FULL LINEUP 2026
Thursday, August 6
7:00 PM – Kick Off Show
Venue: The Den Theatre
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9:00 PM – Late Night at the Lodge
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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Friday, August 7
6:00 PM – WIGS
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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7:00 PM – Industry Showcase
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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7:30 PM – Comedy Royalty
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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8:00 PM – Comedy Heavyweights
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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9:00 PM – Industry Showcase
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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9:30 PM – Demon Hour
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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10:30 PM – Blackout Diaries
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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11:00 PM – Laughter Hours
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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Saturday, August 8
6:00 PM – Hecklers Happy Hour
Venue: The Lincoln Lodge
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7:00 PM – Industry Showcase
Venue: The Annoyance Theatre
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8:00 PM – Bob Keen: Shots Fired
Venue: Lincoln Hall
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8:30 PM – Headliners Only
Venue: iO Theater
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9:00 PM – Industry Showcase
Venue: The Annoyance Theatre
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9:30 PM – No Filter Comedy
Venue: Newport Theater
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10:00 PM – Comedy Legends
Venue: Second City – De Maat Studio
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10:30 PM – Haha to Hell
Venue: Reggie's Rock Club
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11:00 PM – Gold Standard Comedy
Venue: The Annoyance Theatre
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Sunday, August 9
7:00 PM – Industry Showcase
Venue: Laugh Factory Chicago
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9:00 PM – Industry Showcase
Venue: Laugh Factory Chicago
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Buy Tickets to the 2026 Fest
Full Schedule 2026
WCCF Presents: The SECOND Annual Fest
When: Thursday August 6 - Sunday August 9, 2026
The best venues in Chicago. The top tier of rising comics in the country. Support live comedy at Chicago’s largest Standup festival. All tickets are live now!
Thank you to all of our venues: The Den Theatre, The Lincoln Lodge, The Annoyance, Lincoln Hall, de Maat Studio Theatre at Second City, iO Theater, Newport Theater, Reggie’s, and the Laugh Factory.
Our Workshops
Free for all comics (Please RSVP)
Does This Work?
Friday, August 7 | 1:00–3:00 PM | The Lincoln Lodge
Every great joke starts as a rough idea.
Does This Work? is an interactive writing workshop where comedians can test new material, get constructive feedback, and strengthen their sets in a supportive environment. Whether you're writing your first five minutes or polishing festival material, you'll leave with stronger jokes and more confidence on stage.
Facilitators:
Nina Kern
Tito
The Business of Comedy
Saturday, August 8 | 12:00–1:30 PM | Professor Pizza
Being funny is only part of building a successful comedy career.
Join industry professionals for a practical conversation on booking shows, marketing yourself, negotiating opportunities, selling tickets, and building a sustainable career in comedy. Bring your questions and leave with actionable advice from experts working across the comedy industry.
Featuring:
Julia Stoyanova
Anthony Bonazzo
Walker Evans
Social Media Marketing
Sunday, August 9 | 12:00–1:30 PM | Laugh Factory Chicago
Your social media should help grow your audience—not just your follower count.
Learn how successful comedians build engaged communities, create content that gets shared, and turn online attention into real opportunities. From posting strategy to branding and audience growth, this panel is packed with practical tips you can use right away.
Featuring:
Rebecca Joey Schwab
Sam Rocha
Tom Filline
FULL LINEUP IS LIVE!
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Windy City Comedy Fest 2026
Photography by Lissy Poeut
Photography by Jonny V.Visuals
Photography by Jerry Schulman
Photography by Jonny V.Visuals
Support the Fest
The Windy City Comedy Festival highlights top comedic talent from Chicago and beyond, strengthening the city's reputation as a hub for comedy innovation and discovery.
Support the fest and help elevate Chicago’s legendary comedy scene! Your tax-deductible donation creates opportunities for comedians to shine on iconic stages and attracts industry pros scouting the next big stars.
As a registered 501-C3, all donations to the fest are tax deductible, and fuels our mission to make Chicago the center of comedy talent.