TRAVERSE CITY — The Traverse City Comedy Fest will return for its fourth year April 16-18, 2026, bringing dozens of comedians to seven venues across the city.
Per a Nov. 12 news release, this year’s venues include the Traverse City Comedy Club, City Opera House, Park Place Hotel, The Workshop Brewing Company, The Alluvion, Hotel Indigo, and Voyageurs. Traverse City Tourism is the presenting sponsor for the 2026 festival.
Nationally acclaimed comedian Gary Gulman has been announced as the first headliner.
A veteran performer with more than 25 years in comedy, Gulman is known for his sharp writing and thoughtful storytelling. He has sold out theaters across the country, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, and has released five stand-up specials, including HBO’s critically praised “The Great Depresh,” which explores mental illness with humor and honesty.
Gulman has also appeared in the film “Joker” and on the Hulu series “Life & Beth.” His 2023 memoir, “Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ‘80s,” was described by Amy Schumer as “one of my favorite books of all time.” Most recently, he completed a sold-out, five-week off-Broadway run of his one-man show “Grandiloquent,” directed by Tony Award winner Moritz von Stuelpnagel
He will perform on Saturday, April 18 at the City Opera House. Tickets for his headlining show go on sale Dec. 1.
Additional headliners and programming will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.TraverseCityComedyFest.com or follow @tccomedyfest on Facebook and Instagram.