LaughFest

Yes, LaughFest is returning for a 16th year from March 11-15, 2026. As in years past, it will feature stand-up, improv, showcases and a variety of other seriously funny stuff.

In addition to brand-new slate of comedy headliners every year, LaughFest is always changing something up. This year, it’s the Michigan Mashup Variety Show (March 12), which brings some of West Michigan’s best comedians together for an evening of side-splitting laughs at Midtown GR.

Also new is the Misfit Variety Show, brought here from New York by comedian Lauren LoGiudice. Described by Time Out New York as “a joyride of heartwarmingly irreverent comedy for the weirdos, rebels and the misunderstood,” the show features LaGiudice and four other comedians.

LaughFest runs for five days – every one of them jam-packed with events and activities for all ages.

LaughFest 2026 venues include Atwater Brewery, The B.O.B., Chicago Beef Joint, Midtown and The BIG Room, all in downtown Grand Rapids. Other venues include Gilda’s Club and Resurrection Fellowship Church on the city’s west side, The Comedy Project in the West Leonard Street neighborhood, The Gilmore in northeast GR and Wealthy Theatre in Uptown GR. Gun Lake Casino in Wayland (about 20 minutes from downtown GR) hosts the final event of the festival, Adam Ray in concert.

This year’s lineup include nationally known comedians Lauren LoGiudice, Tommy Cook, Finn St. John and Heather Sejnow (Misfit Variety Show, March 11), Tim Convy, Maggie Hughes DePalo, Mike Goodwin, Hayden Kristal and Ali Sultan (Clean Comedy Showcase, four shows March 12-14), Monet X Change (March 14), Brian Atkinson (Cooking & Comedy, March 15) and Adam Ray (March 15).

LaughFest also features local comedy teams including The Comedy Project cast (four different shows over five nights), the North Kent Comedy Team (March 12), Pop Scholars (March 13) and River City Improv (March 14)

Local and regional stand-up comics are featured in the Cancer Survivors Showcase (March 11), The Dirty Show and Late Night Dirty Show (March 14) and Sunday Night Funnies (March 15).

After LaughFest, comedy star Tammy Pescatelli and social media sensation Brad Upton perform at the Red Door Gala, a Gilda’s Club fundraiser on March 25.

One of the best things about LaughFest is the opportunity to take part in the proceedings. Attend the Family Improv Workshop to get silly playing improvised games. Let your young ones take the mic for Kids Joke Time. Make some joyful noise at Drums for All! with Josh Dunigan. They’re all part of Family Fun Day at Gilda’s Club on March 14.

LaughFest includes shows and activities for all ages, including a Clean Comedy Showcase featuring comedians pre-selected for their unique ability to bring laughs without vulgarity. LaughFest provides a Content Guidance Key for all its events, rating them as Family Friendly, Clean Adult Laughs or Anything Goes! to help you decide about the entertainment you want to experience.

LaughFest offers a range of ticketed and free events. Free events include the Cancer Survivors Showcase, Drums for All with Josh Dunigan, Kids Joke Time, Family Improv, Gospel Fest and Sunday Night Funnies.

Ticketed shows range in price from $7-$35. Clean Comedy Showcase Brunch + Show and Dinner + Show packages range from $50-$57. Tickets to the Red Door Gala featuring Tammy Pescatelli and Brad Upton include a cocktail reception, dinner and show for $250. Sponsorship and table opportunities for the Gala start at $3,000.

Tickets for ticketed events may be purchased at the LaughFest website. It’s a good idea to buy tickets early because many events sell out.

Yes! Volunteers serve in various roles before, during and after the festival. Anyone 16 years old or older can volunteer. 

If you’re interested in volunteering, visit the LaughFest website or contact volunteer@gildasclubgr.org.

The LaughFest website includes a page on parking and mobility options, including a venue accessibility guide prepared by Disability Advocates of Kent County.

Follow LaughFest on social (Facebook, Instagram) and sign up for email updates at the LaughFest website (scroll to the bottom of the page).