iO Theater is the leading force in improv comedy and a destination for comedians alike.
We’re thrilled to expand our programming with a lineup of festivals highlighting various groups in the comedy community, from femme forces to musicians.
In the past year, we’ve helped curate a collection of festivals that directly impacts the iO and the comedy community as a whole. We were fortunate enough to host festivals like Fraudway, a musical improv festival that brought in 25+ acts from all over the United States produced by Allen Lucas, The Fest, an all-BIPOC comedy festival produced by Avery Ford and Tyler VanDuvall, as well as Devil Fest, a single-day festival hosted by one of iO Theater’s oldest teams, Devil’s Daughter.
Below you can find some of our up-and-coming festivals, as well as iO Fest, our annual 4-day comedy festival that hosts over 100 acts from across the globe. We hope to see you soon!
iO FEST 2026
Chicago’s largest comedy festival is back for a third year in a row! With over 100 acts from all over the world, workshops taught by award-winning comedians, and celebrity headliners, this is set to be an incredible weekend of comedy.
THE FEST VOL. 2
VanDuvall & 4rd Productions, in collaboration with The iO Theater, announces The Fest Vol. 2! Held at the historic iO, features Chicago’s best comedians of color! Currently accepting submissions.
THE LAST COMEDY FILM FESTIVAL ON EARTH
The world is on fire, life is a mess, and we can’t stop making movies about it! Celebrate, cry, laugh, and scream about the state of the world through the catharsis of short films made by talented comedy filmmakers across the globe. Currently accepting submissions!
Want to pitch a festival to us?
Opening Hours
Monday: 5PM – 11PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5PM – 11PM
Thursday: 5PM – 12AM
Friday: 5PM – 2AM
Saturday: 5PM – 2AM
Sunday: 5PM – 10PM
How to Find us
How to get here
iO is a five minute walk from the North/Clybourn Red Line Stop and just two minutes off the 72 North Ave Bus Route. We offer no parking, but limited street parking and several pay-to-park lots are located within one block.
Food & Drink Menu
We are an all ages venue with full food and beverage service. Our bar and kitchen are open each show night at 6pm and offer delicious and affordable options before, during, and after the shows.