Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026 Complete Guide

You know that feeling when your group chat says, “We should do something fun,” and then you all stare at each other in silence? Netflix Is a Joke Fest is the opposite of that. It’s a full week where Los Angeles turns into one big comedy calendar, packed with stand-up, live podcasts, special events, and big, buzzy shows that people talk about all year.

If you’re trying to figure out when it’s happening, where it takes over, how tickets work, and how to plan without stressing, here’s the clean breakdown.

When is Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026?

Netflix Is a Joke Fest runs May 4 to May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles.

Where is it happening?

The festival spreads across dozens of venues around Los Angeles, mixing huge stages with iconic comedy rooms. Expect a mix of arenas, theaters, and clubs. Some of the headline venues mentioned for 2026 include spots like the Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theatre, Intuit Dome, and classic comedy clubs.

What is Netflix Is a Joke Fest, exactly?

Think of it like a comedy choose-your-own-adventure.

You’ll see things like:

• Stand-up shows (solo sets and “and friends” nights)
• Live podcast recordings
• Special one-off events and themed nights
• Occasional crossovers with music, variety, or big group lineups

It’s designed for fast planning: pick your dates, pick your venues, then build your own mini comedy vacation.

Tickets: when they go on sale and how buying usually works

For 2026, ticket sales were announced with an on-sale date of January 23 (with the listed on-sale time in Pacific time on official festival listings).

A few ticket realities worth knowing before you start clicking:

• Not everything sells the same way. Big venues can disappear fast, smaller rooms might have more scattered availability.
• Some shows get “low ticket” warnings early, especially limited-seat theaters.
• You’ll get the best results if you decide your must-see nights first, then fill in the rest around them.

The 2026 lineup: what kinds of names and shows are on the bill?

Netflix Is a Joke Fest always leans star-heavy, and 2026 is being billed as a massive slate with hundreds of events.

Examples of notable names and events being promoted for 2026 include Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, John Mulaney, Nikki Glaser, Shane Gillis, and Flight of the Conchords, plus special-event style shows like “Night of Too Many Stars” hosted by Jon Stewart.

If you want to browse without getting overwhelmed, use this mindset:

• Choose one “big night” (arena or major theater)
• Choose one “club night” (smaller room, closer seats)
• Add one wild-card event (podcast taping, themed show, or variety format)

That mix usually gives you the best “festival” feel.

How to plan your week without burning out

A comedy festival sounds like nonstop fun until you try to do three shows a night, forget LA traffic exists, and end up eating chips for dinner in the car. Here’s the plan that actually holds up.

1) Pick a home base area, then stack nearby venues

LA is spread out. If you’re going multiple nights, stay closer to the cluster of venues you care about most. It saves money, time, and your mood.

A good rule: if two shows are on the same night, aim for venues that are near each other and leave a cushion for parking and lines.

2) Do not overbook the same day

Two shows in one night is usually the sweet spot. Three can work if one is short and nearby, but it gets tight quickly.

A practical schedule:

• One main show
• One late show or podcast
• A real meal in between, not “whatever is in my bag”

3) Budget for the sneaky costs

Tickets are only part of it. Plan for:

• Parking and rideshares
• Food between shows
• Merch, if you’re that person (no judgment)
• The “we’re already here” add-on ticket you’ll want at the last second

4) Bring the right stuff

Small things that save your night:

• Portable phone charger
• A light layer (theater AC is a personality)
• Earplugs for bigger venues if you’re sensitive to loud sound
• Screenshots of tickets, just in case your signal gets weird

What people usually get wrong about Netflix Is a Joke Fest

“I’ll just buy tickets later.”

For some shows, sure. For others, no chance. Big names and limited-seat rooms can go fast, and the best seats go first.

“I can get across LA in 20 minutes.”

Sometimes you can. Sometimes you will stare at brake lights and rethink every decision you’ve made since 2019.

“If it’s Netflix, every show will be filmed for streaming.”

Some festival events may end up recorded or turned into specials, but don’t assume your specific show is guaranteed to appear on Netflix later. Treat the ticket as the moment.

Quick cheat sheet: the easiest way to do the festival

If you want the simplest plan that still feels like a real festival experience:

• Pick one headline venue show
• Pick one comedy club night
• Pick one live podcast or special event
• Leave one open slot for a last-minute add-on

That’s enough comedy to feel like you did it right, without turning your trip into a sprint.