February 25, 2026 | Austin, Texas — South by Southwest® (SXSW®) today announced the lineup for the 2026 SXSW Comedy Festival (March 13-16), during the 40th edition of SXSW from March 12–18. As part of this milestone year and the 19th edition of SXSW Comedy, the festival brings the freshest, funniest voices to Austin for a week of stand-up showcases, hilarious improv, exciting gameshows, live podcast recordings, and more. There’s an unprecedented level of crossover between the comedy lineup and the broader SXSW community this year. Filmmakers and cast members, musical artists, and podcast creators are stepping onto comedy stages in dynamic new ways, fueling organic collaborations and unexpected conversations.
“This year’s lineup celebrates where comedy is headed,” said Sam Schles, Director of SXSW Comedy. “I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of SXSW Comedy with a renewed focus on impact for both comics and audiences. We’re bringing together the new comedy vanguard and established icons who continue to redefine the craft. SXSW has always been a place for discovery, and this program captures that spirit by spotlighting emerging voices and new projects from comics at the top of their game.”
SXSW Comedy is open to all badge types. All SXSW registrants (Platinum, Innovation, Music, and Film & TV) are welcome at SXSW Comedy events taking place at The Creek and The Cave and Esther’s Follies. The Dropout Improv Show at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on March 17 has limited availability and is open to Platinum badgeholders only.
Carnival Cruise Line brings the fun to SXSW with the LOL Booth, a neon-branded interactive comedy experience inspired by The Punchliner Comedy Club onboard Carnival ships. Guests can dial from a playful phone directory to receive curated punchlines, or a surprise message unlocking exclusive prizes, including the chance to win a cruise.
2026 SXSW Comedy Festival Participants
Adam Pally, Alex English, Amber Wallin, Ashley Nicole Black, Bill Burr, Brent Weinbach, Brian McElhaney, Britt Migs, Casey Balsham, Chelsea Devantez, Chelsea Peretti, Chloe Radcliffe, Corin Wells, Cory Loykasek, Devon Walker, Donny Divanian, Dylan Carlino, Eric André, Frankie Quiñones, Freddie Shanel, Gavin Matts, Grant O’Brien, Jacob Wysocki, Jacquis Neal, Jake Cornell, Jared Freid, Jaz Saini, Jeremy Culhane, Jon Gabrus, Kimia Behpoornia, Kirk Fox, Kurt Maloney, Lily Du, Maddy Kelly, Michael Cruz Kayne, Natasha Leggero, Nick Kocher, Ontonio Kareem, Oscar Montoya, Paris Sashay, Pete Lee, Robert Schultz, Sabrina Jalees, Tina Friml, Tone Bell, Vanessa Gonzalez, Vic Michaelis, Vinny Thomas, plus surprise guests and more!
Comedy Events
Presented by Carnival Cruise Line
ASSSSCAT—UCB’s signature improv juggernaut is a live comedy show with an all-star cast of comedians from film, television, and your favorite streaming services performing improv inspired by true stories from a surprise celebrity guest. ASSSSCAT has played to critical acclaim and sold-out audiences across the country.
Bombing with Eric Andre—Join stand-up comedian Eric Andre as he hangs with his friends to talk about BOMBING. They talk about their worst moments in all sorts of ways – on stage, in public, bombing in life and many more gnarly stories that may or may not involve audience members throwing a punch. Were these tales from being “under the influence”? Some. And some are just his adventures. Bombing with Eric Andre is part of iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players podcast network.
BriTANicK: dummy—Comedy duo BriTANicK (Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher) perform their new hour “dummy.” It’s 1/3 sketch comedy, 1/3 childhood trauma, and 3/4 them being bad at math.
CHAOS—Darkness and chaos abound. Come blow like a leaf through these wild winds and hyper-fixate on said chaos with Chelsea Peretti, Natasha Leggero, and Sabrina Jalees. The show includes a cold-read of a scene written specifically for this show, and beautiful, au courant stand-up.
Comic Relief and The Moth Present: Funny Story—Two powerhouses unite for an unforgettable evening of stories. The Moth—whose live storytelling events and beloved podcast have brought over 65,000 true personal stories to audiences worldwide—partners with Comic Relief to present a special Moth Mainstage show featuring a cast of comedians. As Comic Relief marks 40 years of harnessing laughter for good, and The Moth nears 30 years of connecting the world through the power of true personal stories — this show brings together storytellers who understand that humor can shift perspectives, build bridges, and inspire action. Expect raw, hilarious, and deeply human tales.
Cracked Comedy Club In Partnership with Netflix’s MATING SEASON—The comedy institution Cracked is coming to SXSW for its first official showcase and special LIVE taping celebrating an exciting roster of emerging comedians. Presented in partnership with Netflix’s MATING SEASON, an adult animated romantic comedy – set in the animal world – about love, sex, relationships, and the universal need to find a partner and perpetuate the species – starring bears, raccoons, deer, foxes and a host of other horny, lovable forest critters.
Crowd Control—A live stand-up show from Dropout, hosted by Jacquis Neal, where the audience is the main material.
Dirty Laundry—In this special event from Dropout, host Lily Du gathers four guests to tell secrets, guess who they belong to, and enjoy a few cocktails made by Grant O’Brien.
Don’t Tell Comedy All Stars in partnership with Deadline—Deadline is partnering with Don’t Tell Comedy for a special edition of Don’t Tell Comedy All Stars. The evening will feature a live comedy showcase performed by five standout alumni from Don’t Tell Comedy’s acclaimed Secret Sets Series, spotlighting some of the most exciting voices working in stand-up today.
Dropout Improv—The highly popular comedy platform takes its sharp wit and quick-thinking comedy offline and onto the stage in a special SXSW performance! Dropout have been running their subscription comedy platform since 2018 and have tailored their improv skills for a live audience, promising a hilarious night of games and absurdity. Dropout was born out of the hugely successful comedy website College Humor and produces a wide variety of shows in a completely independent setting. They have quickly amassed a large audience through titles like Dimension 20, Game Changer, Very Important People and more, utilizing formats that mix razor-sharp comedy with gameplay. In this show hosted by Kurt Maloney, all of those finely crafted skills will be on show in a night of varied games and freewheeling comedy. Things are about to get wild.
Facebook Presents Stand-up Comedy—Facebook is excited to present an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy, where the global stage meets the comedy stage! With 3 billion people connecting on Facebook globally every month, comedians are able to showcase their talent and grow their audience around the world. Now, we’re bringing this vibrant community to SXSW Comedy.
FOX Entertainment Studios Comedy Showcase Featuring The Dress Up Gang and Friends, Hosted by Bill Burr—FOX Entertainment Studios presents one of SXSW’s most anticipated comedy showcases, celebrating the world premiere of Plantman & Blondie, from FOX’s Tideline and Mountain Top Pictures. Hosted by Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, actor and director Bill Burr, the evening embodies the bold, fearless spirit of the FOX comedy brand while spotlighting the breakout ensemble from the film: Frankie Quiñones, Cory Loykasek, Donny Divanian, Kirk Fox, and Brent Weinbach.
Funny Or Die Approved—In partnership with The Stand Comedy Club, Funny Or Die is resurrecting their legendary live comedy legacy – think the spirit of the original epic Oddball Festivals, back, and blessed by the comedy gods themselves. This isn’t just another stand-up show; it’s a hand-picked, ruthlessly curated night of comedy that’s earned the ultimate stamp: Funny Or Die Approved. Hosted by Pete Lee.
Gotham Comedy Showcase—For nearly 30 years, Gotham Comedy Club has been one of New York’s top stand-up venues, hosting major acts and launching the next generation of comedy stars. Now, that coveted stage comes to SXSW, bringing its signature showcase to festival audiences.
My Favorite Lyrics Live—What’s up y’all. Welcome to the first ever live recording of Devon Walker’s podcast My Favorite Lyrics, the show where we talk about music lyrics… except for when we talk about other stuff. For his debut live event, Devon and his special guests are breaking down ridiculous lyrics, taking fan submissions, and getting into the bars that shaped us, betrayed us, and honestly raised some questions. Pull up. My Favorite Lyrics with Devon Walker is produced by Disco Nap.
Reductress Live!—That’s what she/they said! From the women who taught you how to “Drive Your Man Crazy in Bed With These Twelve Trumpet Solos” comes the first-ever Reductress Live stand-up show in Austin, TX. Join us for a night of laughs — and if we’re lucky, we’ll kill this “Tony” fellow once and for all.
Staying Alive—Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally are hitting SXSW with a special LIVE episode of their SmartLess Media podcast, Staying Alive. The two 40 something year-old friends are following up their TV series, “101 Places to Party Before You Die”, with a comedic look at wellness, health & life improvement. Find out what Pally & Gabrus and their special guests do to Stay Alive.
The Anything But BASIC Cabaret—A one-night-only variety show hosted by Chelsea Devantez and Ashley Nicole Black featuring the entire cast of the film, BASIC: (Ashley Park, Leighton Meester, Kandy Muse and more!). Join us for an unforgettable night of comedy, music, drag, and special appearances.
The Stand Comedy Club Presents: 10 for 10 Podcast Live at SXSW—The Stand brings its acclaimed 10 for 10 podcast of record to life on stage at SXSW, turning intimate, no-holds-barred conversations into an unforgettable live experience. 10 for 10 is The Stand’s signature series that celebrates a decade (and counting) of the club’s raw, transformative impact on stand-up comedy. Each episode dives deep with a standout comedian who calls The Stand home- unpacking the grind, the bombs, the breakthroughs, the green-room chaos, and the nights that changed everything.
The Stand Comedy Showcase—The Stand presents a special SXSW showcase at Esther’s Follies, bringing its signature mix of killer lineups, top-tier talent, and unmistakable New York energy to Austin. Known as one of New York City’s premier comedy venues and a launchpad for today’s biggest names, The Stand will deliver a night featuring some of the sharpest, most in-demand voices in stand-up, including some special guest drop ins!
What Else…What Else…with Michael Cruz Kayne—Get ready for a unique blend of hilarity and introspection as Audible presents a live episode featuring the talented comedian Michael Cruz Kayne and special guest comedian, Chloe Radcliffe. Kayne, known for his sharp wit and poignant observations, brings his distinctive brand of humor to the SXSW stage with an engaging 40-minute session offering an intimate look into the world of stand-up comedy, combining live performance with candid conversation. Following his set, we’ll welcome Chloe Radcliffe to join him for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes discussion about the art of stand-up, the craft of comedy, the inspiration behind the jokes, and the ever-evolving landscape of comedy in the digital age.
About SXSW
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is known worldwide for conferences and festivals that celebrate the convergence of technology, film and television, music, education, comedy and culture. The annual event serves global professionals through sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and networking that consistently generates unexpected discoveries when diverse communities come together. SXSW 2026 runs March 12-18 in downtown Austin, preceded by SXSW EDU March 9-12. Learn more at sxsw.com.
SXSW continues to connect creative communities around the world through its flagship event in Austin and SXSW London, which launched in 2025—reflecting SXSW’s commitment to fostering meaningful exchange across culture, technology, and creativity.
SXSW 2026 Driven by Rivian.
