SXSW just dropped its 2026 Comedy Festival lineup, putting shock comic Eric André shoulder to shoulder with stand-up heavyweights Bill Burr, Chelsea Peretti, and Adam Pally. The comedy slate runs four nights, from March 13–16, tucked inside SXSW’s broader March 12–18 takeover of Austin.
Who’s on the bill
The roster stacks big-name comics, sketch crews, and experimental improv. Bill Burr is set to host a FOX Entertainment showcase, Eric André is hauling in his live "Bombing" show, and BriTANicK is rolling out a brand-new hour. The program also loads up on late-night improv staples, live podcast tapings, and sketch sets that tease surprise cameos and crossovers, according to CultureMap Austin.
Dates, access, and Platinum reservations
The SXSW Comedy Festival officially runs March 13–16 inside the larger SXSW week of March 12–18, and most showcases are open to SXSW badgeholders. A few premium events use Platinum reservations, including Dropout Improv at ACL Live, which holds a limited block of seats for Platinum badgeholders, per SXSW.
Improv, podcasts, and onstage chaos
Organizers leaned hard into improv and podcast culture this year. Dropout-produced shows like Crowd Control and Dirty Laundry are on the calendar alongside sketch nights such as CHAOS from Chelsea Peretti and Natasha Leggero, as reported by The Austin Chronicle. The Chronicle also notes that showcases will be scattered across downtown haunts from The Creek and The Cave to Esther’s Follies, keeping that restless late-night energy moving room to room.
Logistics and what to watch
Carnival Cruise Line is on the sponsor list for the Comedy Festival and is backing a slate of showcases that includes ASSSSCAT, Bombing with Eric André, BriTANicK, and several Dropout-backed events. Platinum and festival badge tiers are already on sale, with Platinum listed at about $1,995 and festival badges running roughly $820–$1,395, per CultureMap Austin. Anyone eyeing those limited reservations and late-night rooms will want to lock in plans early.
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