iO Fest

JULY 23-26, 2026

CHICAGO’S LARGEST COMEDY FESTIVAL IS BACK!

Chicago’s Comedic Epicenter

We’re thrilled to bring Chicago’s biggest comedy festival back for a third year in a row! Thank you to the teams, producers, patrons, and staff that helped make iO Fest ‘24 and ‘25 such a success.

iO Fest 2026 will take place July 23-26 at iO Theater in Chicago. This festival brings together the world’s best comedians, iO’s talented roster of alumni to a diverse array of today’s up-and-coming talents.

Join us for four days of improv, sketch, music, stand-up and more along with specialty workshops in celebration of Chicago’s vibrant comedy scene.

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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

iO Fest 2026 returns with over 135 acts and 11 headliners, including: Baby Wants Candy, Improvised Shakespeare Company, The Sloppy Boys, Jackbox, and more.

iO Fest 2025 reached new heights, with over 1,000 daily visitors, over 120 visiting acts, and 9 headliners. This four day festival also includes specialty workshops offered by headliners and top comedic talent open to the public.

Previous iO Fest headliners include: Meadows, Walsh and Friends, Afternoon Delight with Brendan Walsh, The Sloppy Boys, Sarah Sherman from Saturday Night Live, Jordan Klepper from The Daily Show, Tim Baltz from Righteous Gemstones, Chris Redd from Saturday Night Live, TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi from Strangers with Candy and Veep.

Don’t miss out! Witness a marathon of amazing comedic talent, right here in Chicago.

Press for io FEST:

AXIOS CHICAGO – “Improv is one of Chicago’s greatest exports, next to deep dish pizza and 16-inch softball.”

THIRD COAST REVIEW – “It’s a unique opportunity to experience the creativity and spontaneity that have made Chicago a global leader in comedy.”

WBEZ CHICAGO – “Controversy has always driven comedy, and so it was this weekend at iO Fest — the largest improv comedy festival in Chicago — as the Whirled News Tonight team scoured the news of the day for comedic bits.“

CHICAGO SUN TIMES – “The Chicago improv scene is known for launching the careers of some of comedy’s most beloved superstars. But it can also provide a mid-career boost. Just ask Tim Meadows…”

BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO – “…the intention behind iO Fest is the same as previous iterations: to create a national epicenter for long-form improv and comedy for four days.”

Take a workshop

Stay tuned for announcements regarding specialty workshops led by our headliners & other special guest instructors!

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Open at 6PM W-Sun

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.

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