Boston Comedy Festival Finale

BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL CONTEST FINALS For 25 years, the Boston Comedy Festival has been a launchpad for top stand-up talent, and this year’s 25th Annual Comedy Contest is bigger than ever! The final eight comedians, narrowed from a 72-comic field, will battle for a $7,000 grand prize, delivering razor-sharp wit and high-energy performances before a live audience and esteemed judges. Along with the competition, we’ll honor our 2025 award recipients: Ryan Hamilton (Comedian of the Year), a Netflix and late-night favorite known for his sharp, observational humor, and Mike Donovan (Lifetime Achievement Award), one of Boston’s favorite comedians. He has been featured on the NESN Comedy All Stars TV Show, The Best Damn Sports Show Period with Tom Arnold on the Fox Television Network, and on Showtime, where he was featured in the documentary When Standup Stood Out. The night will be hosted by Tony Viveiros, a Boston comedy legend with TV credits including Seinfeld and Conan. Don’t miss this historic night of laughter!

Somerville Theatre 

COMEDY & CABERNET

City Winery Boston &amp; Boston Comedy Festival Present: Comedy &amp; Cabernet. The best in local comedy and wine! The Boston Comedy Festival has been decanting the best comedy shows in New England for over 20 years. You have seen these comedians on Drybar, HBO, Team Coco, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central, and headlining your favorite club or theater. Featuring a lineup of top-tier comedians, we'll dive into everything that makes the holidays hilarious: the gift-giving disasters, the over-the-top decorations, the questionable New Year's resolutions, and, of course, the post-Christmas letdown. PERFORMERS City Winery Boston &amp; Boston Comedy Festival Present: Comedy &amp; Cabernet. The best in local comedy and wine! The Boston Comedy Festival has been decanting the best comedy shows in New England for over 20 years. You have seen these comedians on Drybar, HBO, Team Coco, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central, and headlining your favorite club or theater. Janelle Draper is a bicoastal comedian, actress, writer and producer. She’s been described as unapologetic, uncensored and unladylike. She started doing stand-up in LA when she was an NBC Page working on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” She was named Winner of the Los Angeles based Burbank Comedy Festival, Runner-up of the Boston Comedy Festival, and was selected to showcase in the “Kenan Thompson Presents” series. Doug Guertin has been a painter for 20 plus years. He was voted best brush stroke of 2016 and 2018 and remains one of the best in the state to this day. But enough about his great painting skills and good looks his comedy is what really separates him from the pack. It’s impossible not to relate to the things he says about his life and the people in it. It's almost as if you are watching your best friend you grew up with joke about your days together. Not only is he a Worcester favorite but he has performed at every club in New England and was asked to be one of the comics of multiple Boston Comedy Festivals. He hopes to one day live out his dreams of selling his own line of coffee milk but until then comedy it is! Dominic Syracuse The multi-talented Dominic Syracuse is an actor, writer, musician, and activist. Syracuse received his acting training from the Steppenwolf-West Theater Program, The Groundlings Theater Company, and Stella Adler's Art of Acting Studio in Los Angeles

City Winery Boston 

Emo Philips Boston Comedy Festival 

Join us for a night of offbeat brilliance as Emo Philips, one of the most uniquely hilarious comedians of all time, takes the stage in Somerville! Described by Jay Leno as “the best joke writer in America” and praised by “Weird Al” Yankovic as one of the funniest people on the planet, Emo’s legendary career spans over 6,000 performances worldwide. With his unmistakable delivery, razor-sharp wit, and surreal storytelling, he has captivated audiences for decades through award-winning comedy albums, HBO specials, and memorable TV and film appearances—including his cult-favorite role in UHF.

The Rockwell theater

Boston Comedy Festival Comedians LA Fire Fund

<a href="https://www.bostoncomedyfest.com/shows/best-of-bcf-comedy-gives-back-fire-fund">BEST OF THE BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL: TO BENEFIT THE COMEDY GIVES BACK FIRE FUND&nbsp;</a><ul><li>Saturday, April 5, 2025</li><li>7:30 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;9:30 PM</li><li>Berklee Performance Center&nbsp;<a href="http://maps.google.com/?q=Berklee%20Performance%20Center">(map)</a></li></ul>Best of the Boston Comedy Festival – 25 Years of Unforgettable Laughs! Get ready for a night of comedy history in the making!&nbsp;Best of the Boston Comedy Festival&nbsp;is a one-night-only celebration of the festival’s greatest moments, featuring standout comedians who have lit up the stage over the years. This special live event brings together top-tier talent, side-splitting stand-up, and a room full of comedy lovers to honor a quarter-century of unforgettable laughs. But this night isn’t just about comedy—it’s about community. Proceeds from the show will benefit the&nbsp;Comedy Gives Back Fire Fund, providing crucial support to comedians affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Come for the laughs, stay for the cause, and be part of a night that gives back to the people who keep us all entertained.

Berklee Performance Center

Boston Comedy Festival Grand Finale 

For 25 years, the Boston Comedy Festival has been a launchpad for top stand-up talent, and this year’s 25th Annual Comedy Contest is bigger than ever! The final eight comedians, narrowed from a 72-comic field, will battle for a $7,000 grand prize, delivering razor-sharp wit and high-energy performances before a live audience and esteemed judges. Past winners and finalists have gone on to headline theaters, land Netflix specials, and dominate late-night TV—including Nate Bargatze (Netflix, The Tonight Show), Marc Normand (Netflix, Conan, Joe Rogan Experience), Joe List (Netflix, The Tonight Show), Learnmore Jonasi (Steve Harvey’s Stand Up Spotlight, AGT), Dan Boulger (The Late Late Show), and Kelly MacFarland (Comedy Central, The View). Who will be the next breakout star to emerge from this legendary competition? Don’t miss an unforgettable night of stand-up as the next generation of comedy’s elite take their shot at glory! Along with the competition, we’ll honor our 2025 award recipients: Ryan Hamilton (Comedian of the Year), a Netflix and late-night favorite known for his sharp, observational humor Ken Rogerson (Lifetime Achievement Award), one of Boston's favorite comedians. He has been featured on the NESN Comedy All Stars TV Show, The Best Damn Sports Show Period with Tom Arnold on the Fox Television Network, and on Showtime, where he was featured in the documentary When Standup Stood Out. The night will be hosted by Tony Viveiros, a Boston comedy legend with TV credits including Seinfeld and Conan. Don’t miss this historic night of laughter!

The Somerville Theater 

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN COMEDY

Experience the future of stand-up comedy at The Spotlight Series, a dynamic showcase featuring the most exciting up-and-coming comedians from around the world. The Boston Comedy Festival is dedicated to fostering an inclusive space where diverse voices thrive. Join us in celebrating the talent and perspectives of minority, LGBTQ+, and immigrant comedians—performers whose voices are more essential than ever. Hosted By Miss Uchawi: Mysterious, stylish, and delightful, Miss Uchawi quickly made a name for herself in the National drag scene for her theatrical performances and show productions. Specializing in comedy, hypnosis, magic, mentalism and more, their versatility is remarkable. Headlined By Corey Rodrigues: A nationally touring comedian with appearances on Conan, EPIX’s Unprotected Sets, Gotham Live, and more, Corey Rodrigues brings his signature charm and sharp wit to spotlight rising stars destined for comedy greatness.

Rockwell Theater

Boston Comedy Festival MICHAEL KOSTA

Michael Kosta is an Emmy winning co-Host and Senior Correspondent The Daily Show for Comedy Central.&nbsp;He is well known for his numerous late-night appearances on The Tonight Show, Conan, Seth Meyers, and @midnight. His one-hour Comedy Central stand-up special: Michael Kosta: Detroit. NY. LA. is now streaming on Paramount + and YouTube. Previous to his career in television and comedy, Kosta was a professional tennis player (ranked #864 in the world) and is still a contributor to the Tennis Channel.&nbsp;He also hosts the podcast Tennis Anyone, which can be found on any podcast platform. Michael’s first book, a memoir entitled Lucky Loser will be released March 2025 from Harper Collins.

City Winery 

BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL-SEMI FINAL ROUND 1

Get ready to kick off the 25th anniversary of the Boston Comedy Festival with a bang! 72 comics from across the country will battle it out for a shot at the semi-finals, the championship title, and a $7,000 grand prize. Past winners have gone on to major success—TV, film, and beyond—so this is your chance to witness comedy history and discover the next big star before they take off Special Guest Trixx Taboo shattering, searingly honest, and painfully funny, Frankie “TRIXX” Agyemang is one of North America’s rising comedic stars. Trixx is the 2021 winner of the Boston Comedy Festival, the 2018 Winner of the World Series of Comedy, also 2013 Winner of Just for Laughs’ JFL42 Big Break Competition. He’s been featured on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, Sirius XM Radio Hosted by Jody Sloane

BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL-SEMI ROUND 2

Get ready to kick off the 25th anniversary of the Boston Comedy Festival with a bang! 72 comics from across the country will battle it out for a shot at the semi-finals, the championship title, and a $7,000 grand prize. Past winners have gone on to major success—TV, film, and beyond—so this is your chance to witness comedy history and discover the next big star before they take off Special Guest Trixx Taboo shattering, searingly honest, and painfully funny, Frankie “TRIXX” Agyemang is one of North America’s rising comedic stars. Trixx is the 2021 winner of the Boston Comedy Festival, the 2018 Winner of the World Series of Comedy, also 2013 Winner of Just for Laughs’ JFL42 Big Break Competition. He’s been featured on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, Sirius XM Radio Hosted by Kathe Farris

Comedian Eddie Peptone 

They call him the Bitter Buddha, comedian Eddie Pepitone is a master of the dark art of comedy. Hailed as a modern day cross between Jackie Gleason, Don Rickles and Eckart Tolle. Eddie is a force of nature on stage, switching between social rage and self-doubt. His shows are an energetic combo of calm and chaos, blue-collar angst and sardonic enlightenment. Few comedians working today channel the power of the rant better than Eddie Pepitone. His most recent stand-up special For the Masses was released in June 2020, which the New York Times listed as one of the best stand-up specials of 2020. In 2014, Eddie released In Ruins, his first stand-up that was shot at The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to his regular stand-up shows, Eddie is a stand-out comic/character actor. Beginning in New York City’s improv/sketch scene (where he quickly became a regular face), and continuing on to recurring roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and appearances on WTF with Marc Maron Podcast. Most recently, Eddie can be seen in Max's Haley Quinn spin-off Kite Man, Hell Yea! and Hulu's Ramy. Eddie has also appeared on numerous comedy TV shows, including Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Rick and Morty, Reno 911!, 10 Year Old Tom, The Life and Times of Tim, Will &amp; Grace, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Love, The Sarah Silverman Program, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Last Comic Standing, Chappelle’s Show, appearances on Bob’s Burgers, and he’s a regular on Adult Swim’s Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell. Fans also might recognize Pepitone from his role in the hit comedy Old School, where he plays the role of 'Archer', one of the recruiting pledges. Eddie is the host of the podcast "Apocalypse Soon", which includes an assortment of original characters, ranting, raving and all the things you come to love from Eddie Pepitone. “Wheelan is a considerable talent with a unique voice and perspective.” – AV Club

THE FUNNY TOGETHER CLEAN COMEDY SHOW

The Funny Together offers clean, high-quality comedy featuring nationally touring comedians. Gather your friends for a night of hilarious, cringe-free comedy! Rhonda Corey Comedian Rhonda Corey embodies the spirit of New England with her authentic charm and a touch of lovable sass, winning the hearts of audiences nationwide. Her comedic journey boasts numerous accolades, including triumphing over 22 comedians in the 2018 Clean Comedy Challenge held in Chicago. In spring 2023, Rhonda’s DryBar comedy special, “Wizard of Walmart”; soared to popularity, earning a spot among the top 10 DryBar clips of the year. Having graced stages across the country, Rhonda recently recorded a special for the Comedy Buzz Series at the renowned Zanies in Nashville. This upcoming special is set for release on Amazon Prime. In January 2023, Rhonda launched the Funny Together Tour, a clean comedy show showcasing nationally touring comedians. Mike Murray Mike Murray is a captivating storyteller and comedian who emerged from a life of silence at 40 with the help of Cochlear implants. His journey from quietude to laughter has shaped his unique and inspiring comedy, winning over audiences across New England. In 2013, he co-founded Funny4Funds, a comedy fundraiser that blends entertainment with a philanthropic mission. Since its launch, the organization has raised over $10 million for various causes, proving the power of humor in making a difference. Mike’s commitment to comedy and community has made him a beloved figure, leaving a lasting impact through laughter, generosity, and meaningful contributions. June Bug Colson June is a national touring CLEAN/Christian Comedian, Speaker, Writer, television warmup comedian, and MC from Bowling Green, KY. She is Nashville’s Clean Comedy Champion, recipient of the Gospel Comedy Association’s ‘22 Spirit of Laughter Award and is featured on the Comedy Buzz on Amazon Prime. You can catch June on three different comedy tours: The Unknown Tour, Funny Together Tour, and The EPIC Tour. June is a Dry Bar Comedian. Her hilarious comedy special, “ If You Can’t Beat ‘Em,Taze ‘Em!” released in December of 2024. June is also the cohost of the multi-awardwinning, Laugh Support Podcast.

BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL ROUND 3

Get ready to kick off the 25th anniversary of the Boston Comedy Festival with a bang! 72 comics from across the country will battle it out for a shot at the semi-finals, the championship title, and a $7,000 grand prize. Past winners have gone on to major success—TV, film, and beyond—so this is your chance to witness comedy history and discover the next big star before they take off Hosted by Will Smalley. Will Smalley is a purveyor of the silly-arts and a dude-lover extraordinaire. As an established LGBTQ+ voice in the comedy scene, Will is a former finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival and has been featured in the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland, OR. In addition to being a mainstay at the major comedy clubs and colleges across the Northeast, Will serves as the announcer/producer for Old School Game Show at the Wilbur Theater. With Special Guest Kelly MacFarland Kelly MacFarland is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. She has an extensive resume including comedy clubs, theaters, colleges, festivals, films, television appearances and entertaining US troops overseas. Kelly has appeared on Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Prime Video, Up Early Tonight on Hulu and Denis Leary’s Comics Come Home. Check out Kelly’s Dry Bar Comedy Special, Sleepytime Baby. She also has several comedy albums available on iTunes and SiriusXM.

CITY WINERY BOSTON

BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL ROUND 4

Get ready to kick off the 25th anniversary of the Boston Comedy Festival with a bang! 72 comics from across the country will battle it out for a shot at the semi-finals, the championship title, and a $7,000 grand prize. Past winners have gone on to major success—TV, film, and beyond—so this is your chance to witness comedy history and discover the next big star before they take off Hosted by Niki Luparelli Niki channels the gods of chaos. Ageless, fearless, and possessing a utility liver, she will lull you with her classically trained, artfully abused chocolate voice and then sucker punch you with her witty patter. A long time comedian who has appeared in the Santa Monica Westside Comedy Festival, the Women in Comedy Festival, hosts for the Boston Comedy Festival, and won NYC’s ladies of laughter, Niki isn’t just a set of enormous...pipes. She’s known for her Bowie, Stevie Nicks, and Haunted Speakeasy® events and as one of the judges on Boston Drag Gauntlet. With Special Guest Andrew Mayer. Andrew is a Boston-based stand-up comedian, performing in clubs and festivals across the country since 2004. He has previously won the Boston Comedy Festival, and has been a featured performer in the Bridgetown Comedy Festival and Seattle International Comedy Competition. Andrew’s 2015 debut album, Nonsense, has been described as “silly, whimsical, smart, and–most importantly– incredibly funny.” His 2020 album, Having a Nice Time, can be heard regularly on Sirius XM.

City Winery

BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL ROUND 5

Get ready to kick off the 25th anniversary of the Boston Comedy Festival with a bang! 72 comics from across the country will battle it out for a shot at the semi-finals, the championship title, and a $7,000 grand prize. Past winners have gone on to major success—TV, film, and beyond—so this is your chance to witness comedy history and discover the next big star before they take off Hosted by Kindra Lansburg With Special Guest Robbie Printz Robbie Printz has been making audiences laugh for over 30 years. A fixture on the Boston comedy circuit, Robbie got his start in 1988 and has been performing ever since. He made the rounds on the Cable Comedy shows, including MTV, A&amp;E and Comedy Central. He won the Boston Comedy Festival and was named the Best Comedian in Boston, by the Improper Bostonian. Laughter is the best medicine, so go see Robbie Printz and laugh about life, or laugh at him about his life. Either way you'll feel better.

City Winery Boston

BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL ROUND 6

Get ready to kick off the 25th anniversary of the Boston Comedy Festival with a bang! 72 comics from across the country will battle it out for a shot at the semi-finals, the championship title, and a $7,000 grand prize. Past winners have gone on to major success—TV, film, and beyond—so this is your chance to witness comedy history and discover the next big star before they take off Jason Cordova&nbsp; Alex Giampapa Hosted by Jason Cordova Jason has made&nbsp; a name on the national scale to as seen on HBO on “pause with Sam jay” .he has performed all over at legendary clubs like Gotham , the stand ,the comedy connection, Foxwoods casino&nbsp; to name a few he has opened for many national headliner throughout the years and is set to become a legend himself. With Special Guest Alex Giampapa Alex Giampapa began performing stand-up comedy in Boston at the age of 19 and soon became a popular act all across New England. He’s performed with comedians like Bill Burr, Hannibal Buress, Ilana Glaser, Sarah Cooper, Judah Friedlander, Gary Gulman, Adam Devine and Erik Griffin. Alex headlines shows nationwide, and has been featured in many comedy festivals including The Rogue Island Comedy Festival (Newport, RI), The Big Pine Comedy Festival (Flagstaff, AZ), The Boston Comedy Festival, and The Motor City Comedy Festival (Detroit, MI).

Rockwell Theatre

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.