LaughFest

Yes! LaughFest 2025 takes place March 5-9. 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 hosting Gospel Fest at Resurrection Fellowship Church (March 6) featuring clean comedian Lena Green for an evening of laughter, praise and song.

There’s also a first-time presentation of The Mitten State Comedy Showcase at The Mitten Brewing Co. (March 6) and a screening of the 1925 Charlie Chaplin film The Gold Rush at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, accompanied by organist Dave Calendine on the GRPM’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ (March 8).

LaughFest runs for five days – every one of them jam-packed with events and activities for all ages. In terms of longevity, 2025 marks the 15th year of the event.

LaughFest events and activities take place at venues throughout Grand Rapids, including The B.O.B., The Comedy Project, Dr. Grins Comedy Club, Fountain Street Church, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Midtown, The Mitten Brewing Company, Resurrection Life Church, Spectrum Entertainment Complex and Wealthy Theatre. The Grand Rapids Rise female pro volleyball team is also hosting LaughFest supporters at its March 5 game in Van Andel Arena.

Additional events will be held in Lowell and at Gun Lake Casino in Wayland (both about 20 minutes from downtown GR).

This year’s lineup include nationally known comedians Adam Ray (March 7), Gabby Bryan (March 7 & 8), Dan Soder (March 8), Corey B (March 6 & 7), and Preacher Lawson, who will headline the Red Door Gala fundraiser on March 19.

LaughFest also includes fun-filled events and shows like LaughFest: Night at the Museum (March 5), North Kent Comedy - Mitten State Showcase (March 6), Gospel Fest (March 6), Clean Comedy Showcase (March 5, 6, 7 & 8 ), The Virtual Reality Showcase (March 8), The Dirty Show (March 8), Late Night Comedy Lab (March 8), Cooking & Comedy (March 9) and Sunday Night Funnies (March 9).

Visit the LaughFest website for dates and details on these shows and many more.

One of the best things about LaughFest is the opportunity to take part in the proceedings. Decide the fate of on-stage comedians at Choose Your Own Improv (March 8). Attend the Family Improv Workshop (March 8) to get silly playing improvised games. Let your kids take the mic for Kids Joke Time (March 8). Make some joyful noise at Drums for All! with Josh Dunigan (March 5 & 8).

The Laughter Rx Symposium is a conference that offers continuing education credit opportunities for healthcare professionals and social workers. It will take place March 6 this year.

Following the festival on March 19, Gilda’s Club will host its annual Red Door Gala at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The Red Door Gala is a fundraiser that celebrates the thousands of lives impacted by Gilda’s Club and provides entertainment from a nationally known comic talent. This year’s entertainer is Preacher Lawson, America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions finalist, who was seen on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show and NBC’s Connecting.

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 Drums for All! (March 5 & 8), the Cancer Survivors Showcase (March 5), Gospel Fest (March 6), We Are SO Lucky with comedian/sports analyst Allen Trieu (March 6), Kids Joke Time (March 8), Family Improv (March 8), The Virtual Reality Showcase (March 8) and Sunday Night Funnies (March 9).

Ticketed shows range in price from $5-$45. Clean Comedy Showcase Brunch + Show and Dinner + Show packages range from $45-$57. Tickets to the Red Door Gala featuring Preacher Lawson include a cocktail reception, dinner and show for $250. Sponsorship and table opportunities for the Gala start at $250.

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 festival’s website or contact volunteer@gildasclubgr.org,

The LaughFest website includes a page on parking and mobility options, including a venue accessibility guide.

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