2nd Best Comedy Fest bringing world-class talent to downtown venues this weekend

For the fourth year in a row, the Coalition Theater (formerly Richmond Comedy Coalition) is bringing the area’s largest comedy festival, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, back to historic Jackson Ward. The laughs are coming to two venues this year, as more than 30 acts from around the country descend upon Richmond.

The festival is the brainchild of the staff and players at the Coalition Theater, a small improv theater in the Downtown Arts District that opened its doors almost exactly five years ago after a successful crowdfunding campaign. The group first formed in 2009. Executive Director Matt Newman says the concept began as a birthday party show to be held to coincide with that date, and later morphed into a full-fledged festival.

The 2nd Best Fest is also a homecoming of sorts for performers who started at the venue and went on to bigger cities or performance spaces over the years, which Newman says really makes it all worthwhile. Many have returned or will this year to perform.

The festival will encompass two venues–of course the Coalition Theater at 8. W. Broad Street; and Gallery 5 at 200. W. Marshall Street. Both are within a stone’s throw of each other, which will allow the festival to be highly concentrated and show off the historic nature of Jackson Ward. “We want to show off and showcase Jackson Ward and the city at large, keeping everything local and walkable,” Newman said. Each night, after parties will be held at nearby restaurants and bars, continuing the party into the night. View more details here.

We’re ecstatic to once again be the official media partner of the 2nd Best Comedy Fest, and will have two wristbands to give away to enjoy all the festival has to offer!

View our official guide to all the goings-on, where to eat, what to do, and more, right here.