Laugh Yourself Silly with John Mulaney, Chelsea Handler and More at the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot Comedy Festival
The star-studded comedy festival returns to Providence this spring.
Courtesy of Lil Rhody Laugh Riot
Grab your friends and get ready for a full weekend of laughter, creativity and live entertainment in the heart of Providence. The second annual Lil Rhody Laugh Riot Comedy Festival returns Friday, March 26, through Sunday, March 29, with local performers and renowned stars from across the country, bringing the biggest laughs to the smallest state.
“Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is where the country’s top comics collide with the city’s sharpest locals,” says Amanda Bonafine, Director of Concerts & Comedy for PFM Corp. “Providence isn’t just hosting comedy anymore — we’re setting the tone for it.”
The stacked line-up includes big-name comedians such as John Mulaney, Chelsea Handler, Andrew Schulz, Mark Normand, Andrew Santino, Zarna Garg, Marc Maron and Jay Pharoah, to name a few. And while the comedy fest will be anchored at the VETS Memorial Auditorium, additional shows will take place at satellite venues around the area including the Providence Performing Arts Center, RI Comedy Connection and the newly re-opened Uptown Theater.
“We are equally excited to expand our local partnerships to create a full weekend of entertainment and activity throughout downtown Providence,” says Daniel Schwartz, general manager of the VETS. “By collaborating with businesses like Aloft Hotel, Moniker Brewery, Malted Barley, Track 15, Moonshine Alley, Yellow Door Taqueria, and more, we’re able to showcase the very best that Providence has to offer and create a festival experience that feels rooted in this community.”
In its first year, Lil Rhody Laugh Riot welcomed more than 18,000 attendees to the Creative Capital to witness the comedic chops of sixty comedians — including the likes of Kevin Hart, Hannah Berner, Matt Rife, Leslie Jones and Alex Edelman— over thirty shows at ten different venues. This year, the festival is gearing up for even bigger names and louder laughs.
“The City of Providence is beyond excited to welcome back the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot for its second annual festival,” adds Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “This celebration of comedy brings people together from all across the country, filling our city with laughter, connection and the shared joy that makes Providence such a vibrant place to our visitors and residents. We look forward to its return in 2026 and to another unforgettable weekend of entertainment and community spirit.”
Tickets officially go on sale Friday, November 7, and can be purchased online here.
Here are the dates, times and locations for the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot performances and events (stay tuned for additional announcements!):
At the Providence Performing Arts Center:
- John Mulaney: Friday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m.
- Andrew Schulz: Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m.
At The VETS
- Bob the Drag Queen & Monét X Change: Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m.
- Andrew Santino: Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m.
- Zarna Garg: Saturday, March 28, at 4 p.m.
- Chelsea Handler: Saturday, March 28, at 8 p.m.
- Mark Normand: Sunday, March 29, at 7 p.m.
At the Uptown Theater
- Demetri Martin: Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m.
- Jessica Kirson: Friday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m.
- Marc Maron: Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m.
- Kristin Key: Sunday, March 29, at 7 p.m.
At the Comedy Connection
- Jay Pharoah: Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
For more information and available tickets, visit lilrhodylaughriot.com.
