The brick wall, the stage worn down by 100,000 pairs of shoes, a microphone that could use a little buffing… the tropes of a comedy night are plentiful.
But the art of a deftly delivered story or one-liner goes well beyond the bricks and the “I’m here all week” wrap-ups: Comedy is a colossal enterprise, with countless approaches, prisms, and interpretations.
One of the largest laugh-makers around, Netflix is a Joke Festival 2026, will cover a caboodle of comedy stylings over the chortle-packed course of one spring week in Los Angeles.
Billed as the “world’s biggest comedy festival,” the multi-location, multi-comedian, multi-everything extravaganza, the mic-tacular “… will feature 350 live events, including stand-up performances, variety shows, comedy podcasts, tapings, exclusive events, and screenings.”
You won’t have to wade too far into May to find the funny stuff: The festival runs from May 4 through 10.
Performers will include Margaret Cho, Martin Short, Lizzo, Chelsea Handler, Larry David, Tig Notaro, Mike Birbiglia, Meg Stalter, and Jon Stewart.
Over 240 artists will appear during Netflix is a Joke, with some signing on for multiple appearances.
Just be sure to double-check where you need to head: Over 45 venues are on the roster, with the Hollywood Bowl, the Comedy Store, the Greek Theatre, the Saban Theatre, and several other spots made for yuks, guffaws, trenchant satire, witty insights, biting commentary, and “don’t ya hate it when?” observations.
Tickets? Look to 10 a.m. PT Jan. 23 to snap up your seat; details are available here.