Providence is about to become the Northeast’s newest comedy destination with the announcement of the inaugural Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, a four-day festival featuring some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy.
Taking place March 27-30, 2025, the festival will feature comedy shows in multiple venues across the city with the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (THE VETS) serving as the anchor venue. Additional performances will be held at the Providence Performing Arts Center and RI Comedy Connection.
The festival will feature comedy icons like Kevin Hart with hilarious rising stars like Chris Distefano to create a lineup that’s sure to have something for everyone. The first-time event promises to make the smallest state the biggest destination for laughs. The lineup features some of comedy’s sharpest minds and freshest faces. The initial slate of headliners includes Kevin Hart, Leslie Jones, Aziz Ansari, Chris Distefano, and Hannah Berner. The first wave of comedians performing at the four-day comedy extravaganza also includes Michael Blaustein, and more.
The festival will be four days of expertly crafted chaos, witty one-liners, and just enough self-deprecating humor to make us all feel seen. Kevin Hart will perform at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. Michael Blaustein will perform at The VETS on Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Leslie Jones will perform at The VETS on Saturday, March 29 at 4 p.m., followed by Aziz Ansari at the Providence Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Hannah Berner will be at The VETS on Sunday, March 30 at 7 p.m. and Chris Distefano closes out the festival at The VETS at 9:45 p.m. In addition to the headliners, the event will also feature performances by Josh Johnson, Melissa Villasenor, Tone Bell, Sophie Buddle, Alec Flynn and Andy Woodhull. Additional acts will be announced in the coming months.
The event promises to deliver a weekend of laughs with performances, surprise pop-up shows, and a sense of shared joy. Daniel Schwartz, general manager of The VETS, says the event is focused on creating a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and embrace the unifying power of laughter. “This event isn’t just about comedy, it’s about creating a space where people from all walks of life can come together and share in the joy of laughter,” Schwartz said. “Our lineup transcends generations, blending comedy icons like Kevin Hart with hilarious rising stars like Chris Distefano to ensure there’s something for everyone.”
Tickets are available now at https://www.lilrhodylaughriot.com/.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
