Chicago’s fall comedy lineup for 2026 features a diverse array of performances spanning stand-up, musical comedy, and sketch, with shows scheduled at multiple venues throughout the city.
The season opens on September 10 with Featured Players at Zanies Chicago. Positioned between stand-up and sketch, this alt-comedy showcase includes musical acts, character comedians, and magic performances, offering an alternative to traditional stand-up formats.
A week later, on September 17, Remix Comedy takes the stage at the Laugh Factory, highlighting Chicago’s musical comedians with parodies and original songs. The following evening, Atsuko Okatsuka brings “The Big Bowl Tour” to the Chicago Theatre for a two-night engagement on September 18 and 19. Okatsuka, noted by Variety as a top comic to watch in 2022, weaves storytelling with music and dance, drawing on her Taiwanese Japanese American heritage.
Also on September 18, Buena Onda Comedy showcases Latin comics at Lincoln Lodge, reflecting the vibrant diversity of Chicago’s comedy scene.
Melissa Villaseñor, known for her tenure on “Saturday Night Live” from 2016 to 2022 and recent voice roles in major animated films, will perform four shows over two nights—September 25 and 26—at the Den Theatre. Villaseñor is also recognized for her podcast and authorship of a self-help workbook, enhancing her multidisciplinary appeal.
Emil Wakim, a Chicago native and the first Lebanese-American cast member of “Saturday Night Live” during its 50th season, will appear in a series of shows beginning October 2. His performances will take place at Zanies Rosemont and Zanies Chicago. Wakim is set to tape his inaugural Netflix special in October, with these shows expected to preview material for that project.
Luke Null, originally from Ohio but with deep Chicago comedy roots, returns for five performances at Zanies Chicago from October 15 to 17. Null, who also appeared on “Saturday Night Live,” recently released a stand-up special titled “Pretty Songs, Dirty Words.”
From October 22 to 25, Comedy Plex in Oak Park will host the second edition of the Funny Is Female Comedy Festival, celebrating female voices in comedy at its venue on Lake Street.
British comedian Brett Goldstein, two-time Emmy Award winner and known for his role on Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso,” will bring his “Sex, Death, & Small Talk” tour to the Chicago Theatre on October 25. Goldstein’s credits also include hosting a podcast and starring in Netflix’s “Office Romance.” Prior to his Chicago engagement, he will perform at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb.
Australian comedian Josh Thomas, who gained early recognition with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s RAW Comedy Award, will perform on October 29 at the Den Theatre. Thomas is noted for creating and starring in television shows such as “Please Like Me” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay.”
The season will culminate with the 312 Comedy Festival, an eleven-day event running November 5 through 15 across seven venues including Chicago Theatre, Zanies Rosemont, and Wintrust Arena. The festival lineup features notable comedians such as Nikki Glaser, Bert Kreischer, Michelle Wolf, and Rachel Scanlon.