The Blue Whale Comedy Festival is returning to Tulsa’s Arts District for its 11th year, bringing four days of stand-up, improv and sketch comedy to multiple venues across downtown.
The festival runs Aug. 20-23 and will feature more than 75 national and regional comedians and improv performers, along with after-parties, a comedy gameshow and other special events. This year’s festival embraces the Route 66 Centennial with the theme, “Get Your Kicks at Blue Whale Comedy Festival 2026.”
National comedians headline the festival
This year’s lineup includes nationally known comedians Chris Fleming, Demetri Martin, Melissa Villaseñor, Wolves of Glendale, Jay Jurden, Ehsan Ahmad and Conor Janda.
Festival organizer Bailie Moellers said the event has helped establish Tulsa as a destination for comedy while creating opportunities for local performers.
“For more than a decade, Blue Whale Comedy Festival has helped put Tulsa on the national comedy map by showcasing some of the country’s top comedic talent,” Moellers said. “The festival has grown alongside Tulsa’s comedy scene, creating opportunities for local comedians while introducing nationally recognized performers to Tulsa audiences.”
New events debut in 2026
The 2026 festival introduces several new attractions, including a live comedy special taping with Jack Allen and the championship round of the Tight Five Comedy Gameshow after qualifying events held throughout the year.
Festival organizers will also recognize five rising comedians as the 2026 Top Comics to Watch during “The Next Wave” showcase, highlighting performers selected from submissions received across the country.
Six Tulsa venues will host performances
Shows will take place at six venues throughout the Tulsa Arts District, including two stages inside Cain’s Ballroom, as well as LowDown, Chimera, Saturn Room and Soundpony.
A free bonus brunch show is also planned for Sunday, Aug. 23, at Fassler Hall.
Tickets are still available
VIP passes have sold out, but a limited number of Blue Ballroom passes and day passes remain available.
The Blue Ballroom pass includes admission to all three headlining performances on Cain’s Ballroom’s main stage. Individual show tickets are also available. The festival runs Aug. 20-23.
Get tickets to the Blue Whale Comedy Festival here.
This article was originally published by KOTV. You can see the original story here.