The annual Nantucket Comedy Festival brings top comedic talent to Nantucket for three days of laughter on July 10, 11, and 12.
The 2025 festival opens at the Dreamland Theater on Thursday at 7 pm with a beloved tradition: an evening spotlighting incredibly funny female comedians. This year’s Women’s Night of Comedy features nationally headliners Ariel Elias, Gina Brillon, and Mia Jackson. This hilarious event is a high-energy start to the festival every year.
As a major fundraiser for Stand Up & Learn™ (SUL)—a year-round educational program that teaches kids life skills through comedy—the festival is proud to highlight young performers. On Friday, July 11 at 4 pm, the talented SUL Kids take over the brand-new Nantucket Performing Arts Center stage for a free, family- friendly show showcasing the comedic skills they’ve developed.
Later that evening, at 6 pm in the Dreamland, Nantucket Comedy Festival stars hail from north of the border, bringing the sharp wit and perspective that make Canadian comedians beloved around the world. This wildly funny evening will shine a spotlight on the humor that makes Canada uniquely funny. O Canada! Comedy is a fresh addition to the Fest with an all-star lineup including Aaron Berg, Ian Bagg, and Ophira Eisenberg.
The laughs keep going at the Friday Night After Party at Cisco Brewers from 8 to 10 pm. Mingle with comedians, hear outrageous behind-the-scenes stories from the road, and enjoy bonus performances from festival favorites and a few surprise guests.
On Saturday night, July 12 at 7 PM, it’s the comedy showdown of the summer as top comedians from Boston and New York go head-to-head during SmACKdown, the final event of the 2025 Nantucket Comedy Festival. Emceed by hometown comedian Brian Glowacki, the punches will be kept funny and (mostly) above the belt as these two legendary cities battle for bragging rights. The lineup includes Drew Dunn, Jon Fisch, and Juston McKinney batting for Boston against Big Apple comedians Brian Scott McFadden, Paul Ollinger, and Ted Alexandro.
Nantucket Comedy Festival shows sell out every year, so buy your tickets to the shows and the after party now at NantucketComedy.com/attend. And sign up for the NCF Newsletter to be the first to know about NCF events and activities, comedians, Stand Up and Learn shows.
