About Us

History of the Cleveland Comedy Festival

The Cleveland Comedy Festival began in 2008 as a celebration of local, independent comedy and has grown into much, much more in only it’s 4th year.

Now in 2011 we’ve evolved to include more shows, more diverse forms of comedy, national headliners, some of the best local and regional comedians, workshops, panel discussions and partnerships with Northeast Ohio comedy clubs.

Our mission remains the same — to celebrate Cleveland’s comedic past, present and future and help promote one of Cleveland’s greatest exports — our collective sense of humor and comedic talent.

The Cleveland Comedy Festival is an event that is uniquely Cleveland and continues the legacy of funny that includes Bob Hope, Ernie Anderson, Tim Conway Arsenio Hall, Steve Harvey, Drew Carey and many, many others. Cleveland has always been a funny place that seems to foster more than its fair share of hilarious people.

And it’s still true today! The wealth of comedic talent in Cleveland has never been stronger, and that’s what our Festival is all about. And as we’ve grown, we’re now attracting national and regional comedians and industry representatives to come to Cleveland and join in the laughs.

So from November 15-23, we encourage you to see a show, sign up for a workshop and see for yourself what the Cleveland Comedy Festival is all about. After all, it’s Cleveland so how it could NOT be funny?

Thanks!

Joe Hannum, John Wellington, JD Sidley
Cleveland Comedy Festival Co-Founders