Riyadh has rolled out the red carpet for what is shaping up to be the world's largest gathering of top-notch comedians.
The highly anticipated kickoff event leading into Riyadh Season, the Riyadh Comedy Festival has gathered a historic assembly of stand-up talent from around the world, for a two week run of events in the capital city. From September 26 to October 10, Boulevard City will echo with rumbles of laughter as comedy lovers file into massive arenas to witness performances from dozens of the biggest names on the planet.
Last night I was there for the kickoff show with Bill Burr, and I can confirm that this comedic spectacle is about more than just jokes — it’s a carefully orchestrated, high-energy entertainment experience. If you’re planning your trip to see titans like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Pete Davidson, here is your definitive breakdown of the venues, the logistics, and the atmosphere that will define this unforgettable fortnight of comedy.
The comedians:
Over 50 global megastars of comedy including headliners Jo Koy, Kevin Hart, Jimmy Carr, Dave Chapelle, Louis C.K. and the late addition of Jack Whitehall.
The first ever Riyadh Comedy Festival began last night on September 26 and will run until October 9. The full line up of stand-up legends also includes Emmy-winning Aziz Ansari, known for Master of None; Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson, whose chaotic charm continues in Bupkis; Netflix favourite Tom Segura; and the razor-sharp podcast duo Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee from Bad Friends.
Also performing are Pete Davidson, Sebastian Maniscalco, Sam Morril, Jo Koy, Jim Jefferies, Gabriel Iglesias, Andrew Schulz, Maz Jobrani, Omid Djalili, Whitney Cummings, Jessica Kirson, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Nimesh Patel, Russell Peters, Chris Tucker, Louis C.K., Mark Normand, Jimeoin, Hannibal Buress, Chris DiStefano, and Zarna Garg.
Check out the full line up here
The location:
The Riyadh Comedy Festival is taking place at Boulevard City, and the shows are split between several venues. The big headline acts take to the stage at the ANB Arena, which accommodates a whopping 8000 people. While a selection of the other comedians will perform at the Mohammed Al Ali Theatre with 1000 audience capacity, the SEF Arena and the Bakr al Sheddi Theatre which can both accommodate an audience of over 2000.
Getting there:
Although ample parking is available on site, shuttle buses are available from the metro at KAFD to Boulevard City. Alternatively, I'd recommend grabbing a taxi or Uber to the venue but be mindful of traffic in the area.
What time does it start?
The gates to the shows open at 5.30pm, 7.30pm or 9.30pm and expect the acts to take to the stage 2-3 hours after that.
What to expect at the venue:
Phones, cameras, smart watches, Meta Glasses or any other devices that can record video or audio must to be placed in a 'lock purse' on arrival at the venue. You will not be able to access your tech until after the show. Don't worry, you will have your personal devices with you (in these locked pouches) throughout the show, and they are unlocked quickly by staff members as you leave the venue.
What about payments without phones:
Since phones — and therefore digital wallets like Apple Pay — are securely locked away during the entirety of the show, guests are reminded to bring physical credit cards for concessions. However, staff members are also readily available at food and beverage stands to assist anyone whose only payment method is stored on their phone.
What’s to eat?
There are a wide variety of food stands available at the venue from Salt burgers to Urth Caffe, Domino's pizza and a selection of separate stands just serving French fries. Beverage stands are also abundant and while you can expect to queue, the queues move efficiently. But, there is a slight caveat, guests are not allowed to bring any food or drinks into the arena, including water. And of course, food and drinks from outside the venue are not allowed.
Do the comedians tone it down?
Although the comedians deliver their material in English (unless stated otherwise) and make some references to the show taking place in Saudi, there is no toning down of the stand up material. Comedy lovers will experience the stand up performances to have the same explicit remarks and hilarious skits delivered in any other global environment.
Who is the audience?
For the first night of the Riyadh Comedy Festival, the audience was pretty full and the crowd was good mix of local Saudis and expats, from groups of friends to couples, and even some visitors in town just for the festival.
Where can I get tickets?
While many of the shows are sold out, some tickets are still available and WeBook, the designated festival ticket seller, also offers a re-sale service.
Riyadh Comedy Festival, from September 26 - October 9, 2025
Boulevard City, Riyadh
Buy your tickets here
