The 2026 What's Funny Comedy Festival is set for an eight-day run in Chicago from September 19 through September 26. Lil Rel Howery, who built the festival with hometown entrepreneur Knowledge Beckom, is also scheduled to appear.
Festival Expansion
Howery discussed the festival in a video interview with CBS News Chicago. The festival is set to run for eight days of programming.
Bill Bellamy Set to Be Honored
Chicago's broader festival context
Chicago has a broader comedy-festival landscape. CBS Chicago reported that the 312 Comedy Festival debuted in the city in 2023.
Comedian and actor Bill Bellamy is being honored with an Icon Award as part of this year's festival.
Later in the week, on September 24, a showcase is set for The Comedy Bar at 162 E Superior St. in Chicago, hosted by Correy Bell, according to choosechicago.com. Every festival showcase features at least six comedians alongside a host.
From Local Pop-Ups to a Citywide Festival
Whats Funny Comedy was founded in 2008 by Chicago entrepreneur Knowledge Beckom, well before the festival itself launched. The first annual What's Funny Comedy Festival debuted in September 2024, running September 16-22 and featuring 40 to 45 comedians including Just Nesh, Damon Williams, Lavar Walker and Sherri Shepherd, as reported by thetriibe.com.
That inaugural festival culminated in a live taping of one of Howery's comedy specials at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.
