About Us




The Cleveland Comedy Network & Festival began in 2008 as a celebration of local, independent comedy and has grown into much, much more in the decade plus.
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The planning for our annual festival include diverse and inclusive forms of comedy, national headliners, promoting the best local & regional comedians on the rise, industry opportunities and partnerships with Northeast Ohio & out of state comedy clubs and venues. We want to be that neighborhood club that supports aspiring local talent as they find their unique voice from the multiple styles & genres of the art, and encourage their development into A-Level, Stan-Up performers in comedy.




We want to celebrate Cleveland’s comedic past, present & future, and help promote one of Cleveland’s greatest exports — our collective sense of humor and comedic talent.
The Cleveland Comedy Network & 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. The wealth of comedic talent in Cleveland has never been stronger, and that’s what our Network & Festival is all about. We attract national comedians and industry representatives to Cleveland and join in the laughs.
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We encourage you to see a show, come to an event, and see for yourself what the Cleveland Comedy Festival is all about. After all, it’s Cleveland so how it could NOT be funny?
Founders
Joe Hannum
J.D. Sidley
John Wellington
Annual Awards



Brand History




