Tour at Town Hall
  • 7:30 p.m. – Louis C.K. Ridiculous at The Beacon Theater

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15  

  • 7:00 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. – Michael Blackson: America Is Fkd Comedy Tour at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel NY 
  • 7:00 p.m. – Margaret Cho: Choligarchy at Town Hall
  • 7:30 p.m. – Louis C.K.: Ridiculous at The Beacon Theater
  • TBD – Chris Fleming at Carnegie Hall

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