NY Laughs (in NYC)

The Second Annual NYLaughs Festival 2026 returns June 4–7, 2026, bringing stand-up comedy across Lower Manhattan and Union Square’s Northside Plaza with expanded programming, new venues, surprise moments, and enough punchlines to temporarily heal at least three New Yorkers from their seasonal emotional-support rage.

Presented by comedy nonprofit NYLaughs in collaboration with The Stand Restaurant & Comedy Club and Union Square Partnership, the four-day festival celebrates the city the way New Yorkers actually experience it: chaotic, creative, crowded, alive, and somehow deeply connected underneath all the yelling.

And the best part? The kickoff event is completely free. A concept currently polling extremely well with New Yorkers.

The festival opens Thursday, June 4, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Union Square with Comedy in the Square, a massive outdoor comedy event featuring Chris Turner, Mark Normand, Matthew Broussard, Emma Willmann, Caitlin Peluffo, and Usama Siddiquee.  Matt Richards will host.

Additional festival programming includes ticketed performances from Jeff Ross, Dave Attell, Matteo Lane, Bret Ernst, Joey Dardano, Steve Rannazzisi, Paul Virzi, and more to be announced. Expect full sets, surprise drop-ins, and the kind of energy only New York City can deliver.

Doors 7:30PM ET