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Chris Distefano, Janelle James, Mae Martin and More Join Moontower Comedy Festival’s Lineup

Stand-up stars, TV favorites and popular podcast hosts to perform at Austin’s biggest comedy fest this April

Comedian Chris Distefano, actress and comedian Janelle James, and Broadway performer Alex Edelman are among the newly announced headliners set to take the stage at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo by Gary Miller Photography)
Comedian Chris Distefano, actress and comedian Janelle James, and Broadway performer Alex Edelman are among the newly announced headliners set to take the stage at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo by Gary Miller Photography)

More than 100 comedians will perform in downtown Austin from April 9 to 19 at the 13th annual Moontower Comedy Festival. One of North America’s largest comedy events, the festival will showcase stand-up, musical comedy, sketch and live podcasts across multiple venues.

Newly announced performers include Chris Distefano, Janelle James, Mae Martin, Alex Edelman, Pauly Shore, Grace O’Malley, Aparna Nancherla, K. Trevor Wilson and Fern Brady. They join a previously announced lineup that includes Aziz Ansari, Maria Bamford, Tiffany Haddish, John Waters, Pete Holmes and Janeane Garofalo.

Comedian and podcaster Chris Distefano will headline the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
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Comedian and podcaster Chris Distefano will headline the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
Comedian and actress Janelle James will headline the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
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Comedian and actress Janelle James will headline the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
Comedian and actor Mae Martin will headline the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
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Comedian and actor Mae Martin will headline the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
Comedian and writer Alex Edelman will headline the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
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Comedian and writer Alex Edelman will headline the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
Comedian and podcaster Grace O’Malley will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
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Comedian and podcaster Grace O’Malley will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
Actor and comedian Pauly Shore will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
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Actor and comedian Pauly Shore will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
Comedian and actress Aparna Nancherla will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
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Comedian and actress Aparna Nancherla will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
Comedian and actor K. Trevor Wilson will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
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Comedian and actor K. Trevor Wilson will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival)
Comedian, podcaster, and writer Fern Brady will perform at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. (Photo by Raphaël Neal)
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Fern Brady by Raphaël Neal, Crystal Palace 27 November 2021

Meet the Moontower Festival comedians

Several newly announced headliners will perform at the Paramount Theatre, including Distefano, host of the “Chrissy Chaos” podcast; Edelman, whose critically acclaimed Broadway show “Just for Us” earned a Special Tony Award and an Emmy; James, known for her role in “Abbott Elementary;” and Martin, co-host of the “Handsome Pod.” Also, due to high demand, stand-up comedian and actor Joey “Coco” Diaz has added a second show at the Paramount Theatre after selling out his initial performance.

Actor and comedian Shore, known for his role in “Encino Man,” will headline at the State Theatre. Comedian and actress Nancherla, known for “BoJack Horseman” and “Corporate,” will also perform, along with Wilson, best recognized as Squirrely Dan in “Letterkenny.” The Thompson Theatre will feature O’Malley, a former Barstool Sports personality who recently joined Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network, and Brady, a comedian, podcaster and writer.

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The festival culminates in its signature four-day comedy club series from April 16 to 19, featuring an extensive lineup at multiple walkable downtown venues. Tommy Brennan, Cody Wilkins, Brooks Wheelan, Adam Cayton-Holland, Jiaoying Summers, Mike Lawrence, Jimmy Fowlie, Ceara O’Sullivan and Brian Redban are among the club show additions.

Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rachel Parker)
Moontower Comedy Festival. (Photo by Rachel Parker)

Where to buy tickets

Festival badges provide access to more than 100 performances, with the “Bestie Bundle” offering a $25 discount when purchasing two or more badges. Tickets for previously announced headliners are available on their website, at the Paramount Theatre box office or by calling 512-474-1221. Presale access for badge holders begins Feb. 11, with general ticket sales opening Feb. 14.

For more information and updates, follow Moontower Comedy Festival on social media at @MoontowerComedy.

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