Comedy Festival Gives Newport Visitors a Weekend of Laughs

Newport’s fall calendar is getting a dose of standup comedy as the Rogue Island Comedy Festival continues through Sunday, October 11, with performances across the city and Middletown.

Rhode Island Monthly highlighted the festival in its weekly events guide, describing a mix of established comedians and emerging performers. The four-day fall event began October 8 and offers multiple shows rather than a single performance.

Friday’s October 9 schedule includes Good Cop/Rad Cop at Newport Craft Brewing, with shows at 6 and 8 p.m., according to the organizer. A separate 9 p.m. show featuring Ray Harrington and other comedians is listed at Newport Pickleball Club in Middletown.

Saturday moves the spotlight to Jane Pickens Theater. The organizer lists a 4:30 p.m. show featuring Fumi Abe and Good Cop/Rad Cop, followed by evening performances with Tony V and additional comics. Sunday’s program returns to Newport Craft Brewing, with Eeland Stribling and other performers scheduled.

For Rhode Islanders planning a short coastal getaway, the spread of venues creates several ways to build an evening around a show. Visitors can choose a performance time first, then arrange dinner or other Newport stops around it.

The festival’s website says all shows use general admission, tickets are sold online, and lineups can change. Check the specific performance before traveling, particularly if a favorite comedian is the main reason for attending.

With the festival already underway, this weekend offers a timely reason to visit Newport beyond its summer season and catch live comedy in several local settings.