NASHVILLE, TN – The 12th Annual Nashville Comedy Festival, Nashville’s premier multi-day celebration of stand-up, returns to Music City on April 9–19, 2026, bringing more than a week of non-stop laughter. Curated and produced by Outback Presents and Zanies Comedy Club, the festival takes over Nashville’s premier, iconic, and historic venues with more venue and artist additions in the coming weeks.
This year’s all-star lineup features Albert Brooks (The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, April 19), David Spade (Ryman Auditorium, April 17), Heather McMahan (Ryman Auditorium, April 16), Kevin James (Ryman Auditorium, April 9), Morgan Jay (Ryman Auditorium, April 11), Sal Vulcano (Ryman Auditorium, April 12), Kathy Griffin (Schermerhorn Symphony Center, April 12), Grace O’Malley (Zanies April 17 & 18), and many more to be announced. From national headliners to comedy legends, to rising stars, Nashville Comedy Festival continues to be the epicenter of comedy, showcasing some of the best talent in the industry.
As the city is known for its history of country music and no stranger to comedy icons, Nashville offers an unmatched stage for a festival of this caliber that spans generations and comedy categories. Among the venues anchoring the festival is Zanies—one of the oldest comedy clubs in the area and a comedy institution for decades. Its legacy and influence are key to the festival’s foundation.
Presale tickets will be available starting Wednesday, September 24 at 10 AM with code NCF2026. General on-sale begins Friday, September 26 at 10 AM at nashcomedyfest.com.
Additional venues, performers, and surprise guests will be revealed in the coming weeks, making this year’s festival a must-see for comedy lovers and an unmissable moment in the city’s entertainment calendar.
Nashville Comedy Festival Lineup
*On-Sale Now
Thursday, April 9 | Kevin James* | Ryman Auditorium
Thursday, April 10th & Friday, April 11 | Emily Catalano | The LAB at Zanies
Saturday, April 11 (2 Shows) | Morgan Jay* | Ryman Auditorium
Sunday, April 12 | Kathy Griffin* | Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Sunday, April 12 | Sal Vulcano | Ryman Auditorium
Tuesday, April 15 | Shelly Belly | Zanies Comedy Club
Thursday, April 16 | Heather McMahan | Ryman Auditorium
Friday, April 17 | David Spade | Ryman Auditorium
Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18 | Grace O'Malley | Zanies Comedy Club
Sunday, April 19 | Albert Brooks | The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, April 19 | Nate Jackson | Ryman Auditorium
About Outback Presents
Outback Presents is the leading independent, full service promoter of live entertainment in North America. Since 1996 we have promoted and produced thousands of concerts, events, and festivals ranging from clubs and theaters to arenas and stadiums. For more information, visit outbackpresents.com.
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