Events

A FringeArts Comedy Festival
April 20–23, 2023

Who’s on the fringe of funny?

Blue Heaven, FringeArts’ festival of contemporary comedy, returns with four days of programming, April 20–23!

FringeArts welcomes the most exciting new voices in comedy to Philadelphia for four days of provocative performances, multimedia stand-up, dynamic sketches, film screenings, and more! Join us in Blue Heaven for a long weekend of cutting-edge, genre-bending acts from the next generation of artists redefining contemporary comedy.

Kick-off festival weekend on Thursday, April 20 for a screening of Gregg Araki’s cult-classic stoner comedy, Smiley Face (2007).

On Friday, April 21, Red Guy (Spike Einbinder, Los Espookys) hosts a side-splitting lineup of the biggest sweeties in contemporary comedy at Red Guy Hosts: Angels Only.

On Saturday, April 22, comedian Ben Wasserman uses comedy, clowning, and circus sideshow to explore audience experiences of grief and loss in Ben Wasserman: Live After Death (Vice, NPR). Full program TBA!

Join us on Sunday, April 23, as we host Club Video’s Philadelphia premiere! A submission-based screening and watch party, Club Video will premiere short-form experimental comedy films from independent creators made specially for the show. Stick around after the screening for back-to-back sets by some of New York City’s funniest DJs.

Have a video idea for the screening? Submit a proposal here. The submission deadline is Sunday, March 5!

Couldn’t make it to the show? Join us for Blue Heaven afterparties in our bar! Details about DJs, karaoke, and drink specials to come.

Interested in sponsoring Blue Heaven 2023? Contact our Development Manager, Anna Buller.