EXCLUSIVE: The Stand Restaurant & Comedy Club is readying its second annual NY Laughs Festival, which is set to take place across Lower Manhattan and Union Square from June 4-7.
The lineup this year features Jeff Ross, Dave Attell, Andrew Dice Clay, Mark Normand, Bret Ernst, Paul Virzi, Rachel Feinstein, Big Jay Oakerson, Matthew Broussard, Joey Dardano, Emma Willmann, Steve Rannazzisi, Caitlin Peluffo, Funny AF breakout Usama Siddiquee, Alex English, and more stand-ups to be announced at a later date.
The festival opens with its signature event, Comedy in the Square, a free outdoor show in Union Square Park that will transform the park into an open-air stage from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on the 4th. The evening will begin with live music in Union Square Park’s North Plaza before stand-ups take the stage. The kickoff event builds on last year’s experience, which drew more than 1,000 attendees.
Presented in partnership with NYLaughs, a performing arts nonprofit dedicated to bringing world-class comedy to public spaces, and the Union Square Partnership, NY Laughs Festival’s mission is to make live comedy more accessible while building a connected, neighborhood-focused experience.
“What we’re building reflects how comedy exists in New York – across different rooms, formats, and audiences,” said NYLaughs founder Suzette Simon. “The goal is to create an experience that feels accessible, dynamic, and rooted in the neighborhood.”
With performances held at The Stand and Irving Plaza, the festival expands this year to include additional venues such as Joe’s Pub, Pier 57, and St. Marks Comedy Club, along with a special preview of The Stand’s newest location opening this summer at Chelsea Market.
