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 and new territory. Along the way, Milwaukee Comedy Festival has also brought in a wealth of noted national talent to headline some of its shows.
This year’s festival—which will be taking place October 7-12—is no different, as accomplished actors and comedians Patton Oswalt, Aparna Nancherla, Sean Patton, and Punkie Johnson are among the performers taking the stage during the 20th annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival. With the fest now less than a month away, the full lineup is ready to be revealed. In addition to the official shows composing the six-day, nine-show festival, Milwaukee Record is also hosting our MCF-affiliated “Roast Of Milwaukee” event, which will take place at The Cooperage on Monday, October 6.
Go to Milwaukee Comedy Festival’s website for tickets and more information on individual shows and performers. Check out the 2025 Milwaukee Comedy Festival lineup below (acts listed from headliner to host).
Tuesday, October 7
7 p.m. @ Lakefront Brewery
Aparna Nancherla, Amanda Averell and Tucker Millett
Wednesday, October 8
7:30 p.m. @ The Cooperage
Sean Patton, Sasha Rosser, Eric Weilo, and Ramie Makhlouf
Thursday, October 9
8 p.m. @ Pabst Theater
Patton Oswalt with additional comedians to be announced
Friday, October 10
7:30 p.m. @ Shank Hall
Punkie Johnson with additional comedians to be announced
10 p.m. @ Shank Hall
RV, Harrison Skopes, Wendy Wilkins, and Eeland Stribling
Saturday, October 11
7:30 p.m. @ ComedySportz
Nora Jeffries, Shawna Blake, Danny Lang, JoAnn Schinderle, Damon Millard, and Evan Hull
10 p.m. @ ComedySportz
Daniel Fuellengraben, Diego Avila, Luise Noe, Matty Field, Raegan Niemela, and AJ Grill
Sunday, October 12
4 p.m. @ Great Lakes Distillery
Delilah Orizaba, Alan Snider, Austin Black, Dana Ehrmann, and Amy Sumpter
7 p.m. @ Great Lakes Distillery
Nora Jeffries, Cody Heck, Connor O’Hara, Christopher Schmidt, Elijah Holbrook, and Rich D’Amore