Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival Brings Laughter to Southwest D.C. This Weekend

The inaugural ‘Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival’ is set to launch in Southwest D.C. this weekend, featuring appearances from multiple mainstream comedians. The festival, founded by Jeff Friday, will take place at The Wharf and will showcase a variety of comedic talent over the course of three days.

Friday expressed his excitement for the festival, citing D.C. as the perfect location due to its rich legacy of comedy, particularly among comedians of color. The lineup includes a Breakout Comedian of the Year Competition, a screening of the documentary “In Amanda We Trust,” a panel discussion with social media influencers who are also comedians, and a fierce female comedy show featuring Luenell, Aida Rodriguez, Ego Nwodim, and Nicole Byer.

The festival will also include the D.C. premiere of the documentary “The Mecca of Comedy,” which explores the history of Black comedy in the DMV area. The event will culminate with the “DMV Black Comedy Homecoming Show,” featuring top names in Black comedy such as Pierre, Joe Clair, Donnell Rawlings, Tommy Davidson, and Red Grant.

In addition to the performances, the festival will offer daytime workshops for aspiring comedians, with the goal of diversifying the entertainment landscape and providing opportunities for Black and brown comics. With a mix of established comedians and up-and-coming talent, the ‘Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival’ promises to be a weekend full of laughter and entertainment for all attendees.