SF Sketchfest Returns with Star-Studded SNL Reunion

San Francisco’s premier comedy festival, SF Sketchfest, is gearing up for its 23rd year, promising a laughter-filled start to the new year. Known for being the city’s funniest festival, it’s set to host over 200 acts, with a major highlight being a special tribute featuring many beloved women of “Saturday Night Live.”

SF Sketchfest: The Bay Area’s Funniest Festival is Back

While San Francisco boasts diverse festivals—Hardly Strictly Bluegrass for its wholesomeness, Outside Lands for its rock, and Portola for its volume—SF Sketchfest undeniably holds the crown for being the funniest. Now in its 23rd year, this beloved local event brings a vast array of comedic talent from across the spectrum right here to the Bay Area.

From January 15 through February 1, over 200 acts will take to a dozen different San Francisco venues. These stages range from intimate standup havens like Cobb’s Comedy Club and the Punch Line to larger music venues such as the Great American Music Hall, and renowned theaters like Sydney Goldstein. The festival is wildly popular among local comedy enthusiasts, and tickets to its premiere acts are known to sell out quickly, so Bay Area residents should plan ahead.

An Iconic “SNL” Reunion and Classic TV Tributes

One of SF Sketchfest’s most celebrated traditions is reuniting casts from iconic television shows and films, and this year is no exception. A major draw will be a special tribute dedicated to the remarkable women of “Saturday Night Live.” This star-studded event will feature an impressive lineup of SNL alums, including Ellen Cleghorne, Rachel Dratch, Robin Duke, Ana Gasteyer, Laraine Newman, Cheri Oteri, and Julia Sweeney, offering a unique opportunity to see these comedic powerhouses together.

Beyond the SNL tribute, the festival is packed with other exciting reunions. “Kids in the Hall,” long-time favorites at Sketchfest, are set to perform a live read of their film “Brain Candy” to commemorate its 30th anniversary. Fans of “Wet Hot American Summer” can celebrate its 25th year with a performance by the “Middle Aged Dad Jam Band.” Additionally, beloved animated shows “Futurama” and “Doug” are slated to get the reunion treatment, along with appearances from some of the cast of “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” These reunions offer a nostalgic and hilarious trip down memory lane for Bay Area audiences.

Star-Studded Lineup and Unique Performances

The 23rd SF Sketchfest boasts a deep bench of comedic talent, featuring a robust lineup of big-name acts ready to entertain San Francisco audiences. Performers include Randall Park, Maria Bamford, Janeane Garofalo, Eugene Mirman, Todd Barry, Chelsea Peretti, John Hodgman, and Adam Savage. Long-time Sketchfest participants like Doug Benson will also be making appearances.

For improv lovers, Upright Citizens Brigade’s ASSSSCAT is scheduled to perform, and Lane Moore’s popular Tinder Live will bring its unique brand of dating app comedy to the stage. The “George Lucas Talk Show” is also slated to return, ready to skewer “Star Wars” with its signature wit. Music fans will be excited to hear that Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh will join the Red Room Orchestra to perform his acclaimed soundtrack work. With such a diverse and extensive program, SF Sketchfest truly offers something for every comedy fan.

The full lineup for this massive comedic undertaking is so robust that it’s difficult to summarize entirely. For complete details and to explore all the performances, visit sfsketchfest.com. Be prepared to secure your tickets promptly, as they officially go on sale on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions About SF Sketchfest

• What is SF Sketchfest?
  SF Sketchfest is San Francisco’s annual premier comedy festival, celebrating its 23rd year with over 200 acts across various venues.
• When and where does SF Sketchfest take place?
  The festival runs from January 15 through February 1 at a dozen different venues throughout San Francisco, including Cobb’s Comedy Club, Punch Line, Great American Music Hall, and Sydney Goldstein.
• Which notable “SNL” alums are featured this year?
  This year’s tribute to the women of “SNL” features Ellen Cleghorne, Rachel Dratch, Robin Duke, Ana Gasteyer, Laraine Newman, Cheri Oteri, and Julia Sweeney.
• Are there other exciting reunions planned?
  Yes, “Kids in the Hall” will do a live read of “Brain Candy,” the “Middle Aged Dad Jam Band” will celebrate “Wet Hot American Summer,” and “Futurama,” “Doug,” and “Mystery Science Theater 3000” casts will also reunite.
• When do tickets for SF Sketchfest go on sale?
  Tickets for all performances go on sale on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PST.

Given the festival’s popularity and the incredible lineup, SF Sketchfest tickets are sure to be a hot commodity. Mark your calendars for Sunday at 10:00 a.m., and don’t miss your chance to experience the Bay Area’s funniest event!

SF Sketchfest Returns with Star Studded SNL Reunion