Get ready for laughs at the Columbus Comedy Festival

Things are going to get funny around here in September. The city welcomes the Columbus Comedy Festival from August 27-30, 2026 for the 3rd year.

A laughter-filled extravaganza awaits, featuring a diverse array of comedic talent from national headliners to local gems. Columbus is making its mark in the national comedy scene, already home to many comedy clubs, theatre groups, and venues.

Columbus Comedy Festival

The event is spread across various venues including The Columbus Funny Bone, Palace Theatre, Seventh Son Brewing Co., The Attic Comedy Club, MadLab, The Nest Theatre, The Hashtag Comedy Company, Don’t Tell Comedy: Columbus and more.

The lineup of shows will include a mix of stand-up comedy, improv, sketch comedy, live podcast recording, variety/alternative shows, game shows, industry mixers and more.

This year’s festival boasts several exciting additions, including:

• Columbus’ own drag queen extraordinaire Nina West, hosting an LGBTQ+ comedy show at the historic Palace Theatre, headlined by Los Angeles-based Kristin Key (NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Comics Unleashed, VH1).
• Columbus Funny Bone shows with national headliners Greg Fitzsimmons (Emmy-winning writer with appearances on Letterman, Conan and Kimmel) and Arnez J. (BET, Comedy Central, NBC).
• Columbus-based comedy sensation Jason Banks returns with two unique shows — the “Cuffing Snz” dating game show and an all “Crowd Work” show with co-host Henry Allen.
• Intimate shows at The Attic Comedy Club in Olde Towne East featuring national headliners Drew Dunn (NYC), Kasaun Wilson (LA), Learnmore Jonasi (Pittsburgh) and Jazmyn W (LA).
• Sketck, improv and variety shows featuring performers with major acting chops, including James Adomian (Rick & Morty, Bob’s Burgers, Harold & Kumar 2), Connor Ratliff (Last Week Tonight, The George Lucas Talk Show, Dead Eyes Podcast) and Josh Fadem (Better Call Saul, Twin Peaks, 30 Rock, The Lowdown, Reservation Dogs, Loki, Key & Peele).
• Popular returning shows including FemaleAF (an allstar all-women lineup), Drunk PowerPoint (hilarious slideshow presentations), Chad The Bird (Chicago-based puppet essayist), Coffee+Comedy (espresso martinis and standup comedy), Ha Ha Kedavra (magic meets comedy), The Columbus Roast Battle (comics swap insult jokes in front of judges) and the OSU Buckeye Standup Club Show (student and recent grad performers).

Who’s performing at Columbus Comedy Festival?

Headliners include a “who’s who” of nationally acclaimed talent, including: Nina West, Greg Fitzimmons, Kristin Key, Arnez J., Jason Banks, Drew Dunn, James Adomian, Connor Ratliff, Kasaun Wilson, Andrew Rudick, Elijah Nevels, Saya Meads and many more!

Mark your calendars for a laughter-filled week in August. 

Buy tickets for each event separately. Most shows are in the $15-$20 range, and there are even some free options. For more information and tickets, visit https://columbuscomedyfest.com. 

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