Comedy and Theater Festivals in Chicago

Updated April 9, 2019

Scroll through the festival list or click on a link below to go directly to the month you plan to attend a festival.

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

If you are aware of a Chicago comedy or theater festival that has not been included on this page, please send the festival's information via DM using Twitter (@InspiredChicago).

Visit the following pages to find more festivals:



January



College Improv Tournament, November 3, 2018–April 6, 2019 • Registration is $15 per player.

Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, January 10–20, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, January 17–27, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details). Visit the Festival Neighborhood Tour page for information about FREE performances.
This is a biennial festival.

Fillet of Solo Festival, January 18–February 2, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

Rhinoceros Theater Festival, January 18–February 24, 2019 • Tickets are $15 online or pay what you can at the door.



February



College Improv Tournament, November 3, 2018–April 6, 2019 • Registration is $15 per player.

Fillet of Solo Festival, January 18–February 2, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

Rhinoceros Theater Festival, January 18–February 24, 2019 • Tickets are $15 online or pay what you can at the door.

Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, February 4–24, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

Chicago Theatre Week, February 7–17, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).



March



College Improv Tournament, November 3, 2018–April 6, 2019 • Registration is $15 per player.



April



College Improv Tournament, November 3, 2018–April 6, 2019 • Registration is $15 per player.



May



Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival, May 8–11, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

Physical Festival Chicago, May 31–June 9, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).



June



Physical Festival Chicago, May 31–June 9, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

Break Out Comedy Festival, June 6–9, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

Curious E.A.T.S. (Electro-Acoustic Theater Symposium), June 28–30, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).



July



Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Living Room Tour, July 17–18, 2019 • $125



August



IGNITION Festival of New Plays, August 2–4, 2019 • Admission is free!

Bentwood Comedy Festival, August 7–11, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

Chicago Women's Funny Festival, August 22–25, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).



September



Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, September 19–October 27, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).



October



Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, September 19–October 27, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).

New World Play Festival, October 11–27, 2018* • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).



November



College Improv Tournament, November 3, 2018–April 6, 2019 • Registration is $15 per player.

Paragon: A Sci-Fi + Fantasy Play Festival, November 9–10, 2019 • Admission varies (visit festival website for details).



December



College Improv Tournament, November 3, 2018–April 6, 2019 • Registration is $15 per player.


*Festivals that have not been updated with information for 2019 will be updated when festival organizers announce the information for 2019.