Moontower Comedy Festival Is Back with Over 100 Comedians

It’s Christmas in April for me because Moontower Comedy Festival is back. I’m wringing my hands in anticipation.

Here’s what you can expect from the festival this year, running April 22-25, 2015.

Moontower Returns to Downtown Austin

Now it it’s fourth year, Moontower Comedy Fest is taking over 11 venues, most of them in the downtown area. Beyond downtown, Cap City Comedy Club will be hosting events at 8120 Research Blvd, while Cactus Cafe will have shows at 2247 Guadalupe, just north of 22nd Street

Like last year, three badges are available to event goers. Starting at $129, the four day Fan badge guarantee access to non-headliner shows and the Ron “Tater Salad” White kickoff show at the Paramount on April 22nd.

The level of badge becomes important when it comes to seeing headliner shows. These are the biggest acts of the festival, held at the Paramount. Fan badge holders are given access to headliner shows, but only after VIP and Ace ticket holders get in.

A workaround for Fan badge holders is the headliner single ticket (which, by the time of this writing are already on sale). Other than that, the only advice I can offer for someone wanting to see Marc Maron, Wanda Sykes, Patton Oswalt, Hasan Minhaj, or any of the other headliners over the course of the four day event is to get in line very early.

11 Venues, Over 100 Comedians

Even if you aren’t able to see a headliner, there’s plenty more comedy to see. Last year, I showed up a little too late to catch a headliner, so I spent my time scurrying back and forth from venue to venue and seeing amazing comedy. I discovered Puddles Pity Party, The Sad Clown With the Golden Voice. I saw Cameron Esposito tear up not one but two sets at two different venues. I even got to see Ari Shaffir do a set. Ari is a long time comedy vet and Comedy Store alumni, and currently has a storytelling show on Comedy Central.

My point is: don’t let missing a headliner ruin the event for you. With the exceptions of Cap City Comedy Club and Cactus Cafe, all the venues are within walking distance of the One American Center parking garage at 7th and Congress. I mention this garage because parking is free for badge holders and it’s one block away from the Paramount and Stephen F. Austin Hotel.

After the Show, Don’t Miss the Party

The Stephen F. Austin Hotel is the crux of mix and mingle events that will make any fan of comedy drool. Moontower Comedy Festival hosts parties in a second floor ballroom at the hotel every night of the event. It gets pretty crowded as fans mix and mingle with performers, so take cash for buying drinks at the bar. Using a card may end up being too time consuming by the time you’re ready to wrap things up at the end of the night.

Normally this is the part of the article where I’d recommend specific comedians. I’d typically make a brief list of headliners, national and local comedians for you to check out.

But I’m not doing that this year. Comedy is subjective, with different styles appealing to different senses of humor. Before you plan your Moontower Comedy Fest excursions, take time to explore the comedian bios and check out some of their sets on the Internet if they’re available. I can almost guarantee you’ll find something appealing. Moontower Comedy Fest is the perfect opportunity to explore your taste in comedy.

More details are available on the Moontower Comedy Festival website.

 

@ElDavidThomas wants to know:  

What do you call a dude with no arms or legs on your porch?