The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is presented by the National Comedy Center, the nation’s official cultural institution dedicated to comedy, and embodies Lucille Ball’s vision for her hometown — Jamestown, New York, to be a destination for the celebration of the comedic arts and to showcase new comedic talent from around the country. The festival boasts over 50 live events and attracts over 15,000 attendees annually from nearly every state in the country, who come together to share laughter while honoring the craft and contributors on stage at dozens of venues throughout Jamestown, including the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.
Previous Festival headliners include Jerry Seinfeld, Trevor Noah, Lily Tomlin, John Mulaney, Amy Schumer, W. Kamau Bell, Sebastian Maniscalco, Jim Gaffigan, Paula Poundstone, Joan Rivers, and more than one hundred other comedic artists. The 2022 festival featured comedy greats Jeff Foxworthy, Margaret Cho and SNL Legends: David Spade, Rob Schneider and Kevin Nealon.
The Festival also includes performances in smaller theater settings and late-night showcases featuring up-and-coming comedians. There are also block parties, live music, and kids’ comedy shows to enjoy. Special “Lucy Legacy” events occur throughout the week at various locations around Jamestown.
Historically, the Festival takes place during the first week of August to coincide with Lucille Ball’s birthday on August 6. However, dates may shift depending on the year and availability of headlining acts.
Check back soon for Festival updates and headliner announcements.
Want First Crack at Tickets for Festival?
Become a Member and receive access to the pre-sale, as well as unlimited admission to the National Comedy Center and Lucy Desi Museum for 12 months. Members also get discounts on merchandise and retail items at both museum stores (on-premise and online).
Interested in becoming a Lucille Ball Comedy Festival Sponsor? Contact our Sponsorship Team at sponsorship@comedycenter.org to explore sponsor packages and benefits.
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