Comedy Takes Over the Smallest State
One of Rhode Island’s biggest comedy festivals is starting soon, but there are also several other stand-up acts making their way to the ocean state this fall.
Photo via Getty Images / Izusek
Rogue Island Comedy Festival is back with dates running Oct. 8 – 9 but in case you don’t have the chance to make it to the bi-annual event this year, you don’t have to miss the opportunity to see stand-up live. Whether you’re into cutting edge, rule breaking sets, or are wanting to find some more family friendly jokes, be assured that there is a show that fits your needs. Below is a list of comedians that are coming to Rhode Island for the Rogue Island Comedy Festival and others who are making stops later this year, with each one covering a wide range of topics.
Janet McNamara
After her widely popular Don’t Tell Comedy set, McNamara is making her way to Rouge Island Comedy Festival in Newport. While most will know her from her long career doing stand-up, many others would recognize her from her less-than-ideal audition for American Idol back in 2010, an event she often brings up herself at her shows. She is known for her dry and monotone humor and is often seen touring around New England because it is close to her home in Massachusetts. McNamara will be joined by several other comedians, including some local Rhode Island talent. This bi-annual festival is one of Rhode Island’s biggest comedy events of the year, so don’t miss out on the chance to see one of its headliners.
Tickets: $35. rogueislandcomedyfest.com Dates: October 8th – 11th.
John Mulaney
The 4-time Emmy winner is back for his sixth solo show in the state. His popularity with Gen-Z has caused him to become one of the most recognizable comedians among the young adults today. One of the stops on his “MISTER WHATEVER” will be at The Ryan Center in Kingston this October. While Mulaney’s last tour discussed the buildup and immediate aftermath of confronting with his struggles with addiction, this tour is all about how he has been handling sobriety since then. He’s not afraid to touch taboo topics and reviews say that this tour is Mulaney at his best, with newfound confidence allowing him to do increasingly risky jokes that the audience can always expect to land.
Tickets: $89. evenue.net Dates: October 24th.
Matt Rife
Rife is at the front of a new movement of comedy that embraces the internet and the platform it can give comedians. After going viral for his crowd work, his widley popular Netflix special Lucid was dedicated just to this skill. In 2024, Rife left is hometown in Ohio and came to live right in Rhode Island. He cites his reason for choosing the ocean states is because of its close location to the comedy scenes of Boston and Providence. Coming to Comedy Connection in Providence this November, expect the viral sensation to bring material all about how he has come to love the ocean state.
Tickets: $40. ricomedyconnection.com Dates: November 13th and 14th.
Juston McKinney
The season professional will be at JPT Film and Event Center in Newport for a show this November. After spending seven-years as the sheriff of a small town in Maine, he decided to take the leap and moved to New York City to pursue comedy. Since then, he has been touring all around the country, while staying close to New England where he is from. In 2022, McKinney decided to drop the profanity in favor of a cleaner, more family-friendly style. With jokes centered around themes of parenthood as well as commentary on his New England roots, you can expect a night full of heartfelt comedy that you can bring the whole family too.
Tickets: $43. etix.com Dates: November 14th.
Liz Glazer
The award-winning comedian, actor, and writer will be making an appearance at Comedy Connection in Newport this November. Before she was a comedian, Glazer was a tenured law professor at Hofstra Law School and wrote for several legal journals while there. She takes this unique experience in a field that is far from what could be considered comedy and shines a new light on the funnier side of the job. When going to her show, you can expect to not just laugh, but to learn the ins and outs of what is seen as one of the most serious professions, law.
Tickets: $23. eventbrite.com Dates: November 27th and 28th.
Colin Armstrong
After performing at Lil’ Rhody Laugh Riot Comedy Festival just earlier this year, he is coming back to Rhode Island again this December with his sharp and relatable sets. He is the co-creator of the viral sketch group, DimBloopers, which you might have seen across social media. His acts focus on topics like the everyday absurdities of life and his own struggle with clinical depression. The rising star has been named by many as someone to keep an eye on, so don’t miss out on the chance to see his provocative and self-aware comedy in action.
Tickets: $23. ricomedyconnection.com Dates: December 2nd.
Tommy Pope
The actor and comedian has been simultaneity doing both careers alongside each other for almost twenty years. You might know him from Netflix Tires, where he starts alongside Shane Gillis, or from his web series, The Real Househusbands of Philadelphia, or might have even heard his voice on the animated series Universal Basic Guys. His long career in the entertainment industry makes him a natural when doing stand-up. With a traditional sitcom like style, Pope’s work is expected to hit with people from all walks of life.
Tickets: $23. ricomedyconnection.com Dates: December 6th.
