Bombardo
Bombardo
Bombardo

Henry Heymann Theatre

August 27 – 29
Various times

In case you haven’t been paying attention, Pittsburgh’s comedy scene has evolved from burgeoning to well-established and thriving. So where’s the best place to discover the city’s hilarious side? At this week’s second annual Pittsburgh Comedy Festival.

Todd Glass
Todd Glass

Setting up shop for three jam-packed days and nights inside Oakland’s intimate Henry Heymann Theatre, the first-of-its-kind festival boasts 30 stand-up and improv comedy acts from around the US, feature and headlining performances, open mic gigs, lively discussions, informative workshops, social happenings and even programming for kids and families.

What’s in store for 2015? Festival headliners include nationally acclaimed comedian and Philadelphia native Todd Glass—of Comedy Central, Louie and The Daily Show fame—along with the female powerhouse improv group, Bombardo, which features Parks and Recreation television star, Aubrey Plaza.

Don’t miss the festival’s kick-off events on Thursday, August 27th, when funny man Glass takes the stage alongside talented opening acts Andy Picarro, Kristen Lundberg and Bill Crawford. Show your 412 pride when the festival wraps at Sunday’s #PghIsFunny grand finale—an all-star improv show featuring Lee Terbosic, Lainie Lenertz and one very special guest.

Courtesy of Pittsburgh Comedy Festival.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Comedy Festival.

Then on Friday, gain insights from comedy stars and industry insiders, ask all of your burning questions about the comedy scene and hear engaging stories from festival headliners and performers during a special panel discussion featuring Chelsea Clarke, Todd Glass, Marcy Jarreau, Aaron Kleiber and Jared Pascoe.

Curious about the local improv scene? Watch the art of comedy unfold as Pittsburgh teams make up scenes on the spot during a Friendly Neighborhood Improv Show. Craving something edgy? Stay out late for the not-to-be-missed No Sleep ‘Til Oakland Midnight Stand-Up Show which is sure to ratchet up the action at midnight on Saturday.

Looking for G-rated humor all-ages family laughs? Head to the Kids Comedy Cabaret matinee (our Kidsburgh event of the week) on Saturday, August 29th to partake in activities, music and performances for all ages.

View a complete Pittsburgh Comedy Festival schedule and purchase tickets and passes.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and Dahesh Museum of Art and is co-author of Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania. She also is co-coordinator of Handmade Arcade. Musically, she is in a band called The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.