New York Comedy Festival 2025: Tickets, Headliners & Full Schedule
The laughs are lining up in all five boroughs. The New York Comedy Festival 2025 is back this November 7 to 16, and the lineup is loaded with A-list comics, viral stars, and rising names you’ll want to say you saw before they blew up. With more than 100 shows spread across the city’s most iconic venues, this is one of the biggest comedy events of the year.
Here is your guide to buying tickets, the must-see acts, the full schedule, and what makes this year extra special.
Note: Dates and lineups are subject to change. Always check official sources for the latest updates.
Headliners at the New York Comedy Festival 2025
This year’s performers include a mix of legends, internet-famous personalities, and live podcast events. Some of the most anticipated names include:
- Louis C.K. – performing at Beacon Theatre (Nov. 14–16)
- The Basement Yard Duo – Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez at Madison Square Garden (Nov. 13)
- Alex Edelman & Chris Fleming – double billing at Carnegie Hall (Nov. 15)
- Margaret Cho, Trevor Wallace, Pete Holmes, Ryan Long, Hannah Berner, Nurse John, and more
The festival also hosts a 25th anniversary tribute to Strangers with Candy featuring Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Paul Dinello on November 8.
How to Buy New York Comedy Festival 2025 Tickets Online
Tickets are available now for all shows. You can grab seats through:
- NYComedyFestival.com (Official site)
- Ticketmaster
- Stubhub
- Vivid Seats
Some of the bigger shows (like Louis C.K. or The Basement Yard) are already selling fast. Expect higher demand for weekend performances and headline acts.
When and Where It Is Happening
The New York Comedy Festival 2025 runs from Friday, November 7 to Sunday, November 16. Shows will take place at major venues across the five boroughs, including:
- Madison Square Garden
- The Beacon Theatre
- Carnegie Hall
- Town Hall
- The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel NYC
- UCB
- New York Comedy Club
- The Bell House
- The Stand
- Isola Brooklyn
- Tiny Cupboard
From theaters to comedy clubs, the city turns into a full-on comedy takeover.
What Is Stand Up for Heroes 2025?
A cornerstone of the festival, Stand Up for Heroes returns for its 19th year on November 10 at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. This benefit event supports veterans and their families through the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
This year’s lineup includes:
- Jim Gaffigan
- Jon Stewart
- Mike Birbiglia
- Alex Edelman
- Tom Papa
- Idina Menzel
- Lea Michele
- Leslie Odom Jr.
This night blends comedy, music, and real stories from U.S. service members—one of the most meaningful nights of the festival.
New York’s Funniest Stand-Ups Showcase
On Wednesday, November 12, the long-running New York’s Funniest showcase returns in a new format. No longer a competition, it is now a spotlight event for breakout comedians.
Catch it at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel Times Square, with performances from:
- Geoffrey Asmus
- Gabby Bryan
- Lev Fer
- Amber Singletary
- Joe Zimmerman
- Maddy Smith
- Jaye McBride, and more
This is the night to catch future headliners before they hit the big leagues.
2025 Full Schedule Highlights
Here are a few can’t-miss shows on the festival calendar:
Friday, Nov. 7
- Ryan Long at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel (7:00 PM & 9:45 PM)
- Nurse John at Beacon Theatre (8:00 PM)
Saturday, Nov. 8
- Strangers With Candy reunion at Town Hall (7:00 PM)
- Hannah Berner at Carnegie Hall (8:00 PM)
- Trevor Wallace at Beacon Theatre (7:00 PM)
Sunday, Nov. 9
- Ismo at Town Hall (7:00 PM)
Wednesday, Nov. 12
- New York’s Funniest at The Venue at Hard Rock Hotel (7:00 PM)
- Maddy Smith at NY Comedy Club UWS
- Chris Gethard at UCB
Thursday, Nov. 13
- The Basement Yard at Madison Square Garden (8:00 PM)
- Morgan Jay at Beacon Theatre (7:00 PM)
Friday, Nov. 14
- Pete Holmes at Town Hall (7:00 PM)
- Louis C.K. at Beacon Theatre (7:30 PM)
- Michael Blackson at Hard Rock Hotel (7:00 PM & 9:45 PM)
Saturday, Nov. 15
- Alex Edelman at Carnegie Hall (6:00 PM)
- Chris Fleming at Carnegie Hall (8:45 PM)
- Margaret Cho at Town Hall (7:00 PM)
Sunday, Nov. 16
- Hannibal Buress at Isola Brooklyn
- Erica Rhodes at UCB
Check the official site for a full list and updates.
Why This Year’s Festival Is Different
Founder Caroline Hirsch notes that 2025 marks the largest edition yet, with over 100 shows and a focus on both established acts and emerging talent.
“Comedy is personal, spontaneous, and everywhere,” she says. “This year reflects that more than ever.”
There is a show for every comedy taste—whether you love dark humor, character comedy, musical acts, or podcast-style banter.
Event Details Summary
- Event: New York Comedy Festival 2025
- Dates: November 7–16, 2025
- Locations: All five boroughs, including major venues like MSG, Beacon Theatre, Carnegie Hall
- Tickets: NYComedyFestival.com, Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, Stubhub
- Price Range: Varies by event and venue
- Good For: Stand-up fans, podcast listeners, music-comedy lovers, late-night regulars
- Special Highlights: Stand Up for Heroes, Strangers With Candy Reunion, The Basement Yard at MSG
- Contact: https://nycomedyfestival.com | nycf@carolines.com
Want to enjoy more laughs without overspending in NYC? Check out our guide to budget-friendly ways to make the most of your holiday season in the city:
→ Read: How to Experience Holiday in NYC on a Budget: A Guide to Free & Cheap Fun
More…
- https://news.pollstar.com/2025/08/18/new-york-comedy-festival-adds-over-100-shows-including-matteo-lane-maddy-smith-hannibal-buress
- https://variety.com/2025/shopping/news/new-york-comedy-festival-buy-tickets-online-1236526340
- https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/stand-up-for-heroes-2025-lineup-1236069105