Denver’s Comedy Scene Thrives with the 3rd Annual RISE Comedy Festival

Looking for laughs this summer? RISE Comedy is holding its 3rd Annual RISE Comedy Festival from July 26 to August 3. 

Recently named Westword’s Best Variety Comedy Club of 2024, RISE Comedy is Denver’s premier destination for improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy, as well as Colorado’s largest comedy training center. They have featured many different queer comedy groups through the years, including Bent Improv. Co-owners Nick Armstrong and Josh Nicols are committed to Denver’s comedy scene and are proud to announce the return of the RISE Comedy Festival for its third year. 

The festival will be held at RISE Comedy from July 26 to August 3 and will feature a lineup of stand-up comedians and improvisers from across North America. This year will be the biggest yet, as it will feature 30 stand-up comedians and 100 improvisers, including performers featured on NBC, Netflix, Fox, ABC, and more. The festival will kick off with a stand-up competition on July 26 and 27, where comics will compete for cash prizes. The improv portion of the festival is from August 1 – 3. 

“We are ecstatic to bring the RISE Comedy Festival back to Denver for its third year,” says Armstrong, co-owner and Artistic Director of RISE Comedy. “The lineup this year is truly outstanding, featuring some of the most talented and diverse comedians and improv troupes from across the country.”

As well as performances, the festival will include panels and workshops led by industry experts that will allow aspiring comedians the opportunity to learn from the best in the business. 

“We serve as a crucial resource for Denver comedians and beyond, helping them advance their comedy careers,” adds Nicols, co-owner and education director. “This year, not only do we have industry panels, we are excited to welcome over 30 comedians from around the country to participate in our improv comedy intensive taught by some of the biggest instructors in the world.” 

Tickets for the RISE Comedy Festival are now available for purchase.

Photo courtesy of social media