SATURDAY (9/13) 11AM-4PM
BRONZEVILLE WINERY
Kick off the Whats Funny Comedy Festival in true style at the Black Tie Tastemakers Brunch at Bronzeville Winery. Hosted by Lil Rel Howery and featuring cuisine by Chef Brandon Rogers, this elegant daytime event is where food, culture, and comedy meet. Guests will enjoy an intimate live interview with festival co-founder Lil Rel, while mingling in one of Chicago’s most beautiful spaces. A perfect start to a week filled with laughter, community, and unforgettable celebration.
YOU MUST RESERVE VIA OPENTABLE
SUNDAY (9/14) 430PM | Doors 4PM
MUSIC BOX
The first day of the Whats Funny Comedy Festival kicks off at the historic Music Box Theatre on the north side of Chicago for an exclusive screening of Unexpected Christmas, executive produced by festival co-founder Lil Rel Howery, who also stars in the film. This heartfelt and hilarious holiday story comes to Chicago as part of the Whats Funny Comedy Festival. Admission is complimentary, but guests must arrive by 4:15 PM to guarantee entry. Stay after the screening for a special Q&A with Lil Rel himself along with special guests.
MONDAY (9/15)7PM | Doors 6PM
BELLAGIO 223
Join us for a special live edition of the Whats Funny Today Show during the Whats Funny Comedy Festival, featuring legendary comedy producer and Festival Icon Award honoree Bob Sumner.
Best known as the co-creator of Def Comedy Jam, Bob sits down with us to reflect on his groundbreaking career, his impact on the comedy industry, and his lasting influence on urban comedy culture. This is a must-see conversation with one of the most important figures in modern stand-up comedy.
TUESDAY (9/16) 730PM | Doors 7PM
NAFSI-SOUTH SHORE CULTURAL CENTER
🎤 Whats Funny Comedy Festival Presents: The Tiny Stage Showcase hosted by Dawn B
📍 Nafsi at the South Shore Cultural Center – Tuesday, Sept 16 | 7:30PM
Join us for a high-energy night of laughs inside the intimate Nafsi space. Chicago comedy vet Dawn B, who’s toured with Charlie Murphy and D.L. Hughley, hosts a lineup of rising stars and festival faves. Great food, strong drinks, and nonstop comedy await. Tickets are limited — don’t miss it!
TUESDAY (9/16) 730PM | Doors 7PM
THE COMEDY BAR
The Whats Funny Comedy Festival takes over The Comedy Bar on Tuesday, Sept 16 with host Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, Rel, Judas and the Black Messiah, Free Guy & Vacation Friends). Comedians from around the country come to the Comedy Bar for a night of nonstop laughs. Stick around after the show for a live panel hosted by Lil Rel with Sheryl Underwood (CBS’s The Talk, Def Comedy Jam). Limited tickets available—don’t miss this unforgettable night of comedy at the Whats Funny Comedy Festival!
WEDNESDAY (9/17) 8PM | Doors 7PM
THE PROMONTORY
Get ready for a night of unstoppable laughs at the Whats Funny Comedy Festival: Good Vibes Only, hosted by Chicago’s own Just Nesh—as seen on Comedy Central, HBO’s All Def Comedy, and Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City.
Back for the second year in a row, Just Nesh brings her signature energy and hilarious storytelling to The Promontory. This showcase features top comedic talent and a feel-good vibe that celebrates the culture. Good laughs. Good energy. Good vibes only!
THURSDAY (9/18) 8PM | Doors 7PM
BELLAGIO 223
Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter at the Whats Funny Comedy Festival showcase, hosted by Chicago’s own Correy Bell—one of the hottest rising comedians in the country.
This high-energy event will feature a diverse lineup of talented comedians from across the U.S., each bringing their unique style and perspective to the stage. Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just looking for a great night out, this showcase promises big laughs and a vibe you won’t forget!
THURSDAY (9/18) 730PM | Doors 7PM
COMEDY BAR
The Whats Funny Comedy Festival brings the laughs downtown with a showcase spotlighting some of the best new comedic talent from across the country. Hosting the night is Tenishia Wilson, a rising stand-up and viral star known for her sharp character work and hit online sketches like Being Fast in the 90s. Adding hometown flavor, the lineup also features Chicago comedy veteran Baldhead, whose raw and unfiltered humor has made him a crowd favorite for years. Together, they set the stage for an unforgettable night of comedy at one of Chicago’s premier clubs.
FRIDAY (9/19) 730PM | Doors 7PM
RIDDLES
Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter at the Whats Funny Comedy Festival showcase, hosted by Chicago’s own Comedian STICK—one of the hottest rising comedians in the country.
This high-energy event will feature a diverse lineup of talented comedians from across the U.S., each bringing their unique style and perspective to the stage. Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just looking for a great night out, this showcase promises big laughs and a vibe you won’t forget!
FRIDAY (9/19) 8PM
BELLAGIO 223
The Whats Funny Comedy Festival wraps up with a black-tie celebration of urban comedy and the birthday of festival co-founder Knowledge Beckom.
This unforgettable evening in a beautiful South Loop loft will feature the sounds of DJ Grilla, live music from the Mo Fitz Band, a cash bar, and plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle. Join comedians, tastemakers, and festival guests from Chicago and across the country as we close out a historic week of laughter in style.
SATURDAY (9/20) 8PM | Doors 7PM
BELLAGIO 223
Whats Funny Comedy Festival presents a Saturday night stacked with laughs at Bellagio 223! Hosted by Chicago legend Marlon Mitchell (Comic View, Def Comedy Jam), the show features Leon Rogers (WGCI, ComicView) Marilee, Hot Sauce (Comedy Central, TruTV), Shawn Morgan (TVOne, ComicView, HBO) and more. Get ready for a night of nonstop comedy from some of the best in the game. Limited seating — grab your tickets now
THURSDAY (9/18) 730PM | Doors 7PM
COMEDY BAR
The Whats Funny Comedy Festival brings the laughs downtown with a showcase spotlighting some of the best new comedic talent from across the country. Hosting the night is Tenishia Wilson, a rising stand-up and viral star known for her sharp character work and hit online sketches like Being Fast in the 90s. Adding hometown flavor, the lineup also features Chicago comedy veteran Baldhead, whose raw and unfiltered humor has made him a crowd favorite for years. Together, they set the stage for an unforgettable night of comedy at one of Chicago’s premier clubs.
FRIDAY (9/19) 730PM | Doors 7PM
RIDDLES
Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter at the Whats Funny Comedy Festival showcase, hosted by Chicago’s own Comedian STICK—one of the hottest rising comedians in the country.
This high-energy event will feature a diverse lineup of talented comedians from across the U.S., each bringing their unique style and perspective to the stage. Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just looking for a great night out, this showcase promises big laughs and a vibe you won’t forget!