the article:
Chicago‘s Second Annual whats Funny Comedy Festival Wraps Up September 16-22, 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. Chicago’s Second Annual whats Funny Comedy Festival Wraps Up September 16-22, 2025
- 2. What themes does Lil rel Howery explore in “HaroldS House of Hilarity,” and how do they align with his comedic style?
- 3. Lil Rel Howery discusses His Latest Film and Upcoming Comedy Fest in Chicago
- 4. New Film: “harold’s House of Hilarity” – A Deep Dive
- 5. The Chicago Comedy Fest: A Labor of Love
- 6. Festival Highlights & Lineup
- 7. Why Chicago? Howery’s Connection to the City
- 8. Benefits of Attending the Chicago Comedy Fest
- 9. Practical Tips for Festival Goers
- 10. Howery’s continued Influence on Comedy
CHICAGO, IL – September 16, 2025 – The vibrant city of Chicago hosted its second annual Whats Funny Comedy Festival, a weeklong celebration of laughter and talent running from September 16-22, 2025. Initiated by comedian Lil Rel Howery and producer Knowledge Beckom, the festival showcased a diverse lineup of established and rising comedians through stand-up performances, live podcast recordings, screenings, and industry panels.
| Event | Dates | location |
|---|---|---|
| Whats Funny Comedy festival | September 16-22, 2025 | Chicago, IL |
| Featured Performer | Throughout the Week | Various Chicago Venues |
| Lil Rel Howery special Taping | September 22, 2025 | DuSable Black History Museum and Cultural Center |
The festival, deeply rooted in Chicago’s renowned comedy scene, provided a platform for breakout stars and veteran performers alike. Organizers prioritized fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.The event culminated in a special stand-up performance, recorded for posterity, hosted at the historic DuSable Black History Museum and Cultural Center, embodying the festival’s commitment to blending entertainment with cultural meaning. The Whats Funny Comedy Festival is quickly becoming a major date on the comedy calendar, attracting both audiences and performers to the heart of the Midwest.
Did You Know? Chicago has a longstanding tradition of producing comedy greats, including legends such as Bill Murray, John Belushi, and Tina Fey. The city’s vibrant improv scene, spearheaded by institutions like The Second City, continues to nurture emerging talent.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to attend next year, book tickets and accommodation well in advance, as the festival’s popularity is growing rapidly.
Do you have any thoughts on the future of comedy festivals? What makes a comedy festival truly special in your opinion? Share your comments below!
What themes does Lil rel Howery explore in “HaroldS House of Hilarity,” and how do they align with his comedic style?
Lil Rel Howery discusses His Latest Film and Upcoming Comedy Fest in Chicago
New Film: “harold’s House of Hilarity” – A Deep Dive
Lil Rel Howery’s latest project, “Harold’s House of Hilarity,” is generating critically important buzz. The film, a comedy centered around a struggling comedian inheriting a rundown comedy club, showcases Howery’s signature blend of observational humor and relatable characters. Early reviews highlight the film’s heartwarming story and Howery’s compelling performance.
* Genre: Comedy,Family
* Director: Anya Sharma
* Co-stars: Jasmine Jones,David Alvarez
* Release Date: October 27,2025 (limited release),November 10,2025 (wide release)
Howery recently discussed the film in an interview with The Chicago Tribune,stating,”This role felt personal. Its about chasing your dreams, even when things get tough, and finding family in unexpected places.” The film explores themes of perseverance, community, and the power of laughter – all hallmarks of Howery’s comedic style.Fans of Get Out and Bad Hair will appreciate his nuanced portrayal of a man navigating life’s challenges with humor and heart.Expect to see “Harold’s House of Hilarity” featured prominently in upcoming movie reviews and fall film releases.
The Chicago Comedy Fest: A Labor of Love
Beyond the silver screen, Howery is deeply invested in nurturing the comedy scene in his hometown of Chicago. He’s the driving force behind the annual Chicago Comedy Fest, set to run November 14-20, 2025. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet, featuring a diverse lineup of established and emerging comedic talent.
Festival Highlights & Lineup
The 2025 Chicago Comedy Fest boasts a stellar lineup, including:
- Headliners: Maria Bamford, Nate Bargatze, and, of course, Lil Rel Howery himself.
- Rising Stars: Showcasing local Chicago comedians and national acts on the verge of breaking through. Keep an eye out for performances by Maya Ramirez and Ben Carter.
- Workshops: Offering aspiring comedians valuable insights into the craft, covering topics like joke writing, stage presence, and navigating the industry. Workshops will be led by industry veterans.
- Venue Variety: Events will be held across multiple venues throughout Chicago, including the iconic Second City, The Laugh Factory Chicago, and smaller, intimate clubs.
Why Chicago? Howery’s Connection to the City
Howery frequently emphasizes the importance of Chicago’s comedy scene. “Chicago is where I cut my teeth,” he explained in a recent interview on WBEZ. “The audiences are tough, but that makes you a better comedian. There’s a real sense of community here.” The Chicago Comedy Fest is his way of giving back and providing a platform for the next generation of comedic voices. This dedication to the Chicago comedy scene is a key element of his public persona.
Benefits of Attending the Chicago Comedy Fest
Attending the Chicago Comedy Fest offers numerous benefits for comedy enthusiasts:
* Discover New Talent: Be among the first to witness the rise of future comedy stars.
* experience Diverse Styles: The festival showcases a wide range of comedic styles, from observational humor to political satire to improv.
* Support the Arts: Your ticket purchase directly supports the local comedy community.
* Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow comedy fans, aspiring comedians, and industry professionals.
* Affordable Entertainment: Ticket prices range from $25 to $75, making it an accessible entertainment option.
Practical Tips for Festival Goers
Planning to attend the Chicago Comedy Fest? Here are a few tips to maximize your experience:
* Purchase Tickets Early: Popular shows sell out quickly. Tickets are available at [ChicagoComedyFest.com](https://ChicagoComedyFest.com – example URL).
* Plan Your Schedule: With so many shows to choose from,create a schedule in advance to avoid missing out on your must-see performances.
* Utilize Public Transportation: Chicago traffic can be challenging.Public transportation is a convenient and affordable way to get around.
* Explore the Neighborhoods: Many of the festival venues are located in vibrant chicago neighborhoods. Take some time to explore the local restaurants and shops.
* Follow the Festival on Social Media: Stay up-to-date on schedule changes, special events, and exclusive content by following the Chicago Comedy Fest on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Search hashtags like #ChicagoComedyFest and #LilRelHowery.
Howery’s continued Influence on Comedy
Lil Rel Howery’s impact extends beyond his film and festival work. He’s a consistent presence on social media, engaging with fans and promoting other comedians. His ability to connect with audiences on a personal level has made him a beloved figure in the comedy world. He’s also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion
