LaughFest Central is now open!
LaughFest Central is open and located inside the Grand Rapids Art Museum located at 101 Monroe Center. The festival headquarters will serve as a focal point for LaughFest information, as well as a location where tickets and merchandise can be purchased.
Prior to the festival, LaughFest Central hours are:
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
LaughFest Hours during the festival (March 7-17) are:
Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m – 9 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Gilda’s LaughFest today also announced the addition of four shows:
Live at Night with the Free Beer & Hot Wings Show, which can be heard locally on 97.9 WGRD, the popular morning show crew will be ditching the studio and taking the stage for a live night show. Free Beer & Hot Wings will take aim at local news stories, famous celebrities and, of course, listeners who provide the material to keep those in attendance cracking up.
Writer’s Workshop withbest-selling author of Bunny Bunny, playwright and Emmy award-winning TV writer, Alan Zweibel.
Looking for Mrs. San Chez, a show that celebrates 20 years of being Grand Rapids’ only tapas restaurant with an interactive, comedic dinner theatre show.
50/50 Show, a standup that puts different comedians on stage and challenges stereotypes in front of a diverse audience;
LaughFest 2013 will also see the return of “Fast Passes” for free events. “Fast Passes,” which will be available for pickup at LaughFest Central, guarantee holders a seat for free showings as long as they are seated 15 minutes prior to the event start time. At that time, walk-up seating will begin and “Fast Passes” will expire. “Fast Passes” are available for most of LaughFest’s free events. A percentage of seats at “Fast Pass” venues will be kept open for walk-ups.
Some of this year’s free events include:
Mike Bobbitt’s ‘nerdtacular’ comedy show which celebrates the dorkier side of life, Full Frontal Nerdity.
Social Media, Technology and Comedy, a panel discussing the impact of social media on the comedy industry.
How I Became a Pirate, a hilarious story about Jeremy Jacobs and his new found life as a pirate.
Laughter and Health, which features a panel of comics and health professionals discussing the role of laughter and comedy as a means to emotional and physical health.
Dirty Show, a standup routine featuring some of West Michigan’s most talented comics as well as some special guests.
“We’re excited to bring back some favorites from last year, like Full Frontal Nerdity and Pop Scholars as well as new additions such as panel discussions on Social Media, Technology and Comedy and Health and Laughter,” said Joanne Roehm, festival director. “We are proud that LaughFest features both ticketed and free events, providing something accessible for everyone to enjoy.”
We seriously hope to see you at LaughFest Central!