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Nashville Comedy Festival celebrates 11 years of laughs

Nashville Comedy Festival unites Nashville acts and national headliners for 11 days of comedy at Bridgestone Arena, Zanies, and other local venues.

Zanies Comedy Club at sunset, with a glowing marquee announcing a fundraiser event. The sky is painted in shades of orange and pink.

Catch a show at Zanies + The Lab at Zanies, the comedy club’s 100-seat theater connected to the main venue. | Photo by @victorialeuang.jpg

If you love to laugh (or if you prefer to be the one breaking out the one-liners), you know Music City has a robust comedy scene. Not to jump to the punchline, but the Nashville Comedy Festival returns in April with more jokes than ever.

The 11th annual fest runs from Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 13 and features 60+ events at Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, and comedy club Zanies.

Here are a few highlights before you browse the full lineup:

    • Local laughs: Nateland Presents (created by Nate Bargatze), Dusty Slay’s Grand Ole Comedy Show, Hugh Howser & Friends, Shannon Ford, and Brad Paisley’s “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” showcase
    • National names: Nikki Glaser, Wanda Sykes, Mark Normand, and Tig Notaro (plus tons more)
    • Just added: Former late night hosts Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall will team up at Ryman Auditorium on Saturday, April 12. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 21 at 10 a.m.

    Pro tip: Tickets are sold individually by event — aka no festival passes are required for entry.

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