ImprovFestivals.orgRISE Comedy Festival
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 24 - August 1, 2026 |
| Edition | 5th Annual |
| Location | Denver, CO, USA |
| Language | English |
| Organizer | RISE Comedy |
| Venue | RISE Comedy, 1260 22nd Street, Denver, CO |
| Website | risecomedy.com |
| Rise Comedy | |
| @risecomedy |
Overview
The RISE Comedy Festival is a nine-day celebration of improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy spanning two weekends in Denver. More than 150 performers from around the country take over RISE Comedy's downtown venue for stand-up showcases, improv ensembles, workshops, and a stand-up competition. The festival was created in 2022 to fill the void left by the now-defunct Denver Improv Festival.
RISE Comedy (formerly Voodoo Comedy Playhouse, founded 2011) rebranded in 2021 under co-owners Nick Armstrong and Josh Nicols. The venue is recognized as Denver's largest comedy club, winning Best Improv Night from Westword, CBS Local, and Thrillist. The first weekend (July 24 and 25, 2026) features stand-up showcases and a competition with prizes of $500, $250, and $150, plus judges from booking partners like the High Plains Comedy Festival. The second weekend (July 30 to August 1) focuses on improv performances, workshops, and a four-day Festival Intensive with 24 hours of training.