The long-awaited riyadh comedy festival lineup has finally been announced, and it’s packed with some of the biggest names in stand-up. Set to run from September 26 to October 9, 2025, at Boulevard City in Riyadh, the festival will bring together more than 50 internationally acclaimed comedians for what organizers are calling the largest comedy gathering in the world.
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What the Riyadh Comedy Festival Is About
The festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 cultural program, designed to expand entertainment offerings and attract global talent. For the first time, Riyadh will host a large-scale comedy event featuring some of the most recognized stand-up comedians from the United States and around the globe.
With performances spread across multiple stages in Boulevard City, the event aims to create a vibrant mix of humor, culture, and international appeal.
Headliners in the Riyadh Comedy Festival Lineup
The festival lineup includes a who’s who of comedy legends and rising stars. Confirmed performers include:
- Dave Chappelle
- Kevin Hart
- Bill Burr
- Russell Peters
- Jo Koy
- Whitney Cummings
- Jimmy Carr
- Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
- Aziz Ansari
- Chris Tucker
- Pete Davidson
- Louis C.K.
- Omid Djalili
- Jim Jefferies
- Mark Normand
- Sam Morril
- Jessica Kirson
- Bobby Lee
- Sebastian Maniscalco
- Hannibal Buress
- Zarna Garg
- Andrew Schulz
- Nimesh Patel
- Tom Segura
- Maz Jobrani
- Andrew Santino
This list reflects a blend of comedic veterans and modern voices, offering audiences a wide range of styles, from edgy satire to family-friendly humor.
Festival Schedule and Highlights
The event will run for 14 consecutive days, with a mix of headline shows, collaborative performances, and themed comedy nights.
- Opening Night (September 26): Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Maz Jobrani, and Bobby Lee will kick things off.
- September 27: Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, Chris DiStefano, and Nimesh Patel are slated to take the stage.
- Following Nights: Performances by Kevin Hart, Gabriel Iglesias, Louis C.K., and Russell Peters will keep the momentum going.
Each night will feature a combination of international stars and regional acts, ensuring diverse perspectives and styles of comedy.
Why the Lineup Matters
The riyadh comedy festival lineup is being promoted as potentially the largest comedy festival in the world. Its scale and diversity are intended to make Saudi Arabia a global hub for live entertainment.
For American audiences, the significance lies in the sheer number of U.S. comedians participating. Seeing performers like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Bill Burr on stage in Saudi Arabia marks a unique moment in cultural exchange.
Controversy and Criticism
Despite the star power, the festival has not been free of criticism.
- Some comedians declined to participate due to concerns about censorship and free speech restrictions.
- Reports have surfaced that contracts may include clauses limiting political or religious jokes.
- Human rights organizations have criticized the festival, arguing it could be used to distract from ongoing issues in the country.
One notable case is comedian Tim Dillon, who was reportedly dropped from the lineup after making critical remarks about Saudi Arabia.
Defenses and Perspectives
Not all responses have been negative. Some comedians argue that participating provides a rare opportunity to bring laughter to new audiences. Others suggest that performing on an international stage helps build cultural bridges, even in challenging environments.
Fans in Riyadh and across the Middle East are welcoming the chance to see such a variety of top-tier comedians in one place, something that was unthinkable in the region just a decade ago.
Spotlight on U.S. Talent
For American viewers, the festival is particularly noteworthy. Seeing comedians like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Bill Burr perform in Riyadh underscores the growing global reach of stand-up comedy. Their inclusion in the lineup demonstrates how U.S. comedians remain central to international comedy culture.
Looking Ahead
As the festival dates draw closer, audiences can expect more details about ticketing, show schedules, and special performances. Organizers are also planning after-parties, meet-and-greet opportunities, and side events to create a full cultural experience.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival is not just about entertainment — it’s also about Saudi Arabia presenting itself as a modern cultural hub. For comedy fans worldwide, especially in the U.S., the festival offers a rare look at how global comedy and politics can collide on stage.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival lineup brings together an unmatched roster of comedians, but it also raises important conversations about culture, free speech, and global entertainment. What do you think about this star-studded event? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
