About

Austin’s Moontower Comedy Festival and Montreal’s Just for Laughs are known for their expertly curated comedy festivals that deliver huge stars, fan favorites, comics to watch, and beloved local talent. When they announced in 2021, they would be joining comedic forces to launch Moontower Just for Laughs Austin, the event was instantly marked by industry and audiences as the “must attend” event of the Spring. The initial 4-day festival has now transformed into a colossal comedy experience spanning two weeks this April 12-23, 2023.  

This first talent reveal also includes more than 20 Paramount and Stateside headlining shows, with more still to come. Among those making their Paramount debuts are Chris Distefano, whose Brooklyn-born edge and nice-guy charm won over fans of MTV’s Girl Code/Guy Code series before releasing specials on both Comedy Central and Netflix; and Chelcie Lynn, the self-described “majestic internet phenomenon,” who brings her 2 Fingers & a 12 Pack Tour to the fest. Also appearing at the Paramount for the first time are Nimesh Patel, comedian and Emmy-nominated writer whose self-released special “Jokes to Get You Through Quarantine” has garnered a million views; and Giggly Squad, hosted by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, a live podcast where two besties make fun of everything, including themselves, as they discuss pop culture, fashion trends, and expose their personal lives.

Returning to the Paramount with a brand new show is Seth Meyers, Emmy Award-winning writer and host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” as well as Felipe Esparza, winner of 2010’s Best Comic Standing, host of the What’s Up Fool? Podcast, and star of three successful stand-up specials on Netflix and HBO; and Vir Das, India’s biggest stand-up comedian and Bollywood star who has crossed over to become a global comedy sensation.

Returning to headline the Stateside Theatre are Brad Wiliams, Maria Bamford, Robert Kelly, and Preacher Lawson, most known from his turn on America’s Got Talent, as well as a fest debut by Kenny Sebastian, who rose to prominence on YouTube before releasing specials on Amazon Prime and Netflix. Rounding out the Stateside headliners is Mexico City’s Carlos Ballarta, who will perform two intimate shows in Spanish as the festival continues to grow their Spanish language programming.

New badges this year allow fest-goers to build their own experience. Each “Club Badge” gets you into all club shows—that’s TONS of star-studded showcases, stand-up, podcasts, screenings, panels, and more—plus nightly parties and lounges during the 4-day comedy binge from April 19-22, while giving you early access to purchase tickets to headliner shows in the largest venues, including Paramount, State and Bass Concert Hall with superstar Trevor Noah. Fans can upgrade their Club Badge to a Club Plus or Club Premium for even earlier access to headliner presales for the best seats in the house and other perks like skip-the-line entry to club shows.

A “Bestie Bundle” option is the best value: buy two or more badges to get $25 off every badge. Bestie Bundles also ensure you can sit next to your fest friends when purchasing tickets during headliner presales.

Additional performers and events will be added to the Moontower 2023 lineup in the coming months, including more headliners, podcasts, and a variety of comics playing club shows at Moontower venues throughout Austin.

Moontower Just For Laughs Austin comedy festival badges are on sale now and available for purchase at moontowercomedyfest.com. You can also purchase badges at the Paramount Theatre box office or by calling 512-474-1221.