LaughFest
March 5-9, 2025
Did you know that the world’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter takes place every spring in Grand Rapids, Michigan? Launched in 2011, the festival has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s marquee events for both participants and performers. Over the years, LaughFest has hosted such comedy legends as Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Hart, Jay Leno, George Lopez, Howie Mandel, Seth Meyers, Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker, and Betty White, as well as many up-and-coming comedians that have gone on to great acclaim.
LaughFest was created by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, a FREE emotional support community for people affected by cancer, to celebrate laughter for the health of it. Gilda’s Club was named for original Saturday Night Live cast member Gilda Radner, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1989. Proceeds from LaughFest benefit Gilda’s Club, and 100% of those funds stay in West Michigan.
Here’s what you need to know for your LaughFest visit:
LaughFest:
Will there be a LaughFest 2025?
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.
What’s new for LaughFest 2025?
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).
How long does LaughFest in Grand Rapids last?
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.
Where is LaughFest located?
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).
Which comedians are appearing at LaughFest in 2025?
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.
Can I participate in LaughFest?
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.
Is LaughFest appropriate for kids?
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.
What is the cost of admission at LaughFest?
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.
Can I volunteer at LaughFest?
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,
How do I get around LaughFest?
The LaughFest website includes a page on parking and mobility options, including a venue accessibility guide.
How can I get the latest news on LaughFest?
Follow LaughFest on social (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and sign up for email updates at the LaughFest website (scroll to the bottom of the page).
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