New York Comedy Festival

Established in 2004 by Caroline Hirsch, founder of Carolines, the New York Comedy Festival spreads stand-up across New York City venues that include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Apollo, BAM, the Beacon Theatre, Madison Square Garden, and Town Hall. It has hosted comedians such as Judd Apatow, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Conan O'Brien, and Robin Williams, and it has also been a launchpad through New York's Funniest Stand-Up and Comics to Watch. Past Funniest winners include Nate Bargatze and Michael Che. Programming reaches past stand-up into panels, podcast tapings, improv, sketch, and film screenings. In 2023 the run grew from seven days to ten. Stand Up for Heroes, begun in 2006 with Bob and Lee Woodruff, supports the Bob Woodruff Foundation's work with veterans, service members, and their families.

Our take: Mix a big-room stand-up set with a panel or a podcast taping to see more than one side of the festival.