Boston Comedy Festival 2012 Stand-Up Comedy Sep 13–22, 2012

Boston’s got a knack for churning out some of the funniest comedians on stage and screen. Headlining acts and celebrities like Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Steve Carell, Amy Poehler, and many others all started their comedic careers here. So it’s no surprise that Boston attracts the best professional and amateur comedians around the country to compete and perform at the annual Boston Comedy Festival.

Since 2000, the most popular comedy clubs in Boston and Somerville host the Boston Comedy Festival for a week in either September or October. Top local comics compete at local landmarks like Davis Square Theater and Dick’s Beantown Comedy Vault for a chance at the 1st place prize, which includes a $10,000 contract to perform at the best clubs across the country like Laugh Out Loud in San Antonio and the Laughter Lounge in New York. Past 1st place winners include rising comedy stars Nate Bergatze and Saleem Muhammad.

The Boston Comedy Festival also features professionals like Lewis Black, Joan Rivers, Judah Friedlander, and Louis CK as well as a wide range of short films, improv, and sketch routines. Tickets to the Boston Comedy Festival sell out early and range from around $10 to $35 for individual performances. After you’re through cramping from laughter, get to know the amateur comedians and maybe even spot your favorite celebrity stand-up at the bars nearby the Boston Comedy Festival.