LaughFest

Yes! LaughFest 2023 takes place March 8-12. As in years past, it will feature stand-up, improv, showcases and a variety of other seriously funny stuff.

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

LaughFest events and activities take place at venues throughout Grand Rapids, as well as in the nearby cities of Lowell and Holland, and at Gun Lake Casino in Wayland (about 20 minutes from downtown GR).

This year’s lineup includes Tig Notaro, Pete Holmes, D.J. Demers, Daphnique Springs, Mike Vecchione and Charlie Berens, who will headline the Red Door Gala fundraiser a few days after LaughFest.

LaughFest also includes fun-filled events and shows like LaughFest: Night at the Museum, LaughFest Trivia Night of Stars, Karakjokee, Pop Scholars, River City Improv and The Dirty Show. 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. This year, the Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge invites household teams to race across downtown Grand Rapids to engage in fun and exciting challenges and brainteasers. Other participatory events include Holland Kids Joke Time and LaughFest Trivia Night of Stars.

The Laughter Rx Symposium is a conference that offers continuing education credit opportunities for health care professionals and social workers. It is available in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual attendance options. It will take place March 9 this year.

Following the festival on March 16, 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 Charlie Berens, the Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host and creator of the Manitowoc Minute. Visit the Red Door Gala website for sponsorship and table opportunities.

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 Seriously Funny Adventure Challenge, Sunday Night Funnies, Family Improv, the Cancer Survivor Showcase, All Y’All Showcase, Drums for All! and more. Tickets for ticketed events may be purchased at the LaughFest website or by searching LaughFest at ticketmaster.com. It’s a good idea to buy tickets early because many events sell out.

Yes! Volunteers serve in various roles from welcoming attendees, providing directions and answering questions on the Smile Team to serving on special teams that oversee merchandise, transportation, photography and more. Anyone 16 years old or older can volunteer. 

If you’re interested in volunteering, visit the festival’s website or email Volunteer Manager Rob Johns.

The LaughFest website includes a page on parking and mobility options.

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