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Noah Stroupe
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Taylor Brown
For 12 years, the Nashville Comedy Festival has proven that Music City isn’t just the capital of country — it’s also a powerhouse for punchlines.
From April 9 – 19, the beloved festival returns for a 10-day takeover packed with stand-up heavyweights, viral sensations, hometown favorites, and rising stars ready to bring the house down.
Curated and produced by Outback Presents and Zanies Comedy Club, this year’s celebration of comedy spreads across Nashville’s most iconic and historic venues, with additional artists and venue announcements still to come. If the initial lineup is any indication, though, 2026 may be its biggest year yet.
The festival’s arena and theater slate reads like a comedy lover’s dream. Fans can catch performances from Shane Gillis, Joey Diaz, Albert Brooks, Jeff Arcuri, Heather McMahan, Morgan Jay, David Spade, Kevin James, Nate Jackson, Sal Vulcano, Kathy Griffin, and more.
Genre-blending and specialty showcases add even more dimension to the lineup, including Kid Rock’s Comedy Jam, the U.K. duo ShxtsnGigs, and the Comedy Music Roadshow featuring Wolves of Glendale, Kyle Gordon, and On Company Time.
As always, Zanies Comedy Club plays a central role in the festivities, hosting 22 artists across the festival’s more than 35 total performances. The intimate club setting offers fans a chance to see some of comedy’s sharpest voices up close, including Dusty Slay, Grace O’Malley, Gabby Bryan, and Nateland Live, with even more names expected to be added.
Whether you’re drawn to nationally touring headliners, seasoned legends, or the next breakout comic, the Nashville Comedy Festival continues to cement its reputation as the epicenter of comedy in the Southeast — and, increasingly, the country.
Check out shows on the Nashville Comedy Festival website and curate your own comedy crawl across the city (nashcomedyfest.com).