New York City is poised to welcome a fresh wave of comedic talent as the new York Comedy Festival prepares to host its annual “New York’s Funniest Stand-Ups” showcase. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, november 12th, at 7 p.m. at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square, marks a significant evolution in the festival’s long-standing tradition.
A Shift from Competition to Festivity
Table of Contents
- 1. A Shift from Competition to Festivity
- 2. Meet the Rising Stars
- 3. Partnership with Threads Signals a Modern Approach
- 4. Festival Headliners and broader Lineup
- 5. The Enduring Appeal of Stand-Up Comedy
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about the New York Comedy Festival
- 7. What is the date range for the 2025 New York Comedy Festival?
- 8. New York Comedy Festival Reveals Hilarious Stand-Up Lineup for ‘Funniest Act’ Event
- 9. The Highly Anticipated ‘Funniest Act’ Competition Returns
- 10. Who’s Taking the Stage? – The 2025 Lineup
- 11. Event Details: Date, Venue & Ticketing
- 12. What to Expect from the ‘Funniest Act’ Competition
- 13. The History of the New York Comedy Festival
- 14. Beyond ‘Funniest Act’: Other NYCF Highlights
- 15. tips for Attending the new York Comedy Festival
For sixteen consecutive years, “New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” functioned as a high-stakes competition, pitting aspiring comedians against each other for the coveted title. Previous victors and participants include renowned names like Nate Bargatze, Michael Che, Tim Dillon, Josh Johnson, and Ricky Velez, establishing the event as a launchpad for triumphant careers. This year, however, the festival is reimagining the showcase. It will now operate as a platform to celebrate and amplify the voices of up-and-coming comedians.
Meet the Rising Stars
The 2025 showcase will feature performances by Geoffrey Asmus, Gabby Bryan, Jason Choi, Rocky Dale Davis, Lev Fer, Ontonio Kareem, Jaye McBride, Amber Singletary, Maddy Smith, and Joe Zimmerman. These ten performers represent a diverse range of comedic styles and perspectives, promising a dynamic and engaging evening for audiences.
Did You know? According to a recent report by Statista, the U.S. stand-up comedy market generated approximately $1.85 billion in revenue in 2023, demonstrating the enduring appeal of live comedy experiences.
Partnership with Threads Signals a Modern Approach
The New York Comedy Festival’s founder and owner, Caroline Hirsch, expressed excitement about this new chapter. She highlighted a strategic partnership with Threads, the rapidly growing social media platform, noting its more than 350 million monthly active users. Hirsch emphasized that Threads has become a fertile ground for comedians to connect with audiences in a raw and spontaneous manner.
“This new showcase reflects what comedy is today: immediate, personal, and everywhere,” Hirsch stated. the collaboration with Threads aims to extend the reach of these rising stars and facilitate connections with both fans and potential collaborators.
Festival Headliners and broader Lineup
Beyond the “New York’s Funniest Stand-Ups” showcase, the 2025 New York Comedy Festival boasts a stellar lineup of headlining acts. Performers such as 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, and the “Strangers With Candy” reunion featuring Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, and Amy Sedaris are all scheduled to perform.
| Event | Date | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York’s Funniest Stand-Ups Showcase | November 12, 2025 | The Venue at Hard rock Hotel, Times Square | Showcase |
| New york Comedy Festival (Overall) | Various Dates | Various Locations | Festival |
Pro Tip: Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular headliners, as shows often sell out quickly.
The Enduring Appeal of Stand-Up Comedy
Stand-up comedy remains a beloved form of entertainment, offering a unique connection between performer and audience. Its immediacy and responsiveness to current events provides a reflection of societal trends and individual experiences. The success of platforms like Netflix and YouTube has further democratized access to stand-up,bringing a wider variety of voices to a global audience. The growth of comedy podcasts, with shows like ‘SmartLess’ and ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend’ consistently topping charts, signals a continued appetite for comedic content in audio format.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New York Comedy Festival
- What is “New York’s Funniest Stand-Up”? This showcase highlights rising comedic talent, transitioning from a competition to a performance-based event.
- Where will the showcase be held? The event takes place at The venue at Hard Rock Hotel in Times square.
- who are some of the performers in this year’s showcase? Geoffrey Asmus, Gabby bryan, and Jason Choi are among the ten comedians performing.
- What is the New York Comedy Festival’s partnership with Threads? The festival is partnering with Threads to amplify the voices of the comedians and connect them with new fans.
- How can I get tickets to the New York Comedy Festival? Tickets can be purchased through the official New York comedy Festival website.
- Is stand-up comedy a growing industry? Yes, the U.S. stand-up comedy market continues to grow, with significant revenue generated annually.
are you excited to discover the next generation of comedic stars? Which of this year’s featured comedians are you most looking forward to seeing perform?
What is the date range for the 2025 New York Comedy Festival?
New York Comedy Festival Reveals Hilarious Stand-Up Lineup for ‘Funniest Act’ Event
The Highly Anticipated ‘Funniest Act’ Competition Returns
The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) has unveiled its star-studded lineup for the annual ‘Funniest Act’ event,promising a night of side-splitting laughter and fierce competition. This year’s festival, running November 10-16, 2025, boasts a diverse range of comedic talent, from established headliners to rising stars in the stand-up comedy scene. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so mark your calendars!
Who’s Taking the Stage? – The 2025 Lineup
This year’s ‘Funniest Act’ competition features ten comedians vying for the coveted title. Here’s a breakdown of the performers:
* Maria Bamford: Known for her surreal and self-deprecating humor, Bamford is a veteran of the comedy circuit.
* Sam Morril: A quick-witted and observational comedian, Morril consistently delivers sharp and relatable sets.
* Shane Gillis: Gaining prominence for his bold and often controversial takes, Gillis is a rising force in stand-up.
* Taylor Tomlinson: Tomlinson’s relatable and honest approach to mental health and relationships has resonated with a wide audience.
* Nate Bargatze: Renowned for his clean, observational humor and deadpan delivery, Bargatze is a crowd favourite.
* Ms. Pat: A hilarious and unapologetic comedian known for her storytelling and Southern charm.
* Mark Normand: A New York comedy staple, Normand’s sharp wit and impeccable timing make him a must-see.
* Ayo Edebiri: Breaking out from her work in The Bear, Edebiri is quickly becoming a comedic powerhouse.
* Ronny Chieng: Chieng’s insightful and often cynical observations on culture and current events are always a hit.
* Hannah Gadsby: Following the success of Nanette, Gadsby continues to push boundaries with her innovative and thought-provoking comedy.
Event Details: Date, Venue & Ticketing
The ‘Funniest Act’ event will be held on November 14th, 2025, at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City.
* Date: November 14th, 2025
* Time: 8:00 PM EST
* Venue: Carnegie Hall, New York City
* Ticketing: Tickets go on sale September 29th, 2025, via the NYCF website (https://www.nycomedyfestival.com/). Prices range from $75 to $250, depending on seating location. VIP packages are also available.
What to Expect from the ‘Funniest Act’ Competition
The ‘Funniest Act’ isn’t just a showcase of individual talent; it’s a head-to-head competition. Each comedian will perform a 10-minute set, judged by a panel of industry experts and a live audience vote. The winner receives bragging rights, a feature in Variety magazine, and a guaranteed spot on next year’s NYCF headliner list. Expect a fast-paced, high-energy show with a diverse range of comedic styles. This year’s judging panel includes comedy veterans Judd Apatow and Wanda Sykes.
The History of the New York Comedy Festival
Founded in 2004, the New York Comedy Festival has become one of the premier comedy events in the world. It attracts over 200,000 attendees annually and features hundreds of comedians performing in venues across all five boroughs of New York City. The festival has played a crucial role in launching the careers of many successful comedians, including Amy Schumer, Kevin Hart, and Hasan Minhaj. Initially, the festival focused primarily on established names, but in recent years, it has increasingly highlighted up-and-coming talent.
Beyond ‘Funniest Act’: Other NYCF Highlights
The New York Comedy Festival offers much more than just the ‘Funniest Act’ competition. Here are a few other events to look forward to:
* Spotlight Series: Intimate conversations and performances with comedy legends.
* Up Next Showcase: A platform for emerging comedians to gain exposure.
* Comedy Film Screenings: A selection of the best comedy films from around the world.
* Neighborhood Shows: Performances in smaller venues throughout the city, offering a more intimate comedy experience.
* Benefit Shows: Comedy shows that raise money for charitable causes.
tips for Attending the new York Comedy Festival
* Book Tickets Early: Popular shows sell out quickly, so purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale.
* Plan Your Transportation: New York City traffic can be unpredictable, so allow plenty of time to get to the venues.Public transportation is often the most efficient option.
* dress Comfortably: You’
