New Bedford's Whale City Comedy festival starts Aug. 28. Here's what to know before you go
NEW BEDFORD —The SouthCoast's only stand-up comedy festival, Whale City Comedy, is back for a second year from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, showcasing over 30 top-notch comedians from Comedy Central, Conan and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
One of the highlights of the festival will be the first-ever comedy shows aboard the historic World War II vessel, USS Massachusetts in Fall River.
"The battleship shows are what I'm most excited about," said Ashlie Thatcher, festival director. "These will be the first comedy shows aboard this historic WWII vessel. I'm excited to watch these comics, have fun, and see the audience enjoy standup comedy in a unique, historic location."
Thatcher said her favorite parts of the week is BYOB shows at Gallery X on Friday night.
"And on Sunday night, I'm seeing my favorite comic, Andy Haynes, at The Vault in New Bedford!" Thatcher added.
But what sets this year's festival apart is the fact that they have accepted submissions from comedians around the world. "The lineups are more diverse in style and experience than ever," Thatcher said.
For those planning to attend the festival, Thatcher advises to come with an open mind and ready to laugh out loud. She also recommends bringing your own beverages for the Friday shows and being mindful of your shoes for the Saturday show aboard the battleship.
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And for last-minute updates and special offers, make sure to follow their social media.
What to expect over the next five days
The festival schedule kicks off Aug. 28 with the hilarious improv duo, The Portuguese Kids, featuring Zach Brazão, at the newly owned Vault in downtown New Bedford.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, 6 to 8 p.m.: Enjoy delicious brews and rural views as Kelly MacFarland (Comedy Central, HBO) closes out killer showcases at Buzzards Bay Brewing in Westport.
Friday, Aug. 30, 7 to 9 p.m.: Lowkey, intimate, and artsy vibes for night two. Chris Alan (Fox, Sirius XM) takes the stage for back-to-back BYOB shows at historic church turned-art gallery, Gallery X, in New Bedford.
Saturday, Aug. 31, 6:15 to 9 p.m.: Battleship Comedy! The best of NYC and LA comedy scenes are coming to the deck of the USS Massachusetts at Battleship Cove in Fall River for the first-ever comedy shows on deck. An official after party will be held at Society Coffee Bar across the water in Somerset.
Sunday, Sept. 1, 7 to 9 p.m.: The festival ends with a bang as Comedy Central's golden boy, Sean Patton (Jimmy Fallon, Hulu, Netflix) joins us at The Vault in historic downtown New Bedford. Sunday late night, the Whale City Comedy Festival wrap party will be held at the New Bedford Harbor Hotel.
Why you should attend the comedy festival
Thatcher hopes that people will leave the festival with a newfound love for live comedy and have the chance to discover their new favorite comedian.
"You don't regularly get this quality of live stand-up comedy in this area," Thatcher said.
"People watch comedy at home or on their phones, but nothing compares to the actual LIVE experience of being surrounded by the positive energy that comes from laughing with complete strangers."
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Find out more about him at sethchitwood.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Whale City Comedy starts Aug. 28
