Upcoming Shows
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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BUY TICKETS FOR THE FEST
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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Heckler's Happy Hour
Heckler’s Happy Hour
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 6:00 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge
Comedy where the audience talks back.
Hecklers’ Happy Hour is an interactive stand-up showcase where Chicago’s funniest comics take the stage—and you get to join the action.
Comedians perform their sets while inviting audience questions, comments, and yes, heckling. But be warned: if you dish it, they will dish it right back.
Designed as a space for comics to sharpen their crowd work and for audiences to let loose, this show is chaotic, quick-witted, and always different.
Set in the theater at The Lincoln Lodge, this is an interactive comedy experience with limited capacity. Come ready to participate—but keep it respectful. No hate speech, no crossing the line.
Hosted by: Claire Parlette
Featuring: Wilfred Padua, Russell Keller, Adam Freesman, Alysa Browne, Jason Van Glass, Maxi Witrak, Melo Black, Feraz Shere
Industry Showcase 7PM at the Annoyance
Industry Showcase
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM
The Annoyance Theatre
This is one of four official Industry Showcases at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026—where selected performers take the stage in front of bookers and industry professionals from across the Midwest.
Designed to spotlight top talent from the festival, this showcase brings together comedians ready to be seen, booked, and remembered.
By bringing industry to Chicago, Windy City Comedy Fest is helping shape the future of the Midwest comedy scene—connecting performers with real opportunities on a regional stage.
Hosted at the Annoyance, this is a high-stakes, high-quality show with limited capacity.
Hosted by: Rebecca Schwab
Featuring: Andy Ticco, Raja Krishnan, Vien Phommachanh, Stephanie Dalwin, Delilah Orizaba, Jason Van Glass, Nathan Loe, Carly Anderson
Bob Keen "Shots Fired" Live Album Recording
Bob Keen “Shots Fired” Live Album Recording
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Lincoln Hall BOGO (BUY ONE GET ONE!!)
A major moment for Chicago comedy.
Windy City Comedy Fest 2026 and Audiotree present Bob Keen: Shots Fired, a live comedy special taping at Lincoln Hall.
A veteran of the Chicago comedy scene, Bob Keen takes the stage to record his first special—bringing years of sharp writing, seasoned perspective, and hard-earned punchlines to one of the city’s premier venues.
This is more than a show—it’s a taping. Be part of the live audience for a night that will be captured on film.
Hosted by: Ariel Julie
Featuring: Josh Black
Headliner: Bob Keen
Headliner's Only
Headliners Only
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 8:30 PM
The iO Theater
No openers. No fluff. Just pure headliner energy.
Headliners Only is the ultimate Saturday night lineup at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026, featuring comics who know how to own a stage. These performers don’t need warm-ups—they are the main event.
Expect a stacked showcase of seasoned comedians delivering tight, high-impact sets in one of Chicago’s most iconic comedy venues.
Hosted by: Knute Gregory
Featuring: Zach Funk, Sami Beason, David Schendlinger, Jordan Wilson, Aaron Sutherland, Caitlin Reese, Ryan Rogers, Kyle Wayne, Kinsey Ford
Industry Showcase 9PM at the Annoyance
Industry Showcase
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 9:00 PM
The Annoyance Theatre
This is one of four official Industry Showcases at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026—where selected performers take the stage in front of bookers and industry professionals from across the Midwest.
Designed to spotlight top talent from the festival, this showcase brings together comedians ready to be seen, booked, and remembered.
By bringing industry to Chicago, Windy City Comedy Fest is helping shape the future of the Midwest comedy scene—connecting performers with real opportunities on a regional stage.
Hosted at the Annoyance, this is a high-stakes, high-quality show with limited capacity.
Hosted by: Claire
Featuring: Russell Keller, Alysa Browne, Adam Freesman, Jamie Bliss, Greg Behrens, Zach Peterson, Nick Tilleli, Shea Freeman
No Filter Comedy
No Filter Comedy
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Newport Theater
A no-holds-barred, uncensored night of stand-up at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026.
No Filter Comedy features some of the boldest voices in the fest, delivering brutally honest material, fearless punchlines, and sets that go wherever they want.
This late-night showcase is raw, unpredictable, and not for the easily offended—just the way great comedy should be.
Come for the laughs—stay for the chaos.
Hosted by: Queeny Bitch
Featuring: Kahleal White, Ben Frank, Lizzie Boeck, Stacey Axler, Mercy Hawkins, Hannah Beck, Melo Black, Nathan Loe
General Admission:
$25 Advance
$30 Day-Of / At Door
Seating is first come, first served with limited front row seating available.
MAX CAPACITY:
90 seats including comps.
Comedy Legends
Comedy Legends
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 10:00 PM
The de Maat Theater at Second City
Late night. Legendary stage. No slowing down.
Comedy Legends at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026 brings a stacked lineup of comedians to one of the most iconic comedy venues in the world.
Featuring performers who know how to command a room, this late-night showcase keeps the energy high, the crowd loud, and the punchlines rolling well past 10 PM.
Set in the de Maat Studio Theater at Second City, this is a must-see show for anyone looking to experience top-tier comedy in a historic space.
Hosted by: Rebecca Joey Schwab
Featuring: Vien Phommachanh, Raja Krishnan, Stephanie Dalwin, Tye Erskin, Carly Anderson, Dan Treadway, Kil Joi, Feraz Shere, Jason Van Glass
Haha to Hell
Haha to Hell
Dark. Loud. Unapologetic.
Haha to Hell brings its signature blend of dark, dirty, and high-energy stand-up to Windy City Comedy Fest 2026.
Hosted and produced by Tina Youkhana, this show features a lineup of local comedians delivering bold material for audiences who like their comedy a little heavier.
Set inside Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago’s South Loop, this late-night showcase channels a raw, “comedy metal” energy—perfect for fans of alternative comedy and anything a little off-center.
Not for the easily offended—exactly for everyone else.
Hosted by: Tina Youkhana
Featuring: Shelly Gruenberg, Adam Addis, Delilah Orizaba, Brook Whitehead, Ryan Rogers, David Jin, Jason Melton, Michael Johnson
Gold Standard Comedy
Gold Standard Comedy
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 11:00 PM
The Annoyance Theatre
Sharp. Polished. Unmissable.
Gold Standard Comedy lives up to its name with a lineup of some of the finest comedians at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026. Every performer is a proven crowd favorite—delivering stand-up that’s clever, confident, and consistently funny.
This late-night showcase brings together top-tier talent for a smooth, high-quality comedy experience that highlights the best of the fest.
It’s classic Chicago comedy with a festival twist.
Hosted by: Knute Gregory
Featuring: David Decareaux, Maxi Witrak, Derek Boskovich, Wilfred Padua, Kyle Wayne, Hannah Beck, Malcolm Xavier, Jordan Wilson
Industry Showcase 7PM at the Laugh Factory
Industry Showcase
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM | $10
The Laugh Factory
This is one of four official Industry Showcases at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026—where selected performers take the stage in front of bookers and industry professionals from across the Midwest.
Designed to spotlight top talent from the festival, this showcase brings together comedians ready to be seen, booked, and remembered.
By bringing industry to Chicago, Windy City Comedy Fest is helping shape the future of the Midwest comedy scene—connecting performers with real opportunities on a regional stage.
Hosted at the Annoyance, this is a high-stakes, high-quality show with limited capacity.
Hosted by: Bob Keen
Featuring: Bryan Leconte, David Decareaux, Kahleal White, Maxi Witrak, David Jin, Derek Boskovich, Shelly Gruenberg, Stacey Axler
Industry Showcase 9PM at the Laugh Factory
Industry Showcase
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 9:00 PM | $10
The Laugh Factory
This is one of four official Industry Showcases at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026—where selected performers take the stage in front of bookers and industry professionals from across the Midwest.
Designed to spotlight top talent from the festival, this showcase brings together comedians ready to be seen, booked, and remembered.
By bringing industry to Chicago, Windy City Comedy Fest is helping shape the future of the Midwest comedy scene—connecting performers with real opportunities on a regional stage.
Hosted at the Annoyance, this is a high-stakes, high-quality show with limited capacity.
Hosted by: Ariel Julie
Featuring: Ryder Olle, Sami Beason, David Schendlinger, Aaron Sutherland, Ben Frank, Adam Addis, Brook Whitehead, Caitlin Rees
Laughter Hours
Laughter Hours
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 11:00 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge – Orange Room
A late-night comedy experience with a jazzy, lounge vibe—only at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026.
Laughter Hours brings together some of Chicago’s best comedians for a two-part showcase: polished stand-up sets followed by a second round of improvised riffs based on audience suggestions.
All of it underscored by live, interactive jazz guitar from one of the city’s top musicians.
Set in the intimate Orange Room theater at The Lincoln Lodge, this is a laid-back, late-night show with limited capacity—where comedy and music come together in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Hosted by: Ariel Julie
Featuring: Tiel Pierce, Raja Krishnan, Zach Funk, Zach Peterson, Stacey Axler, Kahleal White
Blackout Diaries Chicago
Blackout Diaries Chicago
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 10:30 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge
True stories. Real chaos. No blackout required (but encouraged).
The Blackout Diaries is a hit Chicago comedy show where stand-up comedians and “regular” people—firefighters, teachers, consultants, and more—share their most incredible, true drinking stories.
Then the audience gets involved, asking questions and diving deeper into the madness behind the stories.
A critics’ pick by major Chicago publications and featured on NPR and Comedy Central, this show delivers some of the funniest (and wildest) storytelling you’ll hear all weekend.
Set in the theater at The Lincoln Lodge, this late-night experience has limited capacity—and yes, your ticket includes a complimentary taste of Malört.
Hosted by: Blackout Diaries Producer
Featuring: Lizzie Boeck, Andy Ticco, Nick Tilleli, Jamie Bliss, Mercy Hawkins
Demon Hour
Demon Hour
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 9:30 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge
Chicago’s rawest, most unhinged comedy experience takes over Windy City Comedy Fest 2026.
Demon Hour is where stand-up meets confession. The city’s top comedians hit the stage—but the real chaos begins when anonymous audience confessions are read out loud for everyone to hear.
With wild audience stories, surprise moments, and a crowd that’s fully in on the madness, no two shows are ever the same.
Set in the intimate theater at The Lincoln Lodge, this is an interactive comedy experience with limited capacity—and absolutely no predictability.
Your safe haven for wild confessions.
Hosted by: Kevin Kellam
Featuring: Carly Anderson, Nathan Loe, Shea Freeman, Stephanie Dalwin, Derek Boskovich
Industry Showcase 9PM at Lincoln Lodge
Industry Showcase
Friday, August 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge
This is one of four official Industry Showcases at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026—where selected performers take the stage in front of bookers and industry professionals from across the Midwest.
Designed to spotlight top talent from the festival, this showcase brings together comedians ready to be seen, booked, and remembered.
By bringing industry to Chicago, Windy City Comedy Fest is helping shape the future of the Midwest comedy scene—connecting performers with real opportunities on a regional stage.
Hosted in the theater at The Lincoln Lodge, this is a high-stakes, high-quality show with limited capacity.
Hosted by: Nina
Featuring: Ryan Rogers, Tye Erskin, Wilfred Padua, Kyle Wayne, Hannah Beck, Kinsey Ford, Malcolm Xavier, Kil Joi, Jordan Wilson
Comedy Heavyweights
Comedy Heavyweights
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 8:00 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge – Orange Room
No filler—just hitters.
Comedy Heavyweights is the Friday night knockout showcase at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026, featuring some of the sharpest joke writers and strongest stage presences of the fest.
If you're looking for punchlines that land hard and comics who bring the heat, this is your show.
Set in the Orange Room theater at The Lincoln Lodge, this is a full night of hard-hitting comedy with limited capacity—no weak sets, no mercy.
Hosted by: Hunter Hirsh
Featuring: Russell Keller, David Decareaux, Adam Freesman, Jamie Bliss, Greg Behrens, Zach Peterson, Shea Freeman, Ryder Olle
Comedy Royalty
Comedy Royalty
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge
Bow down—Comedy Royalty is taking over The Lincoln Lodge as part of Windy City Comedy Fest 2026.
This showcase brings together a court of comedic killers—seasoned stand-ups and rising stars—each ready to earn their crown.
This is top-tier comedy in one of Chicago’s most iconic venues. No royal decree required—just show up and laugh.
Hosted by: James Fisher Jr.
Featuring: Vien Phommachanh, Tye Erskin, Jason Van Glass, Nick Tilleli, Ben Frank, Andy Ticco, Shelly Gruenberg, Alysa Browne, David Jin
Industry Showcase 7PM at Lincoln Lodge
Industry Showcase
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge
This is one of four official Industry Showcases at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026—where selected performers take the stage in front of bookers and industry professionals from across the Midwest.
Designed to spotlight top talent from the festival, this showcase brings together comedians ready to be seen, booked, and remembered.
By bringing industry to Chicago, Windy City Comedy Fest is helping shape the future of the Midwest comedy scene—connecting performers with real opportunities on a regional stage.
Hosted in the theater at The Lincoln Lodge, this is a high-stakes, high-quality show with limited capacity.
Hosted by: Queeny Bitch
Featuring: Tiel Pierce, Zach Funk, Lizzie Boeck, Mercy Hawkins, Feraz Shere, Melo Black, Mitchell Potts
Wigs
Wigs
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 6:00 PM | $10
Stand-up comedy… in wigs.
For decades, scientists theorized and philosophers debated: what happens when comedians wear wigs? This show answers that question.
WIGS brings together some of Chicago’s best stand-up comedians performing full sets… in wigs. Expect sharp jokes, unexpected characters, and a night that fully commits to the bit.
Set in the intimate theater at The Lincoln Lodge, this is a uniquely ridiculous comedy experience with limited capacity—and yes, you’re encouraged to participate.
BYOW (Bring Your Own Wig).
Hosted by: Claire Parlette
Featuring: Ryder Olle, Dan Treadway, Malcolm Xavier, Aaron Sutherland, Caitlin Reese, Kinsey Ford, Sami Beason, Kil Joi, Greg Behrens
Late Night at The Lodge
Late Night at The Lodge
Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 9:00 PM | $10
The Lincoln Lodge
Chicago’s premiere late-night comedy talk show—live at Windy City Comedy Fest 2026.
Late Night at The Lodge blends stand-up comedy with talk show banter, as rising stars and seasoned comedians take the stage, perform their sets, and sit down for a live interview with the host.
This show has limited capacity—so get your tickets now.
Hosted by: Late Night Lodge
Featuring: Yoni Heisler, Delilah Orizaba, Adam Addis, Brook Whitehead, David Schendlinger, Tiel Pierce
Kick Off Show with Headliner Isabel Hagen at the Den Theatre
Windy City Comedy Fest Presents: Kick Off Show with Headliner Isabel Hagen
Kick off Windy City Comedy Fest 2026 at The Den Theatre with Chicago favorites and nationally touring headliner Isabel Hagen!
Isabel Hagen is a stand-up comedian, filmmaker, and classical violist. She has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, was named a New Face at the Just For Laughs Festival, tours nationally as a headliner, and her feature film On a String won Best Screenplay in the U.S. Narrative Feature category at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Start your festival weekend with an unforgettable night of comedy before four days of shows featuring 50+ of the country's best rising comedians across 10 iconic Chicago venues.
This event has a two-item minimum.
Hosted by: Ariel Julie
Featuring: Kevin Kellam, Hunter Hirsh, James Fisher, Queeny, Charlie Berens
Headliner: Isabel Hagan
The Den Theatre
1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Tickets available at TheDenTheatre.com or by calling (773) 697-3830.
WCCF T-Shirt Cutting & Tye-Dying Workshop
Free T-Shirt Cutting & Tie-Dye Workshop
Join Windy City Comedy Fest for a free afternoon of crafting, creativity, and community! We're transforming extra festival t-shirts into one-of-a-kind tie-dye creations that will be sold during this year's festival. We'll provide the shirts, tie-dye supplies, and free pizza—just bring your creativity.
If you fall in love with the shirt you make, you can take it home for just $5. Otherwise, we'll keep it to sell during the festival and help support Chicago's independent comedy scene.
Date: Sunday, July 5
Time: 12:00–4:00 PM
Location: 5740 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
No experience necessary. Stop by, get crafty, enjoy some pizza, and help make this year's Windy City Comedy Fest the most colorful one yet!
The Ohio Comedy Showcase
The Windy City Comedy Festival highlights top comedic talent from Chicago and beyond, strengthening Chi's reputation as a hub for comedy!
Get ready for a night of big laughs as the Windy City Comedy Fest brings the funniest comedians from our sister midwestern state: OHIO!
On Friday, June 12th, join us for a high-octane lineup featuring some of the most sought-after comics on the circuit today. Come on out to see the best of independent comedy, all grown from the best part of the country - the midwest!
Special accommodations can be made for larger parties. Please email thelincolnlodge@gmail.com with information about your party size and any specific requirements.
WCCF: Comedy Fundraiser Event at My Buddy's
WCCF Presents: A Fundraising Comedy Event at My Buddy’s
Kick off Windy City Comedy Fest with a night of live comedy that’s up close, a little chaotic, and actually fun.
Join us May 8 at My Buddy’s for a special fundraising comedy show featuring fantastic local comedians and a show for a cause.
🎤 7PM Comedy Show
🎶 Karaoke After Party (yes, you’re staying)
Capacity is limited - come out to support the fest!
Every ticket supports the Windy City Comedy Fest this August. WCCF is a 501-C3 and all tickets can be considered tax deductible.
Kevin & Hell Comedy Special Premiere Screening
Kevin & Hell Comedy Special Screening
The Lincoln Lodge Tuesday, March 31 9PM
Chicago comedian Kevin Kellam has recorded a special at the first Windy City Comedy Fest in August and 2025 and is finally premiering! This will be special release party and screening April 1st! Come to a special screening of the film 3/31.
Professor Pizza Fundraiser Show
Professor Pizza Fundraiser Show
Laugh for a cause at the Windy City Comedy Fest Fundraiser Show on Friday, January 16 at 1374 W Grand Ave 9:30PM. The WCCF team is excited to perform at the newest Professor Pizza location, spotlighting this fantastic sponsor, our producers, and our day-ones.
This pizza party stand-up show brings together a Windy City Comedy Fest approved lineup of Chicago comics to celebrate the city’s comedy scene while raising funds to support Windy City Comedy Fest.
Your $30 ticket includes:
Entry to the comedy show
Two slices of pizza 🍕
Two beverages (water always available)
Doors open at 9:00 PM. Show starts at 9:30 PM. Get Tickets now
Come hungry, come thirsty, and come ready to laugh — Chicago-style.
