New Bedford Whale City Comedy begins August 28th

NEW BEDFORD — The SouthCoast’s only stand-up comedy festival, Whale City Comedy, returns for its second year Aug. 28 through Sept. 1, featuring more than 30 top comedians from Comedy Central, Conan and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

One of the highlights of the festival will be the first comedy show aboard the historic World War II ship USS Massachusetts in Fall River.

“The battleship shocks are what excites me the most,” said Ashlie Thatcher, festival director. “These will be the first comedy shows on board this historic WWII vessel. I’m excited to watch these comics, have fun, and see audiences enjoy standup comedy in a unique, historic venue.”

Thatcher said her favorite parts of the week are the BYOB shows at Gallery X on Friday nights.

“And Sunday night, I’m seeing my favorite comic, Andy Haynes, at The Vault in New Bedford!” Thatcher added.

But what sets this year’s festival apart is that they’ve accepted submissions from comedians all over the world. “Lineups are more diverse in style and experience than ever before,” Thatcher said.

For those planning to attend the festival, Thatcher advises them to come with an open mind and ready to laugh out loud. She also recommends bringing your own drinks for the Friday shows and taking care of your shoes for the Saturday show aboard the battleship.

More: New directors from the Bedford area will take over Clasky Commons on Sunday. That is why.

And for last minute updates and special offers, be sure to follow their social media.

What to expect in the next five days

The festival schedule kicks off Aug. 28 with hilarious improv duo The Portuguese Kids featuring Zach Brazão at the newly-owned Vault in downtown New Bedford.

Thursday, August 29, 6-8pm: Enjoy delicious brews and countryside views as Kelly MacFarland (Comedy Central, HBO) shuts down killer showcases at Buzzards Bay Brewing in Westport.

Friday, August 30, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Low-key, intimate, artistic vibes for night two. Chris Alan (Fox, Sirius XM) takes the stage for back-to-back BYOB shows at a historic church art gallery, Gallery X, in New Bedford.

Saturday, August 31, from 18:15 to 21: Comedy with the ship! The best comedy scenes from New York and LA come to the deck of the USS Massachusetts at Battleship Cove in Fall River for the first comedy deck shows. An official after party will be held at the Society Coffee Bar across the water in Somerset.

Sunday, September 1, 7-9pm: The festival ends with a bang when Comedy Central’s golden boy Sean Patton (Jimmy Fallon, Hulu, Netflix) joins us at The Vault in Historic Downtown New Bedford. Late Sunday night, the closing party for the Whale City Comedy Festival will take place at the New Bedford Harbor Hotel.

Why you should attend the comedy festival

Thatcher hopes people leave the festival with a new love for live comedy and the chance to discover their new favorite comedian.

“You don’t get this quality of stand-up comedy live in this area on a regular basis,” Thatcher said.

“People watch comedy at home or on their phones, but nothing compares to the real LIVE experience of being surrounded by the positive energy that comes from laughing with complete strangers.”

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at [email protected]. Learn more about him at sethchitwood.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

New Bedford Whale City Comedy begins August 28th

What to expect in the next five days

Why you should attend the comedy festival

By Matthew. Jr

You Missed

Apple can fix the iPhone 16 Pro disappointment

Ralph Beckett is left in tears as Bluestocking takes ‘extraordinary’ victory in Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Bears improve to 3-2 with Panthers rout

Starmer is calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon as he marks the anniversary of the October 7 massacre

New Bedford Whale City Comedy begins August 28th

What to expect in the next five days

Why you should attend the comedy festival

By Matthew. Jr

Related Post

Apple can fix the iPhone 16 Pro disappointment

Ralph Beckett is left in tears as Bluestocking takes ‘extraordinary’ victory in Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Bears improve to 3-2 with Panthers rout

You Missed

Apple can fix the iPhone 16 Pro disappointment

Ralph Beckett is left in tears as Bluestocking takes ‘extraordinary’ victory in Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Bears improve to 3-2 with Panthers rout

Starmer is calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon as he marks the anniversary of the October 7 massacre