About

Flagship City Comedy Fest
Celebrating stand-up, storytelling, and the power of laughter in Erie, Pennsylvania

A multi-day celebration of stand-up comedy held annually in Erie, Pennsylvania Designed to spotlight both local talent and nationally touring comedians, the fest brings together diverse voices and high-energy performances across multiple venues in Erie’s vibrant downtown. Since its launch, the fest has quickly become one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events—blending world-class entertainment with grassroots creativity and community connection.

With a mission to foster creativity, inclusivity, and joy through live performance, Flagship City Comedy Fest offers a unique and welcoming space where comics and audiences come together to celebrate the art of comedy in all its forms. From side-splitting headliner shows to intimate showcases, themed events, and open mics, the fest creates an unforgettable experience for performers and attendees alike.

A Community-Driven Comedy Experience  
What sets Flagship City Comedy Fest apart is its authentic connection to community. The fest was founded by Erie-based comedians who saw an opportunity to create something special: a platform for laughter and creative expression in the heart of their hometown. With strong ties to local businesses, artists, and audiences, the fest has become a powerful driver of cultural engagement in the city—attracting visitors from across the Great Lakes region and beyond.

Every year, the fest transforms Erie into a comedy destination. Shows are staged in a range of unique venues, including independent bookstores, breweries, bars, art collectives, and theaters—each offering a different flavor of comedy, from sharp political satire to deeply personal storytelling, absurdist acts to punchy one-liners.

Elevating Diverse Voices  
Flagship City Comedy Fest is committed to building an inclusive and representative comedy scene. The fest curates lineups that reflect a wide range of backgrounds, styles, and perspectives—amplifying voices from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other historically underrepresented communities in comedy.

By providing stage time to both up-and-coming comics and seasoned professionals, the fest plays a vital role in fostering growth and visibility for artists at all stages of their careers. Local comedians share the stage with touring acts from across the country, making it an ideal event for discovery, connection, and collaboration.

More Than Just Stand-Up  
While stand-up is at the core of the Flagship City Comedy Fest, the event often includes special programming such as:
- Themed showcases (e.g. literary comedy, musical comedy, tattoo-themed sets)
- Interactive events(e.g. comedy games, audience participation shows)
- Afterparties and social mixers to build connections among performers and fans

By blending traditional stand-up with experimental formats, the fest encourages artists to take creative risks and explore new ways to connect with audiences.

An Impactful, Growing Legacy  
Since its inception, Flagship City Comedy Fest has grown from a small local event into a multi-day festival that draws attention throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Each year builds on the last, expanding its reach, refining its programming, and deepening its impact. The fest is now recognized not only for its high-quality comedy but for the positive, uplifting energy it brings to the Erie community.

In addition to drawing tourism dollars and media attention, the fest has helped inspire a wave of comedy activity in the city—supporting open mic nights, comedy workshops, and local showcases year-round.

Who It’s For  
Flagship City Comedy Fest is for anyone who loves to laugh, discover new talent, and be part of something real. It’s for comedy fans, culture seekers, artists, tourists, and locals alike. Whether you're a die-hard comedy nerd, someone who’s never been to a stand-up show before, or a performer looking to connect with like-minded creatives, the fest welcomes you.

It’s also for partners who want to support local culture and align with a feel-good, forward-thinking event. Sponsorship opportunities allow businesses and organizations to be part of something that’s both fun and meaningful.