Festivals

Get an inside scoop on what it’s like within the hallowed halls of 30 Rock at Saturday Night Live. Learn more about the rigorous weekly schedule, taking a sketch from paper to production, and how the show has changed over its nearly 50 year run.

Engage with archivists and explore a selection of archival materials from one of comedy’s most beloved duos, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Spanning their decades-long comedic and personal partnership, this experience features scripts, notes, and other rarely seen materials recently acquired by the National Comedy Center. Materials reflect their sharp wit, lasting chemistry, and wide-ranging impact across entertainment mediums.

Join us outside of the National Comedy Center before and after the Bert Kreischer shows for a party like no other! Enjoy live music, beer, wine, food trucks and more!

The National Comedy Center, the United States’ museum and national archive dedicated to the art form of comedy, announced that Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer and Seth Meyers will headline its annual comedy festival, held in Jamestown, New York, August 6 – 9, 2026. Bert Kreischer will take the stage on Saturday, August 8 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Northwest Arena. Bert Kreischer’s career has evolved from Rolling Stone’s…

Have fun and learn more about how you can make comedy! Explore the museum through discussions and activities led by a museum educator, then try your hand at improv, stand-up, and internet humor. Ideal for children aged 6 to 12 and their families, though all ages (and audience members) are welcome!

Join us in the Tropicana with Sirena Irwin and Bill Mendieta, stars of the original production and national tour I Love Lucy Live Onstage for brunch. After a big fight, "Lucy and Ricky" are lured to a solitary meeting by the "Mertzes". When they discover a dusty box of props, laughter and memories lead them back to love, forgiveness, and each other in this charming and heartfelt event.

Celebrate the centennial birthday of the legendary insult comic Don Rickles with a peek into the archive of his personal and professional materials. From creative papers to photographs, these materials illuminate Rickles’ fearless comedic style, quick wit, and enduring influence. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with members of our archives team while viewing these never-before-seen artifacts.

In a world of ever-evolving technology and new forms of media, some times you can’t beat the basics. From Punch and Judy to Miss Piggy, puppetry allows us to analyze some of our most human attributes through inanimate objects. Join a museum educator and discuss why we still love puppetry so much, and how it pairs so well with comedy.

Join us in the Tropicana with Sirena Irwin and Bill Mendieta, stars of the original production and national tour I Love Lucy Live Onstage for lunch. When "Ricky" learns a big Hollywood producer is coming to see his act, he prepares a favorite number—however "Lucy" has her own idea of who should be the star. What follows is a hilarious rehearsal full of big laughs, big dreams, and the comic chaos only "Lucy" can deliver.