Originating long before the city had anything resembling a sustainable comedy community, Milwaukee Comedy Festival has grown and evolved along with Milwaukee’s stand-up scene. In fact, the annual comedic undertaking has been an invaluable means of pushing local comedy to exciting, new territory. Along the way, Milwaukee Comedy Festival has also brought in noted national talent to headline some of its shows. This year’s festival—which will be taking place October 1-8—is no different, as greats like Kyle Kinane and Todd Barry were both announced as performers for the 18th annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival already.
In the months since that headliner announcement was made, festival organizers spent countless hours sifting through submissions and putting together the rest of the lineup. The rest of that lineup was just announced today. This year’s Milwaukee Comedy Festival will feature dozens of stand-up comics—including Kinane, Todd Barry, veteran comedian Dave Stone, an already-sold-out live recording of The Boogie Monster Podcast, and dozens of humorists from all over the county performing a total of 13 shows spread over eight days at a variety of Milwaukee venues. This year’s lineup also includes Milwaukee Record‘s MCF-affiliated “Roast Of Milwaukee” event, which will take place at The Cooperage (more on that in September).
Go to Milwaukee Comedy Festival’s website for tickets and more information on individual shows and performers. Check out the 2023 Milwaukee Comedy Festival lineup below (acts listed from host to headliner).
Sunday, October 1
6:30 p.m. @ Lakefront Brewery
Kelly Ryan (and more comedians TBA)
Monday, October 2
7:30 p.m. @ The Cooperage
Milwaukee Record Presents: The Roast Of Milwaukee
More info and lineup to come.
Tuesday, October 3
7:30 p.m. @ Dandy
Host – Gray West (Washington, D.C.)
Feature – Christine Ferrera (Chicago, IL)
Feature – Paul McCrary (Atlanta, GA)
Headliner – Ryan Mason (Milwaukee, WI)
Wednesday, October 4
7:30 p.m. @ Great Lakes Distillery
Host – John Narum (Nashville, TN)
Feature – Danny Lang (Chicago, IL)
Feature – Joe Eames (Chicago, IL)
Headliner – Johnny Beehner (Madison, WI)
Thursday, October 5
7:30 p.m. @ Shank Hall
Todd Barry (and more comedians TBA)
9:30 p.m. @ The Laughing Tap
“They say Thursday is the new Friday, most likely because of this incredible show that’s all part of the Milwaukee Comedy Festival! Enjoy high-quality stand up from across the country in a hilarious night of funny. Tickets are only $15!”
Friday, October 6
7:30 p.m. @ The Laughing Tap
Feature – Kristin Lytie (Green Bay, WI)
Feature – Rich D’Amore (Milwaukee, WI)
Headliner – Marcus Monroe (Brooklyn, NY)
10 p.m. @ The Laughing Tap
Host – Rachel Hall (Chicago, IL)
Feature – Mitchell Potts (Chicago, IL)
Feature – Jonathan Galeano (Los Angeles, CA)
Headliner – Curtis Cook (Los Angeles, CA)
Saturday, October 7
2 p.m. @ The Laughing Tap
“It’s been almost an entire week of big laughs and good times at the MKE Comedy Fest! Take it easy with relaxed afternoon of comedy and cocktails! The Hangover Show has become a Milwaukee favorite. Bloody Mary’s, mimosas, and of course a comedy showcase stacked with talent! Start your Saturday off right – with The Hangover Show! Line up will be announced soon.”
5 p.m. @ The Laughing Tap
Host – Rebecca Robinson (Brooklyn, NY)
Feature – Mia Wilson (Brooklyn, NY)
Headliner – Dwight Simmons (Indianapolis, IN)
8 p.m. @ Pabst Theater
Kyle Kinane
Sunday, October 8
2 p.m. @ The Laughing Tap (SOLD OUT!)
Boogie Monster Podcast Live in Milwaukee: “Kyle Kinane and Dave Stone talk about ghosts and barbeque and maybe interview people and maybe have had a few drinks before they started recording.”
7 p.m. @ The Laughing Tap
Dave Stone