The 2025 New York Comedy Festival Brings 200 Comedians and 100 Shows Across NYC This November
The 2025 New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) is set to take over New York City from November 7 to 16, bringing together an incredible lineup of more than 200 comedians performing across 100-plus shows in all five boroughs. Now in its 21st edition, this citywide celebration of laughter promises everything from big-name headliners at iconic venues to indie gems tucked into Brooklyn’s comedy clubs.
Organized by Carolines and the NYCF team, the festival will feature performances at legendary spots including Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Beacon Theatre, Gramercy Theatre, and Brooklyn Comedy Collective. You can check out the full lineup and ticket details on the official NYCF website.
Among the standout events this year is the 25th anniversary reunion of Strangers with Candy, the cult Comedy Central classic created by Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Paul Dinello. The trio will reunite for one night only on Saturday, November 8, at Town Hall, to celebrate their show’s weird and wonderful legacy.
Other major headliners lighting up stages across the city include Margaret Cho, Chris Fleming, Pete Holmes, Louis C.K., and many more. Each brings their own distinct voice and style, making this one of the most diverse NYCF lineups yet.
Fans of live podcasts are in for a treat with How Did This Get Made, hosted by Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, and June Diane Raphael, performing on Friday, November 7, at Town Hall. Their hilarious takes on famously bad movies are expected to bring the house down.
The festival’s commitment to showcasing talent from all corners of the comedy scene is clear in its eclectic programming. Rising stars like Emil Wakim, Jay Jurden, Patti Harrison, Kerry Coddett, Usama Siddiquee, and Wellie Jackson are set to perform in smaller, more intimate venues such as The Bell House, Union Hall, Arlo Williamsburg, and Littlefield—giving fans a chance to catch them before they hit bigger stages.
A few more highlights include:
- Chris Fleming at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, November 15, bringing his wild, high-energy blend of surreal stand-up and social satire.
- Pete Holmes performing at Town Hall on Friday, November 14, with his thoughtful and often spiritual humor.
- Alex Edelman, also at Carnegie Hall on November 15, known for his fast-paced storytelling and clever punchlines.
- The return of Mark Normand and Matt Ruby’s “Shtick or Treat” at Gramercy Theatre on Monday, November 10, where comics impersonate other comedians—dead or alive—for a night of hilarious tributes.
- Stand Up for Heroes, the beloved benefit show for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, happening Monday, November 10, at David Geffen Hall, featuring Jon Stewart, Mike Birbiglia, Jim Gaffigan, Idina Menzel, and others.
Tickets for most events are already on sale via the NYCF official ticketing page, and more shows may still be added as the festival approaches.
For those who can’t make it to New York this November, several festival favorites—like John Mulaney, Maria Bamford, Zarna Garg, Seth Meyers, and Steve Martin with Martin Short—will continue touring nationwide through 2025 and 2026.
With its mix of veteran legends, rising stars, and genre-bending acts, the 2025 NYCF is shaping up to be one of the most exciting comedy events of the year. Whether you’re into sharp stand-up, nostalgic reunions, or offbeat live podcasts, there’s a show waiting to make you laugh somewhere in the city this fall.
