Denver’s comedy bar kicks off two weeks of stand-up battles and improv showcases with over 150 performers from around the world

RISE Comedy will hold its fifth annual RISE Comedy Festival July 24 through Aug. 1 at its venue in Denver’s Ballpark District.

The festival runs across two weekends. The first, July 24-25, features a stand-up competition in which touring comedians perform and audience voting determines a cash-prize winner. The second, July 30-Aug. 1, shifts to improv, with ensembles performing long-form, short-form and genre-bending sets across RISE’s Mainstage and Hideaway Stage. The lineup includes a headlining set from Lemon Pepper Wet, a BIPOC ensemble from Upright Citizens Brigade.

RISE Comedy has operated in Denver since 2011, staging more than 60 shows a month and training local performers. Organizers said this year’s festival will bring more than 150 comedians and improvisers to Denver from around the country and internationally.

“This year is our biggest yet bringing over 150 comedians to Denver from local comedians to ones from other states and countries,” said Nick Armstrong, co-owner and artistic director of RISE Comedy.

Josh Nicols, co-owner of RISE Comedy, said the festival is meant to showcase Denver’s comedy community alongside touring talent.

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