The 10th Annual NW Black Comedy Festival

Logo courtesy of NW Black Comedy Festival

Black comics from all over the country are coming to Portland for a week of laughter, joy and the celebration of humor.

The 10th annual NW Black Comedy Festival features Black comics performing showcases during one week.

This year’s festival is taking place at Curious Comedy Theater.

NW Black Comedy Festival Showcases

The NW Black Comedy Festival is February 16-22, 2026. Choose the show you want to attend from the schedule below.

Monday, February 16

6-7:15 p.m. Young Gunz brings you the hottest and funniest up and coming comics in the game.

7:45-9 p.m. Improving While Black (Round 1): Watch as Oprah’s Book club and Unk & Nef go head-to-head.

Tuesday, February 17

6-7:15 p.m. The Real Comedy Spot Showcase features new and experienced comedians earning their chops.

7:45-9 p.m. Improving While Black (Round 2): Watch as The Humans and the winner of round one go head-to-head.

Wednesday, February 18

6-7:15 p.m. Dirty Angel All-Stars is a classic showcase featuring Dirty Angel Entertainment’s favorite stars.

7:45-9 p.m. Improving While Black (All Team Jamboree): Watch Oprah’s Book Club, Unk & Nef and The Humans perform. 

Thursday, February 19

6-7:30 p.m. I Got a Story to Tell brings you storytellers from across the country spinning tales hilariously from their real lives.

8-9:30 p.m. Sophisticated Ignorance features the absurdity, foolishness and ignorance that is the best of Black comedy.

Friday, February 20

6-7:15 p.m. House of Hyjinx: Heavy Hitters is a showcase packed with seasoned vets and an established headliner.

7:30-8:30 p.m. Las Vegas All-Stars (Macho’s Vegas Invasion) brings Las Vegas straight to the Northwest Black Comedy Festival for one unforgettable night of laughs.

9-10:30 p.m. Black & Proud showcases Black comics who are LGBTQIA+.

Saturday, February 21

6-7:15 p.m. Drunken Night Out: Comedian Ken Hamlett of Chicago hosts a lineup of comics who discuss their worst drunken nights out.

7:30-8:30 p.m. The Real Comedy Spot Showcase features new and experienced comedians.

9-10:30 p.m. Ladies Run This Mutha’ brings you the funniest Black women in the industry.

Sunday, February 22

7-8:15 p.m. Improving While Black (Finale), one team will go home with the top prize, The Best Improv Group of the Fest.

8:30-10 p.m. Best of the Fest: The top seven comedians of the festival compete to win the prize of Best of the Fest.

Tickets

This year, ticket prices vary depending on the day of the event. Prices are for each event: 

Monday-Wednesday

• Advanced: $22
• Livestream: $22
• Door: $27
• Two-show combo: $37

Thursday-Sunday

• Advanced: $32
• Livestream: $27
• Door: $37

The event is at Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 NE MLK Blvd in Portland. For more information, visit the festival’s website.

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