SXSW Reveals 2026 Comedy Lineup

This year's festival will feature Adam Pally, Bill Burr, BriTANick, Chelsea Peretti, and more.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

South by Southwest revealed the lineup for its 2026 Comedy Festival, which will take place during the 40th edition of the festival from March 12-18. Featured performers include Adam Pally, Bill Burr, BriTANick, Chelsea Peretti, Chloe Radcliffe, and more.

Why it matters

SXSW has long been a platform for discovering new comedy talent, and this year's lineup continues that tradition by spotlighting both emerging voices and established icons who are redefining the craft of comedy.

The details

The 2026 SXSW Comedy Festival will feature a diverse lineup of stand-up comedians, improv groups, live podcast recordings, and more. Featured presenters include Don't Tell Comedy, Dropout, Funny or Die, Reductress, SmartLess, and The Stand.

  • The 2026 SXSW Comedy Festival will take place from March 12-18, 2026.
  • This year marks the 40th edition of the overall SXSW festival.

The players

SXSW

An annual conglomerate of film, interactive media, music, and comedy festivals and conferences that take place in Austin, Texas.

Sam Schles

The director of the SXSW Comedy Festival.

Adam Pally

A comedian and actor known for his roles in shows like "Happy Endings" and "The Mindy Project."

Bill Burr

A veteran stand-up comedian and actor known for his brutally honest and unapologetic comedy.

BriTANick

A comedy duo consisting of Bri Pruett and Nick Sahoyah, known for their sketch comedy and improv performances.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As part of this milestone year and the 19th edition of SXSW Comedy, the festival brings the freshest, funniest voices to Austin for a week of stand-up showcases, hilarious improv, exciting gameshows, live podcast recordings, and more.”

— SXSW (patch.com)

“This year's lineup celebrates where comedy is headed. I'm excited to help shape the next chapter of SXSW Comedy with a renewed focus on impact for both comics and audiences.”

— Sam Schles, SXSW Comedy Director (patch.com)

“We're bringing together the new comedy vanguard and established icons who continue to redefine the craft. SXSW has always been a place for discovery, and this program captures that spirit by spotlighting emerging voices and new projects from comics at the top of their game.”

— Sam Schles, SXSW Comedy Director (patch.com)

What’s next

SXSW Comedy is open to all badge types, and the Dropout Improv Show at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on March 17 has limited availability and is open to Platinum badgeholders only.

The takeaway

SXSW's 2026 Comedy Festival promises to be a diverse and dynamic showcase of both up-and-coming and established comedic talent, cementing the festival's reputation as a premier destination for discovering the next generation of comedy stars.