BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL FINAL at Somerville Theater

For 25 years, the Boston Comedy Festival has been a launchpad for top stand-up talent, and this year’s 25th Annual Comedy Contest is bigger than ever! The final eight comedians, narrowed from a 72-comic field, will battle for a $7,000 grand prize, delivering razor-sharp wit and high-energy performances before a live audience and esteemed judges.

Past winners and finalists have gone on to headline theaters, land Netflix specials, and dominate late-night TV—including Nate Bargatze (Netflix, The Tonight Show), Marc Normand (Netflix, Conan, Joe Rogan Experience), Joe List (Netflix, The Tonight Show), Learnmore Jonasi (Steve Harvey’s Stand Up Spotlight, AGT), Dan Boulger (The Late Late Show), and Kelly MacFarland (Comedy Central, The View).

Who will be the next breakout star to emerge from this legendary competition? Don’t miss an unforgettable night of stand-up as the next generation of comedy’s elite take their shot at glory! 

Along with the competition, we’ll honor our 2025 award recipients:

Ryan Hamilton (Comedian of the Year), a Netflix and late-night favorite known for his sharp, observational humor

Billy Gardell (Lifetime Achievement Award), star of Bob Hearts Abishola and Mike & Molly.

Special gues Comedian and festival founder Jim McCue

The night will be hosted by Tony Viveiros, a Boston comedy legend with TV credits including Seinfeld and Conan. Don’t miss this historic night of laughter!