The 2026 Nantucket Comedy Festival

EVENT TIME

Thu, July 09, 2026 to Sat, July 11, 2026

LOCATION

Dreamland Film and Performing Arts Theatre

17 South Water Street

Nantucket, MA 02554

Attend

DONATE

Celebrating 20 Years of Laughter

The Nantucket Comedy Festival returns July 9–11, 2026, for a milestone 20th Anniversary celebration filled with unforgettable performances, signature events, and community traditions that have defined the Festival for two decades.

The celebration begins Wednesday, July 8 at 3:00 PM with the free Stand Up & Learn Showcase, where student comedians from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard take the stage to perform original stand-up routines developed through the Festival’s nonprofit youth comedy program. This inspiring event highlights the next generation of comedic talent and marks the first-ever expansion of the program to include Martha’s Vineyard.

The weekend officially kicks off Thursday, July 9 at the Nantucket Performing Arts Center with the Roaring 20’s Opening Party at 6:00 PM, open to all ticket holders, followed by Women’s Night of Comedy at 7:00 PM. This beloved Festival tradition features Judy Gold, Katie Hannigan, and Teresa DeGaetano for an evening of sharp wit, big laughs, and high-energy performances. Wear your best 20's attire!

On Friday, July 10, the Festival heads to Dreamland Theater for a special screening of Townie at 3:00 PM. Following the film, audiences will enjoy an exclusive live Q&A with star Steve Sweeney and Academy Award-winning director Peter Farrelly, offering behind-the-scenes stories and insights from two iconic figures in comedy.

Friday evening continues at the Nantucket Performing Arts Center with Legends of Comedy at 6:00 PM, featuring Festival favorites Steve Sweeney, Jackie Flynn, Jimmy Dunn, and Tom Cotter. This special anniversary event celebrates the comedians who helped build the Nantucket Comedy Festival and keep audiences laughing year after year.

The Festival concludes Saturday, July 11, with the fan-favorite Boston vs. New York SmACKdown at 7:00 PM at Dreamland Theater. Featuring comedians from both comedy capitals and longtime referee Bob Ley, this signature event delivers nonstop laughs, friendly rivalry, and ultimate bragging rights.

Individual tickets are on sale now at nantucketcomedy.com/attend

Whether you're joining us for a single show or celebrating all weekend long, we can't wait to welcome you for 20 Summers of Laughter!

Patron Passes

STANDARD PATRON PASS

$1,500 Standard Patron Pass

Experience Nantucket Comedy Festival with all-access entry to every show and event throughout the weekend.

• One (1) VIP all-access pass to every NCF show

• One (1) entry to every pre-show cocktail party

• One (1) ticket to the Opening Night Party

• One (1) ticket to the Stand Up & Learn Benefit, an exclusive event featuring special celebrity guest(s).

• Donation to Stand Up & Learn, Nantucket’s year-round educational workshops which engage students through comedy, creative writing, communication, and critical thinking, as well as team and confidence building.

GOLD PATRON PASS

$5,000 Gold Patron Pass

Elevate your Nantucket Comedy Festival experience with premium access, priority seating, and exclusive benefits.

• Two (2) VIP all-access passes and reserved premium seating at every NCF show

• Two (2) tickets to every pre-show cocktail party

• Two (2) tickets to the Opening Night Party

• Two (2) tickets to the Stand Up & Learn Benefit, an exclusive event featuring special celebrity guest(s).

• Special Listing in the virtual program for you or your company, along with signage at the events and on our website.

• Leadership donation to Stand Up & Learn, Nantucket’s year-round educational workshops which engage students through comedy, creative writing, communication, and critical thinking, as well as team and confidence building.

• Special thank you from the stage at Stand Up & Learn Kids’ Night

• Shared sponsor credit of a Stand Up & Learn Winter Series Workshop and Performance in 2026-7

• Special assistance during festival events from our Gold Level Patron Pass concierge

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Support Stand Up & Learn™

Stand Up & Learn relies on the generosity of individuals like you to help a child find their funny.

Other

Organizer

Nantucket Comedy Festival Alyssa Corry alyssa@nantucketcomedyfestival.org Nantucket, MA https://nantucketcomedy.com/

Nonprofit Organization Donations Tax Deductible