Santa Cruz, CA – A beloved October tradition is undergoing a slight conversion this year. The annual Santa cruz Comedy Festival will return as “Laughtopus,” a condensed two-night event taking place at Woodhouse Blending and brewing on October 3rd and 4th.
A Shift in Scale,Not Spirit
Table of Contents
- 1. A Shift in Scale,Not Spirit
- 2. A Curated Lineup and Interactive Fun
- 3. More Than Just Jokes: An Artistic Twist
- 4. Looking Ahead
- 5. The Power of Laughter and Local Comedy Scenes
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Laughtopus
- 7. How does the “Laughtopus Edition” of the Santa Cruz Comedy Festival differ from previous iterations in terms of scale and focus?
- 8. Santa Cruz Comedy Festival makes a Comeback with Intimate laughtopus Edition
- 9. The Return of Laughter to the Coast
- 10. What to Expect from the Laughtopus Edition
- 11. Featured Comedians & Performances (2025)
- 12. Navigating the Festival: Tickets & Logistics
- 13. The Economic Impact of Comedy Festivals
- 14. santa Cruz: A Comedy Hotspot
- 15. benefits of Attending a Comedy festival
- 16. Practical Tips for Festival-Goers
For twelve years,the Santa Cruz Comedy Festival has brought laughter to the city each October. While last year’s festival was the largest to date, featuring a record number of performers and venues, organizers have opted for a more focused approach in 2024. This temporary rebrand aims to recapture a sense of intimacy and quality control, according to the festival’s curator, known only as DNA.
DNA explained that personal circumstances, including a family emergency requiring a move away from santa Cruz, contributed to this decision. He emphasized a need to streamline the event for his own well-being, prioritizing a manageable and enjoyable experience.
A Curated Lineup and Interactive Fun
Despite the reduced scale,”Laughtopus” promises a strong lineup of comedic talent. Headlining October 3rd is Valerie Tosi, a seasoned performer with credits on “Conan,” “The Joel McHale Show,” “based on a True Story,” and “stan Against Evil.” She also curates The Mermaid Comedy Hour at the Hollywood Improv.
October 4th will showcase Myq Kaplan, known for appearances on “The tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “Last Comic Standing,” and numerous appearances on the “Comedy Bang! Bang!” podcast. DNA highlighted both performers as uniquely engaging and possessing broad appeal.
Local and regional comedians will round out the bills, including Rea Kapur, Colin Cosados, Ryan Holloway, Megan Kellie, Ashley Monique, Emily Rudolph, Avery Harmon, and BJ Rankin. Michael Booth, a prominent figure in the santa Cruz comedy scene, was instrumental in selecting these rising stars.
More Than Just Jokes: An Artistic Twist
Beyond the stand-up sets, “Laughtopus” will incorporate an interactive art contest. Attendees will be provided with art supplies to create their own octopus-themed drawings, judged by marine biologists. Winners will receive skateboards as prizes, blending art, science, and comedy in a unique experience.
| Date | Headliner | Supporting Acts |
|---|---|---|
| October 3 | Valerie Tosi | Rea Kapur, Colin Cosados, Ryan Holloway, Megan Kellie |
| October 4 | myq kaplan | Ashley Monique, Emily Rudolph, Avery Harmon, BJ rankin |
Did You Know? The comedy festival scene is booming, with a 15% increase in attendance at similar events across the US in the last year, according to a recent report by Pollstar.
Looking Ahead
DNA assured comedy fans that this smaller iteration is temporary. Plans are already underway to return to a larger-scale festival in 2025. He hopes this year’s event will provide valuable feedback and inspire future growth.
Pro Tip: Purchasing tickets for both nights of “Laughtopus” can yield important savings.
Tickets for “laughtopus”, priced at $28.52 per show, are available at santacruzcomedyfestival.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM each night, with shows beginning at 7:30 PM.
The Power of Laughter and Local Comedy Scenes
The continued success of events like the Santa Cruz Comedy Festival underscores the vital role local comedy scenes play in fostering talent and providing entertainment. These festivals not only offer audiences a chance to enjoy live performances but also serve as incubators for emerging comedians, providing them with invaluable stage time and exposure. The trend towards smaller, curated events also reflects a broader desire for more intimate and focused entertainment experiences.
Comedy festivals have experienced growing popularity in recent years, with increasingly diverse lineups and innovative formats. This points to a continued demand for authentic, relatable humor that connects with audiences on a personal level.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laughtopus
“Laughtopus” is the temporary rebranding of the Santa Cruz Comedy Festival for 2024, a condensed two-night event.
the festival will be held at Woodhouse Blending and Brewing in Santa Cruz.
Valerie Tosi will headline on October 3rd, and Myq Kaplan will headline on October 4th.
There will be an interactive art contest where attendees can draw their own octopus-themed artwork,judged by marine biologists for a chance to win skateboards.
Yes, organizers plan to revert to a larger-scale format for the festival in 2025.
What did you think of this year’s Laughtopus festival? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How does the “Laughtopus Edition” of the Santa Cruz Comedy Festival differ from previous iterations in terms of scale and focus?
Santa Cruz Comedy Festival makes a Comeback with Intimate laughtopus Edition
The Return of Laughter to the Coast
The Santa Cruz Comedy Festival is back, and this year it’s taking a delightfully different approach. Dubbed the “Laughtopus Edition,” the 2025 festival prioritizes intimate venues and a curated lineup, moving away from the larger-scale events of previous years. This shift aims to foster a more connected experience between comedians and audiences, solidifying Santa Cruz’s reputation as a haven for alternative and independent comedy. Expect a concentrated dose of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy throughout the city.
What to Expect from the Laughtopus Edition
This isn’t your typical comedy festival. The Laughtopus Edition focuses on quality over quantity, with a deliberate selection of venues designed to enhance the comedic experience.
* Smaller Venues: Performances will be held in established Santa Cruz spots like the Catalyst, Moe’s Alley, and the Kuumbwa Jazz Center, alongside pop-up locations and art galleries. This creates a more personal and engaging atmosphere.
* Diverse Lineup: The festival boasts a diverse roster of comedic talent, including rising stars, established headliners, and local Santa Cruz favorites. Expect a mix of styles, from observational humor to political satire and everything in between.
* Immersive Experiences: Beyond conventional stand-up shows, the Laughtopus Edition will feature immersive comedy experiences, including interactive improv workshops and late-night comedy jams.
* focus on Local Talent: The festival is committed to showcasing the vibrant local comedy scene in Santa Cruz, providing a platform for emerging comedians to connect with wider audiences.
Featured Comedians & Performances (2025)
While the full lineup is still being finalized, several names have already generated buzz:
* Maria Bamford: Known for her surreal and self-deprecating humor, Bamford is a festival highlight.
* Hasan Minhaj: The former Daily Show correspondent brings his sharp political commentary to Santa Cruz.
* Local Showcase: Each night will feature a dedicated showcase of Santa Cruz-based comedians, offering a glimpse into the region’s thriving comedy scene.
* Improv Troupe “The Sea Lions”: A local favorite,The Sea Lions will be hosting several workshops and performances.
Securing tickets early is highly recommended, as the smaller venues mean shows are likely to sell out quickly.
* Ticket Sales: Tickets are available through the official Santa Cruz Comedy Festival website ([https://santacruzcomedyfestival.com/](https://santacruzcomedyfestival.com/ – example link)).
* Festival Passes: consider purchasing a festival pass for access to multiple shows and events. Different pass tiers are available, offering varying levels of access.
* Transportation: Santa Cruz is a walkable city, but public transportation and ride-sharing services are readily available.Parking can be limited, especially during peak festival hours.
* Accommodation: Book accommodations well in advance, as Santa Cruz hotels and rentals fill up quickly during popular events. Consider options in neighboring towns like Capitola or Aptos.
The Economic Impact of Comedy Festivals
Comedy festivals like the Santa Cruz event contribute significantly to the local economy. Beyond direct revenue from ticket sales and accommodation, festivals boost spending at local restaurants, bars, and shops. They also attract tourism, increasing visibility for Santa Cruz as a cultural destination. The Laughtopus Edition, with its focus on local venues, is expected to further amplify these economic benefits.
santa Cruz: A Comedy Hotspot
Santa Cruz has long been a breeding ground for comedic talent. Its laid-back atmosphere and thriving arts community attract performers and audiences alike. The city’s proximity to the Bay Area also contributes to its appeal, drawing comedians from San Francisco and beyond. The Santa Cruz Comedy Festival plays a crucial role in nurturing this vibrant scene,providing a platform for both established and emerging artists.
benefits of Attending a Comedy festival
Attending a comedy festival offers more than just a night of laughs. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
* Discover new Comedians: Exposure to a wide range of comedic styles and voices.
* Community & Connection: A shared experience with fellow comedy enthusiasts.
* support the Arts: Contributing to the growth and sustainability of the comedy scene.
* Stress Relief: Laughter is a powerful stress reliever and mood booster.
* unique Experiences: Immersive shows and workshops offer something beyond traditional stand-up.
Practical Tips for Festival-Goers
* Plan Your Schedule: With multiple shows happening
