Comedy Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Feb 11, 2022
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa
Can you withstand five hours of non-stop laughter? Then you will enjoy the free for all Comedy Day laugh-fest that strictly caters to your funny bones.

Where is Comedy Day celebrated?

  Comedy Day is celebrated in San Francisco, CA, United States.

Who is Comedy Day celebrated by?

 Comedy Day is celebrated by the world-class comedians of the San Francisco Bay Area and comedy fans.

When did Comedy Day first start?

 Comedy Day was officially started in 1981.

Who started Comedy Day?

 Comedy Day was started by comedian/musician Jose Simon.

History And Timeline

This free comedy celebration brings unlimited laughs and is still the longest-running free outdoor event in the States.

Comedy Day Origin

The Comedy Day concept hatched in the '70s when comedian Jose Simon decided to do a grand event for outdoor comedy fest, since outdoor concerts for theater and music already existed.

1970

Punch Line Comedy Club

San Francisco's oldest running comedy club, Punch Line, was opened in 1978 by Jeffery Pollack and later sold to Bill Graham in 1981. Great comedians like Robin Williams, Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Patton Oswalt, and Drew Carey performed for the first time on this stage, making the comedian's dream turn into reality.

1978

The Official Launch

In 1981, Comedy Day was officially held and was a smashing success.

1981

Tribute To Robin Williams

Sharon Meadow was renamed Robin Williams Meadow on the eve of the 38th Annual Comedy Day in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Friends of Williams, former state assemblyman, Tom Ammiano, comedians, and park officials were present for this unveiling event.

2018

A Million Laughs Anniversary

This annual free laugh-fest celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 19, 2021.

2021

Comedy Day Traditions And Customs

More than 40 world-class comedians gather in Robin Williams Meadow of Golden Gate Park and hang out in broad daylight. From noon till 5 pm, they begin their non-stop relay of jokes for free.

Comedians can be seen performing funny monologues and doing stand-ups all over the city. This five-hour laugh fest in the park also provides a door to all the young and budding comedians on one stage. It's like a comedy picnic in the park.

Ways To Celebrate Comedy Day

Binge some live comedy events on stage. Take what you've witnessed and learn to deliver a funny joke or punchline to your family and friends. Or, you can tune in to some sitcoms or comedy movies on TV. You can also promote the live event on social media by publishing updates, photos, videos, and even ads.

Comedy Day Facts And Stats

  • Comedy day attracts more than 60,000 attendees in one day.
  • More than 600 of the funniest comedians have performed for nearly half a million people over the last four decades.
  • Organizer, Debi Durst, organizes a fundraiser (gofundme.com) to celebrate Comedy Day, as this event costs a lot of money.
  • Comedy Day is about giggles and raises awareness about the physical and mental health benefits of laughing. So, you don't want to miss this free event. Just make sure to bring a photo id.

Who discovered Comedy Day?

Comedy Day was discovered by Jose Simon.

What are the limitations of celebrating Comedy Day?

All patrons age 12 and above should have accompanying photo ID and COVID-19 test negative results (unless due to medical reasons) before entering backstage.

All patrons must be masked while entering backstage unless they are eating or drinking, practice social distancing, and regularly wash their hands.

Patrons who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 for any medical reasons or religious beliefs, or whose age does not permit it, must take the COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before visiting backstage and should provide negative results at the door along with accompanying photo ID details.

How do families celebrate Comedy Day?

Families hang out at Golden Gate Park on Comedy Day to enjoy free non-stop comics. For eating and drinking, one can find vendors there.

What is the importance of celebrating Comedy Day?

Comedy Day events give audiences a break from the routine trials of daily life, and helps people release pent-up energy during distressing times.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, September 15, 2019
  • Sunday, September 19, 2021
  • Sunday, September 18, 2022
  • Sunday, September 17, 2023
  • Sunday, September 15, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

Deepthi Reddy picture

Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English

Shruti Thapa picture

Shruti ThapaBachelor of Arts specializing in English

With a passion for American, British, and children's literature, Shruti is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Garden City University, Bengaluru. Her fluency in Nepali, Hindi, and Mandarin demonstrates her linguistic abilities and global perspective. In addition to her literary pursuits, she has a keen interest in non-fiction literature, aesthetics, early childhood education, and Egyptian history. Shruti's research paper 'Bringing Art Illustrations In Education And Pop Culture' showcases her proficiency in these areas and her dedication to academic excellence.

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