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  3. Riyadh Comedy Festival Welcomes Dave Chappelle and More Big Names

Riyadh Comedy Festival Welcomes Dave Chappelle and More Big Names

24 Aug 2025
  • Who are the big names headlining the festival?
  • Will there be women comedians at the festival too?
  • Who else has been added to the bill recently?
  • What makes this festival a landmark moment for the city?

There’s something about live comedy that hits differently. Watching a stand-up special at home is fun, sure, but being in the room when a joke lands when the crowd erupts all at once that’s a whole other experience. Riyadh is about to find out exactly what that feels like, because the city is hosting its first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival this September, and the lineup is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

A heavyweight lineup

A heavyweight lineup

From September 26 to October 9, Boulevard City will turn into a global comedy hotspot. And leading the pack? Dave Chappelle, one of the most iconic voices in stand-up. But he’s not alone. Riyadh will also welcome Kevin Hart, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, Bill Burr, Jim Jefferies, Jo Koy, Maz Jobrani, and Jimmy Carr. Each of them brings a distinct style some sharp and edgy, others silly and playful but all guaranteed to keep the crowd laughing long after the night is over.

Voices from every angle

Voices from every angle

Yes, and that’s a big part of what makes this lineup feel fresh. The stage won’t just belong to the men. Comedians like Jessica Kirson, Whitney Cummings, and Zarna Garg are set to perform, and their acts bring a completely different kind of energy. Whether it’s self-deprecating humor, bold storytelling, or biting satire, these voices add balance to the festival, making sure the laughs hit from every angle.

Even more surprises

Even more surprises

Just when people thought the lineup couldn’t get bigger, more names were announced. Aziz Ansari, Pete Davidson, Tom Segura, Sam Morril, Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee, Omid Djalili, and Nimesh Patel are now on the list. And then came the real shockers: Chris Tucker, Louis C.K., Hannibal Buress, Marc Normand, Jimiwan, and Chris DiStefano. At this point, it feels less like a single festival and more like a comedy all-star game.

Why Riyadh, why now

Why Riyadh, why now

The Saudi Entertainment Authority isn’t just putting on a show; it’s making a statement. Riyadh is stepping up as a cultural hub, hosting international talent that usually tours London, New York, or Los Angeles. For fans in the Kingdom, this means they no longer need to travel abroad to see their comedy heroes they’re performing right here at home. Tickets start at SAR100 on webook.com, which feels like a rare bargain for this kind of lineup.

Ahd Kamal

BY Ahd Kamal

Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.

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