At Comedy @ The Carlson, we’ve been bringing some of the biggest names in comedy to Rochester for years, so creating a comedy festival felt like the natural next step.
When we began planning, our goal was to showcase national headliners, rising stars, local comedians, storytellers, podcasts, improv, and special events all in one unforgettable weekend. But what truly excited us was realizing the festival could be about more than just great comedy. It could be an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.
That’s why a portion of every ticket sold benefits the Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance, helping support local organizations that provide services to individuals and families facing cancer. Rochester has always been a community that steps up for one another, and this festival is another way for all of us to do exactly that.
Please come join us and be a part of the very first Rochester Comedy Festival. We hope you’ll laugh a lot, discover some new favorite comedians, and leave knowing you helped make a difference. Together, we’re building a tradition Rochester can be proud of for years to come.
Your friends at
Comedy @ The Carlson
Catch a Show
Festival Venues
Most festival venues are located within one mile of each other, making it easy to enjoy multiple shows throughout the weekend. Only Photo City Music Hall is a short drive from the main festival campus.
Comedy @ The Carlson
50 Carlson Road, Rochester, NY 14610
The home of the Rochester Comedy Festival and Festival Headquarters, Comedy @ The Carlson hosts many of the festival’s biggest events, including headlining stand-up shows with Pete Correale, Ryan Long, and Tina Friml. It is also home to the Rochester’s Funniest Stand-Up Contest Finals and the Brother Wease Reunion. Festival merchandise and the main box office are located here.
Rickles Room
Inside Comedy @ The Carlson
50 Carlson Road, Rochester, NY 14610
Comedy @ the Carlson’s intimate showroom features stand-up showcases, including Suburban Dads of Comedy, Viral Night Live with Rob Campbell, The Inner Loop Blog Roast Battles, and a special late-night edition of the VIP Comedy Experience featuring Tony Wood.
The Carlson
58 Carlson Road, Rochester, NY 14610
Located immediately next door to Comedy @ The Carlson, The Carlson is the festival’s home for Pride Weekend, featuring shows like Therapy with Aggy Dune and Drags of Comedy.
Artisan Works
565 Blossom Road, Rochester, NY 14610
One of Rochester’s most unique event spaces, Artisan Works features three festival showrooms hosting some of the festival’s biggest headliners, including Thea Vidale, Marcus Monroe, Jessimae Peluso, and Joselito Da Puppet.
Showrooms:
- Bourbon Street
- Vertigo Heights
- Casablanca
Festival volunteers will be stationed throughout the building to help direct you to the correct showroom.
Radio Social
20 Carlson Road, Rochester, NY 14610
Just steps from Comedy @ The Carlson, Radio Social combines bowling, great food, craft drinks, and live entertainment in one of Rochester’s premier social venues. Head over on Saturday, July 18, and party like it’s 1999 at our special ’90s Party featuring Dial Up!
Photo City Music Hall
543 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester, NY 14609
A longtime Rochester live entertainment venue, Photo City Music Hall hosts the festival’s toast to geek culture on Sunday, July 19, featuring Big D&D Energy with Steve Wrigley and Hack the Movies Presents: Street Fighter: The Movie… The Screening!
Supporting Our Community
The Rochester Comedy Festival is proud to support the Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance.
A portion of every festival ticket sold helps support this collaborative network of local nonprofit organizations dedicated to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. The Alliance connects individuals and families with free programs, emotional support, educational resources, camps, counseling, wellness services, and practical assistance throughout every stage of the cancer journey.
The Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance brings together five leading local organizations:
- 13thirty Cancer Connect – Supporting teens and young adults (ages 13–39) with cancer and their families.
- Camp Good Days – Providing camps, recreational programs, and year-round activities for children and adults impacted by cancer.
- Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club Rochester – Offering free support groups, wellness programs, counseling, and educational resources.
- C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association – Delivering non-medical support and services to children with cancer or chronic blood disorders and their families.
- American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Rochester – Providing free lodging and support for cancer patients traveling for treatment.
By attending the Rochester Comedy Festival, you’re doing more than enjoying a weekend of great entertainment—you are helping strengthen a network of organizations that provides hope, support, and resources to thousands of local families affected by cancer each year.
FAQ’s
Tickets
All tickets are held at Will Call.
Simply check in at the box office where your show is taking place and have a valid photo ID ready. If you purchased tickets for multiple venues, you’ll pick them up at the venue hosting each individual show.
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime to allow time for parking, check-in, and seating.
Please remember all shows are 21+. No Exceptions.
Parking
Free parking is available at all festival venues.
Comedy @ The Carlson / Rickles Room / The Carlson / Radio Social
- Free parking is available in the Carlson Road parking lots surrounding the venues.
- These venues are all within a short walk of one another, so you can park once and enjoy multiple shows throughout the day.
Artisan Works
- Free on-site parking is available in the Artisan Works parking lot or feel free to park at the Carlson and walk over.
Photo City Music Hall
- Free parking is available in the venue’s parking lot, with additional street parking nearby if needed.