Comedy Legends to Headline Lucille Ball Festival

Seinfeld, Kreischer, and Meyers to take the stage at 35th annual event in Jamestown

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:38pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring stark black silhouettes of three comedians against a plain white background, conceptually representing the iconic comedic personas of the festival's headliners.The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival brings together three of comedy's biggest stars for a landmark celebration of the art form.Jamestown Today

The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown, New York has announced its 2026 headliners - comedy icons Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer, and Seth Meyers. The festival, which celebrates its 35th anniversary and the 30th year of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, will take place August 6-9 and feature over 50 live events.

Why it matters

The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is a landmark event that honors the legacy of one of comedy's most influential figures. Bringing in top-tier talent like Seinfeld, Kreischer, and Meyers underscores the festival's status as a must-see destination for comedy fans, further cementing Jamestown's reputation as a hub for the art form.

The details

Seinfeld will headline on Thursday, August 6, Kreischer on Saturday, August 8, and Meyers on Sunday, August 9. A main stage Stand-Up Showcase featuring additional talent will take place on Friday, August 7. The festival will also include late-night comedy, block parties, live music, and more.

  • The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival will take place August 6-9, 2026.
  • The festival marks the 35th anniversary of the event and the 30th anniversary of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

The players

Jerry Seinfeld

A legendary comedian whose career took off after his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1981. He later co-created the iconic sitcom Seinfeld, which ran for nine seasons and is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential comedy series in television history.

Bert Kreischer

A top-grossing stand-up comedian who has evolved from Rolling Stone's 'Number One Partier in the Nation' to a dynamic media personality. He has released multiple Netflix specials and oversees hit podcasts and series through his production company, Berty Boy Productions.

Seth Meyers

An Emmy Award-winning writer, New York Times bestselling author, and host of Late Night with Seth Meyers since 2014. He spent 13 seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, including nine seasons as head writer and eight seasons as anchor of 'Weekend Update.'

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

A museum in Jamestown, New York that celebrates the legacy of comedy icon Lucille Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz. The museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

National Comedy Center

The organization that hosts the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival and operates the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

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What they’re saying

“The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is a must-see destination for comedy fans, and bringing in top talent like Seinfeld, Kreischer, and Meyers underscores its status as a premier event.”

— Desi Arnaz Jr., Co-founder, National Comedy Center

What’s next

Tickets for the headlining performances and festival events will go on pre-sale for National Comedy Center members on April 27, with tickets available to the general public starting May 1. The full festival lineup will be announced in the coming weeks at ComedyCenter.org/festival.

The takeaway

The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival continues to attract some of the biggest names in comedy, solidifying Jamestown's reputation as a hub for the art form and honoring the legacy of one of its most influential figures.