A smorgasbord of funny, Sketchfest brings A-list comedians to the city every January. Now in its 18th year, the annual San Francisco comedy festival will host over 200 shows in eight days in venues across the Bay Area.
This year’s festival, which runs from January 10-17, 2019, features major comedy luminaries such as Carol Burnett, Margaret Cho and W. Kamau Bell as well as up-and-coming jokesters from around the Bay Area. The mélange of offerings includes sketch, stand-up, storytelling, improv, film, music, live podcasts, workshops and panel discussions. With so much to choose from, we've narrowed it down to our favorite can't-miss events for the week.
Margaret Cho in conversation with Ben Fong-Torres
Trailblazing modern comedy icon and former Bay Area resident Margaret Cho returns to the 415 with an onstage conversation and audience Q&A, moderated by Ben Fong-Torres.
January 10 at 7:30pm; Marines’ Memorial Theatre; $25-$35.
W. Kamau Bell in conversation with Hari Kondabolu
Homegrown comedy hero, the Bay Area's own W. Kamau Bell, will sit down for an in-depth conversation with his longtime friend and fellow comedian Hari Kondabolu.
January 13 at 4pm; Marines’ Memorial Theatre; $25-$35.
Carol Burnett in conversation with Wendie Malick
SF Sketchfest pays tribute to Carol Burnett—best known for her comedy show The Carol Burnett Show, that from 1967-1978 introduced a new generation to sketch comedy—during this in-person conversation and Q&A at the historic Castro Theatre.
January 14 at 8pm; Castro Theatre; $55-$75.
BONUS EVENT
Legendary San Francisco drag queen Peaches Christ takes her place on the hot seat with some amazing roasters, including Mink Stole, Cassandra Peterson, Clea DuVall, Heklina, Heather Matarazzo, Jinkx Monsoon, Sister Roma and Roast Mistress Coco Peru.
January 13 at 3pm; Castro Theatre; $30-$75.