LaughFest, the nation's first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, is back for a third year of stand-up comedy, improv, family events, film and seriously funny stuff March 7-17, 2013. Proceeds benefit Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids.
LaughFest Central - @ Grand Rapids Art Museum, Mon-Sat 9a-9p; Sun 12p-5p - Get information and purchase tickets and merchandise in the cafe space at GRAM through March 17 (also open Feb 28-March 6 with special hours).
Student Art Showcase - @ Bridgewater Place, Mon-Fri 7a-7p, Sat 8a-3p, free; all ages - See the artistic talents of area students on display inside Bridgewater place.
Laughter & Life: Portraits - @ Kendall College's Federal Building, M-Th 7a-10p, Sat 7a-5p, Sat 8a-10p, Sun 11p-5p, free; all ages - See photographer Brian Kelly's pictures of recognizable people from the community captured in funny and unexpected ways.
Punchline Art Show - @ LowellArts!, March 7-9 & 11-16, free; all ages - Featuring works from artists ages 16 and up, the exhibition takes a look at the lighter side of life.
WMCAT Art Exhibit - @ MoDiv (40 Monroe Ctr), Mon-Wed & Fri 11a-6p, Thurs 11a-7p, Sat 12p-5-p, free; all ages - Students from the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT) and GRPS showcase their artistic interpretations of humor and exploring healing through humor.
Laughter Yoga - @ Gilda's Club, March 8, 11, 13, 14-15 & 17, free - Certified laughter yoga leaders and teachers will help people release their inner joy through laughter and a series of simple exercises and breathing techniques.
A Laugh in the Attic! - @ Grand Rapids Public Library branches, March 9, 12-14, 16, free; all ages - Kids can listen to the poetry and stories of Shel Silverstein ("Where the Sidewalk Ends") and then create their own poetry and illustrations.
Gilda's Clubhouse Tours - @ Gilda's Club GR & Lowell, March 9-10, 12, 16-17, free; all ages - Get a firsthand look at what Gilda's is all about during a tour of the Grand Rapids or Lowell clubhouses.
Community Kick-Off - @ Rosa Parks Circle, 5:30 p.m., free; all ages - LaughFest 2013 kicks off with another Guinness World Record attempt, this time for the largest gathering of people who are wearing false mustaches. Official LaughFest mustaches will be passed out for free.
Teen Improv Night - @ GRPL - Main Branch, 7 p.m., free; ages 11-18 - Teens are invited to be part of the show when an improv comedy troupe performs at the Public Library's Main Branch.
Opening Night Parties - @ Downtown locations, 8 p.m., free - Pub 43, GP Sports, The Woods and Buffalo Wild Wings will have drink specials, giveaways and other surprises.
Opening Night Preview Shows - @ Downtown locations, 8 & 9 p.m., free - Pop into The B.O.B., Pyramid Scheme or McFadden's for drink specials and a sneak peak of the Clean Comedy Showcase, local comedians, and other surprise guests.
Clean Comedy Showcase I & II - @ The B.O.B., 7 & 9:30 p.m., $17.50; clean adult laughs - Enjoy laughs without vulgarity on the 3rd floor of The B.O.B. Check ticket availability as these shows sell out quickly.
In Memorium: Mitch Hedberg - @ Wealthy Theatre, 7 p.m., free; rated R - This event pays tribute to stand-up comedian Mitch Hedberg, who died in 2005.
Forever Plaid - @ Master Arts Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $17.50; clean adult laughs - Members of the Master Arts Theatre perform the comical musical revue with such songs as "Sixteen Tons" and "Chain Gang".
Garfunkel & Oates - @ Pyramid Scheme, 8 & 10:30 p.m., $22.50; rated R - The comedy duo has appeared in a number of TV shows including 'Big Bang Theory' and 'Raising Hope', and was named one of the 2010 Top 10 Comics to Watch by Variety.
Shaquille O’Neal Presents…All-Star Comedy Jam - @ GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 8 p.m., $42.50+; rated R - The all-star lineup for this show features D. L. Hughley, Bruce Bruce, Finesse Mitchell and Gary Owen.
Amateur Stand-Up Showcase - @ City Flats-Holland, 8 p.m., free; rated R - Support the newbies in stand-up comedy at a variety of locations during LaughFest including City Flats Hotel, LowellArts!, McFadden's and The B.O.B.
College Stand-Up Showcase - @ McFadden's, 8 p.m., free; rated R - See up-and-coming talent as college students give a lesson in funny.
Pop Scholars - @ Dog Story Theater, 8 & 10 p.m., free; rated R - The fast-paced 4-man improv group returns to Dog Story Theater for two free shows.
Semi-Pro Stand-Up Showcase - @ City Flats-Holland, 10 p.m., free; rated R - This stand-up showcase features a mix of comedy vets and up-and-coming amateurs.
Late Night Comedy Pros - @ McFadden's, 10 p.m., free; rated R - Have a laugh with stand-up comedians from West Michigan and beyond.
LaughFest's Best - @ Pyramid Scheme, 11:59 p.m., $10; rated R - The new show for 2013 will feature a secret lineup of local, regional and national comedians that will not be announced ahead of time.
Family Improv Workshop - @ Dog Story Theater, 11 a.m., free; all ages - Explore the basics of improvisational play with the queen of improv herself (and President of Fishladder Inc.), Mary Jane Pories.
Music & Theatre Showcase - @ The B.O.B., noon, free; rated R - See both amateur and professional talent give musical and theatrical performances designed to make the audience chuckle.
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - @ Crush at The B.O.B., 1 & 3 p.m., $7; all ages - Everyone can dance to the party music at Crush led by the purveyor of family hip hop, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.
How I Became a Pirate - @ GR Civic Theatre, 2 p.m., free; all ages - Follow Jeremy as he becomes a pirate...will he stay out on the open sea or miss mom and dad?
Quirkshop: Put a Bird on it! - @ UICA, 6 p.m., $15-$20; clean adult humor - Get crafty at this month's UICA quirkshop as they pay homage to the TV show 'Portlandia'.
Clean Comedy Showcase I & II - @ The B.O.B., 7 & 9:30 p.m., $17.50; clean adult laughs - Enjoy laughs without vulgarity on the 3rd floor of The B.O.B. Check ticket availability as these shows sell out quickly.
Forever Plaid - @ Master Arts Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $17.50; clean adult laughs - Members of the Master Arts Theatre perform the comical musical revue with such songs as "Sixteen Tons" and "Chain Gang".
Joel McHale - @ GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 8 p.m., $32.50+; rated R - The star of 'Community' and 'The Soup' brings his stand-up show to Grand Rapids.
Garfunkel & Oates - @ Pyramid Scheme, 8 & 10:30 p.m., $22.50; rated R - The comedy duo has appeared in a number of TV shows including 'Big Bang Theory' and 'Raising Hope', and was named one of the 2010 Top 10 Comics to Watch by Variety.
Bill Burr - @ Fountain Street Church, 8 p.m., $27.50+; mature audiences - The stand-up comedian has appeared numerous times on Letterman, Conan and Jimmy Fallon and is also known for his recurring role on 'Breaking Bad'.
Amateur Stand-Up Showcase - @ City Flats-Holland, 8 p.m., free; rated R - Support the newbies in stand-up comedy at a variety of locations during LaughFest including City Flats Hotel, LowellArts!, McFadden's and The B.O.B.
In Memoriam: Robin Harris - @ Wealthy Theatre, 8 p.m., free; rated R - This event pays tribute to Robin Harris, considered one of the most influential African-American comedians and known for his 'Bebe's Kids' sketch.
DMNK - @ Dog Story Theatre, 8 & 10 p.m., free; rated R - The improv group from Chicago take the stage at Dog Story Theatre for two shows.
Pete Holmes - @ McFadden's 10 & 11:59 p.m., $17.50; rated R - The comedian and writer has appeared frequently on VH1's panel shows, including 'Best Week Ever', along with cameos on Tosh.0 and CollegeHumor.com.
50/50 - @ Wealthy Theatre 10 p.m., $7; rated R - The show at the Wealthy Theatre puts comedians of different races on stage, challenging stereotypes in front of a diverse audience.
Semi-Pro Stand-Up Showcase - @ City Flats-Holland, 10 p.m., free; rated R - This stand-up showcase features a mix of comedy vets and up-and-coming amateurs.
Dirty Show - @ Pyramid Scheme, 11:59 p.m., free; mature audiences - This show featuring local and national comedians is not for the faint of heart.
People and Pets - @ GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 11 a.m., free; all ages - Bring along your furry friends for contests, games, entertainment and treats.
Seriously Funny Adventure Challenge - @ GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 12:30 p.m.; all ages - Teams of two and four will race across downtown GR to compete in timed challenges, culminating in the final joke throwdown.
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - @ Crush at The B.O.B., 1 & 3 p.m., $7; all ages - Everyone can dance to the party music at Crush led by the purveyor of family hip hop, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.
Traditional African Dance - @ Wealthy Theatre, 1:30 p.m., free; all ages - Visit the Wealthy Theatre's Annex for a traditional West African dance class and see live drumming.
Amateur Stand-Up Showcase - @ The B.O.B., 6 & 8:15 p.m., free; rated R - Support the newbies in stand-up comedy at a variety of locations during LaughFest including City Flats Hotel, LowellArts!, McFadden's and The B.O.B.
Short Film Showcase - @ UICA, 6 p.m., free; rated R - Sit back, relax and enjoy films of humor from filmmakers across the region.
Jim Breuer - @ Fountain Street Church, 7 p.m., $27.50+; clean adult laughs - The stand-up comedian and SNL alum best known for his character Goat Boy visits Fountain Street Church.
College Improv Showcase - @ Compass College of Cinematic Arts, 7 p.m., free; clean adult laughs - Improv troupes from Calvin College, Hope and Aquinas get together for one night of hilarity.
Sunday Night Funnies - @ Riverfront’s Landing Lounge, 8 p.m., free; rated R - Emcee and comedian Brian B features Michigan comedians, plus audience members can take part in a 50/50 raffle.
Semi-Pro Stand-Up Showcase - @ The B.O.B., 8:15 p.m., free; rated R - This stand-up showcase features a mix of comedy vets and up-and-coming amateurs.
Vanessa King - @ GR Art Museum, 6 p.m., free; - The LaughteRx Emotional Health Speaker Series kicks off with Vanessa King, a psychologist who specializes in leadership, talent, organizational development, psychological well-being and resilience.
I am Comic - @ GR Public Library-Main Branch, 7 p.m., free; rated R - The downtown branch of the Library shows the documentary film that shadows retired comic Ritch Shydner as he bravely returns to the stand-up stage after more than a decade out of the spotlight.
Blackout Diaries - @ Pyramid Scheme, 7 p.m., free; rated R - Check out the comedy show where stand-up comedians and firefighters, teachers, etc from the community tell drinking stories and the audience can ask questions and participate.
Sketch Improv Showcase - @ Compass College of Cinematic Arts, 7 p.m., free; rated R - See the guys and gals from local improv groups take the stage for the free show.
W. Kamau Bell - @ Calvin College, 8 p.m., $15; clean adult laughs - The socio-political comic brings his "W. Kamau Bell Curve:Ending Racism in about an hour" performance to Calvin.
Late Night Comedy Pros - @ Pyramid Scheme, 9:30 p.m., free; rated R - Have a laugh with stand-up comedians from West Michigan and beyond.
Samuel J. Comroe - @ GVSU-Allendale, 9:30 p.m., free; rated R - The comedian shares his hilarious and insightful stories of his life with Tourette's Syndrome, coming from a large family and his trials as a young comic.
Wayne Brady - @ DeVos Place, 5:30 p.m., $250; clean adult laughs - The star from 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?', 'Don't Forget the Lyrics' and 'Let's Make a Deal' hosts the premier event of LaughFest 2013. The evening will include dinner, the show, and a wealth of unexpected surprises.
Terri Tate - @ GR Art Museum, 6 p.m., free; - The LaughteRx Emotional Health Speaker Series continues with Terri Tate, the nationally recognized speaker and hypnotherapist who was silenced at one time by oral cancer, but survived to reclaim her voice.
Giggle Groove - @ Downtown Grand Rapids, $40; ages 21+ - Eat, dance and create some serious fun while taking a walking tour of downtown GR.
Natasha Leggero - @ Orbit Room, free; ages 21+ - The actress and comedian best known for her appearances on Chelsea Lately takes the stage with special guest Neal Brennan, co-creator of the Chappelle Show.
Writers Workshop with Alan Zweibel - @ Haworth Interphase, $30; clean adult laughs - Alan returns to LaughFest, this time to talk about his writing and career and to read some samples of his work.
Literary Showcase - @ GRPL-Main Branch, 7 p.m., free; rated R - Local writers and poets will share what makes them laugh at the Library's Main Branch.
Dr. Bernie Siegel and Scott Burton - @ GR Art Museum, 7 p.m., free; - The Wednesday installment of The LaughteRx Emotional Health Speaker Series features Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of 'Book of Miracles' and comic, juggler and cancer survivor Scott Burton.
Full Frontal Nerdity - @ Pyramid Scheme, 7 p.m., free; rated R - Comedian Mike Bobbit visits the Pyramid Scheme to celebrate the dorkier side of life.
Dance Showcase - @ Grand Rapids Ballet Company, 7 p.m., free; all ages - Dancers from the GR Ballet perform their version of what makes them laugh.
Sketch Comedy Showcase - @ Dog Story Theater, 8 & 10 p.m., free; rated R - Nationally touring sketch comedy groups The Don't We Boys and Charles perform short sets at the teaser show.
Late Night Comedy Pros - @ Pyramid Scheme, 9:30 p.m., free; rated R - Have a laugh with stand-up comedians from West Michigan and beyond.
Barrel of Monkeys: That's Weird, Grandma - @ Fountain Street Church, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m., free; all ages - The family-friendly event showcases the talents of our student authors and Barrel of Monkeys company of performers.
Kelly Epperson - @ GR Art Museum, 6 p.m., free; - The LaughteRx Emotional Health Speaker Series continues with Kelly Epperson, a former IRS agent turned author, speaker and agent of joy.
Kids Joke Night - @ GRPL-Main Branch, 6 p.m., free; all ages - Kids in fifth grade and younger can be signed up to get on stage and tell their funniest jokes.
A Love Song to Gilda Radner - @ Wealthy Theatre, 7 p.m., $15; rated R - Created by cabaret singer Francesca Amari, the musical biography highlights the loves and life of Gilda Radner.
Best of the Midwest Competition - @ The B.O.B., 7 p.m., $15; rated R - Stand-up comics from the midwest battle for a $2,500 cash prize.
Amateur Stand-Up Showcase - @ McFadden's, 7 p.m., free; rated R - Support the newbies in stand-up comedy at a variety of locations during LaughFest including City Flats Hotel, LowellArts!, McFadden's and The B.O.B.
Lewis Black - @ DeVos Hall, 8 p.m., $35.50+; rated R - One of the most popular and prolific comics of the day brings his critically acclaimed show to LaughFest.
Shock T's - @ Dog Story Theater, 8 & 10 p.m., free; mature audiences - The comedy band from Chicago performs two free shows at Dog Story.
Homegrown Showcase - @ McFadden's, 9 p.m., free; rated R - See the nationally-touring comedians who call Grand Rapids home.
Stand-Up Competition - @ The B.O.B., 6 (dinner), 7 & 9:30 p.m. (show only), $32.50 ($17.50 show only); rated R - Ten comedians vie for $10,000, with the winner decided by the audience and judges. $32.50 price includes dinner.
Kids Joke Night - @ LowellArts!, 6 p.m., free; all ages - Kids in fifth grade and younger can be signed up to get on stage and tell their funniest jokes.
Gilda's Club: What's Funny About That? - @ Gilda's Clubhouse-GR, 7 p.m., free; clean adult laughs - Adults and youth can share their stories about cancer, laughter and Gilda's Club.
The Don't We Boys & Charles - @ Compass College of Cinematic Arts, 8 p.m., $12.50; rated R - Nationally touring sketch comedy groups The Don't We Boys and Charles perform their full multi-media event.
Nerdist Podcast Live - @ Fountain Street Church, 8 p.m., $22.50+; rated R - Comedians Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray and Matt Mira record their podcast live in front of the crowd at Fountain Street.
Little Shop of Secrets - @ Dog Story Theater, 8 & 10 p.m., free; clean adult laughs - The audience provides the secrets and the improvers on stage provide the laughs.
Free Beer & Hot Wings Live - @ The Intersection, 8 p.m., $17.50; rated R - You've heard them on WGRD in the morning, now see the radio show live in person at The Intersection.
Cold Feet - @ City Flats-Holland, 8 & 10 p.m., free; clean adult laughs - The improvised one-act play shows an audience volunteer what their life might look like if they got married to a completely fictional person.
Contents Under Pressure - @ Master Arts Theatre, 8:30 p.m., free; clean adult laughs - A 'Whose Line Is It Anyway"-type improv show for the whole family.
Loni Love - @ McFadden's, 10 & 11:59 p.m., $17.50; rated R - The comedienne and actress from VH1's I Love the 70s/80s/90s/ visits McFadden's for two shows.
Super Saturday Kids Zone - @ GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 10a-2p., $7; all ages - Fun for kids and kids at heart, the event will have laser tag, an extreme obstacle course, video games, spin art and more.
All Day with the Arts - @ GR Art Museum, 10a-3p., free; all ages - Visit GRAM for hands-on art projects, kid-friendly tours and sketching in the galleries.
Family Improv Workshop - @ Dog Story Theater, 11 a.m., free; all ages - Explore the basics of improvisational play with the queen of improv herself (and President of Fishladder Inc.), Mary Jane Pories.
Music & Theatre Showcase - @ The B.O.B., noon, free; rated R - See both amateur and professional talent give musical and theatrical performances designed to make the audience chuckle.
Social Media, Technology, and Comedy - @ The B.O.B., noon, free; rated R - A moderated a panel of comics will discuss the impact of social media on the comedy industry.
Laughter & Health - @ The B.O.B., 2 p.m., free; rated R - A moderated a panel of comics will discuss the role of laughter and comedy as a means to physical and emotional health.
Stand-Up Competition - @ The B.O.B., 6 (dinner), 7 & 9:30 p.m. (show only), $32.50 ($17.50 show only); rated R - Ten comedians vie for $10,000, with the winner decided by the audience and judges. $32.50 price includes dinner.
Saturday Night Teen Zone - @ GRCC Ford Fieldhouse; 7-10 p.m., $7; ages 13+ - Enjoy laser tag, a mechanical bull, casino games, inflatables, Live Band Karaoke and more.
Justin Willman - @ Knickerbocker Theatre (Holland); 7 p.m., $22.50; all ages - The host of Cupcake Wars on Food Network brings his one-man comedy and magic show to Holland.
Brian Regan - @ DeVos Hall; 7 & 9:30 p.m., $42.50; clean adult laughs - The acclaimed premier comedian who tours more than 80 cities per year visits DeVos Performance Hall for two shows.
Amateur Stand-Up Showcase - @ LowellArts!, 7 p.m., free; rated R - Support the newbies in stand-up comedy at a variety of locations during LaughFest including City Flats Hotel, LowellArts!, McFadden's and The B.O.B.
Looking for Mrs. San Chez - @ San Chez Bistro, 7:30 p.m., $59; clean adult laughs - The a comedic dinner theatre starring Dick San Chez, retiring restaurateur who is desperate to leave his legacy to one of his three children, includes a four-course tapas meal.
River City Improv - @ Ladies Literary Club, 7:33 p.m., $10; clean adult laughs - The improv group comprised of Calvin College alumni weave skits, games and songs with audience suggestions to create a unique show.
Fortune & Friends - @ Wealthy Theatre, 8 & 10:30 p.m., $22.50; rated R - Making her debut on NBC's Last Comic Standing, Fortune Feimster is joined by comedians Michael Yo and Myk Kaplan.
Cold Feet - @ City Flats-Holland, 8 & 10 p.m., free; clean adult laughs - The improvised one-act play shows an audience volunteer what their life might look like if they got married to a completely fictional person.
Contents Under Pressure - @ Master Arts Theatre, 8:30 p.m., free; clean adult laughs - A 'Whose Line Is It Anyway"-type improv show for the whole family.
Semi-Pro Stand-Up Showcase - @ LowellArts!, 9 p.m., free; rated R - This stand-up showcase features a mix of comedy vets and up-and-coming amateurs.
LaughFest's Best - @ Pyramid Scheme, 11:59 p.m., $10; rated R - The new show for 2013 will feature a secret lineup of local, regional and national comedians that will not be announced ahead of time.
Strawberry Shortcake - @ DeVos Hall, 1 p.m., $20+; all ages - Strawberry Shortcake stars in the all-new musical production that includes The Doodlebops.
Traditional African Dance - @ Wealthy Theatre, 1:30 p.m., free; all ages - Visit the Wealthy Theatre's Annex for a traditional West African dance class and see live drumming.
Punchline Art Show Closing Reception - @ LowellArts!, March 7-9 & 11-16, free; all ages - Featuring works from artists ages 16 and up, the exhibition takes a look at the lighter side of life. Closing reception from 2-4 p.m.
Out of the Box - @ Fountain Street Church, $12.50; clean adult laughs - Grand Rapids native and comedian Hen Sapp hosts an evening of special guests.
Gary Valentine - @ Lowell High School PAC, $22.50; clean adult laughs - Best known as Cousin Danny on the hit show 'The King of Queens', the stand-up brings his act to Lowell.
Amateur Stand-Up Showcase - @ The B.O.B., 6 & 8:15 p.m., free; rated R - Support the newbies in stand-up comedy at a variety of locations during LaughFest including City Flats Hotel, LowellArts!, McFadden's and The B.O.B.
Semi-Pro Stand-Up Showcase - @ The B.O.B., 8:15 p.m., free; rated R - This stand-up showcase features a mix of comedy vets and up-and-coming amateurs.
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Last Updated 02/28/2013
Published 02/28/2013