Three nights of original sketch comedy and a short-film showcase take over RISE Comedy.

The Denver Sketch Festival returns for its third year Oct. 8-10 at RISE Comedy, 1260 22nd St., Denver. The festival features original written sketch comedy from more than 20 troupes and solo performers from across North America, along with video sketches and festival parties.

New York sketch group Simple Town headlines with a one-night-only hour on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. The group’s cast is Will Niedmann, Sam Lanier, Ian Faria, Caroline Yost and Felipe Di Poi. According to festival organizers, the group sold out its run at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and its videos have appeared on Adult Swim, Comedy Central and Cracked.

The festival opens at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Ultra Short Film Festival, a screening of filmed sketches from across the continent. Live performances follow each hour on the Main Stage through Saturday night, with acts ranging from touring ensembles to Denver character comedians.

Festival producers Connor Schuck and Katie Congrove are presenting the event with RISE Comedy. “DSF is built for the people who write it, perform it and love watching it,” Congrove said.

Schedule (Main Stage)

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Thursday, Oct. 8

• 7 p.m. — Ultra Short Film Festival
• 8 p.m. — Asa Does Characters / Dad Skeleton
• 9 p.m. — Chris Johnson / Dog People
• 10 p.m. — Andy Weld / The Greatest Comedy Show

Friday, Oct. 9

• 7 p.m. — The Better Binness Bros / Maple Daddies
• 8 p.m. — Fastball Bob / Cam Wyllie
• 9 p.m. — DEBIT-CASH-OR-CREDIT / Dan Burger
• 10 p.m. — Happy 2 B Here / Sarah Knittel

Saturday, Oct. 10

• 6 p.m. — Rails Comedy / Denver Character Showcase
• 7 p.m. — Septar / Fever Dream
• 8 p.m. — Simple Town (headliner)
• 9 p.m. — Jordan Moeller / Avery & Sabrina Are Dead
• 10 p.m. — Not Vivek Srikanthan / Big Ol’ Mess