Last night I had the chance to see Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David live talking about all things “Seinfeld.” Fun to witness the same chemistry between these two comedy legends that created this iconic show. Just as compelling were the five “Seinfeld Trivia Experts”- the producers brought to Los Angeles to stump the two of them on details about episodes they had forgotten. The audience packed with what can only be called “Seinfeldians” hung on every word.
The evening was part of a festival going on city wide in Los Angeles right now. Netflix is a Joke. I’ll be seeing our partners Hilarity for Charity”s Seth Rogen and friends Wednesday night. If you’re reading this on Thursday morning, there’s still time to catch Wanda Sykes, David Letterman and Robby Hoffman and too many more to list performing in LA through May 10th.
The Netflix events had me thinking about all the possible options we have to see live comedy in the coming months. Especially since research shows that we are 30 times more likely to laugh with other people than we are sitting alone watching cat videos. I like those odds! With this in mind, here’s a short list of options for you - and not just in Los Angeles!
If you’re bereft that you missed Seinfeld here, there’s more:
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown, NY
August 6–9, 2026
Headliners include major names like Jerry Seinfeld & Seth Meyers
If you are a comedy gourmand who relishes all styles and you feel like roadtripping to Nebraska, this is your dream come true.
Great American Comedy Festival
Norfolk, NE
June 17–20, 2026
Tribute-style fest (Johnny Carson roots) featuring stand-up and Improv!
If laughter paired with wine is your fantasy, and who can blame you, this is the one for you:
Wine Country Comedy Fest
Santa Rosa, CA
July 25, 2026
Comedy + wine pairing event vibe.
And finally…if you like your comedy with music, as in musical theater, you definitely want to check out The Festival, launching this summer! It’s a musical comedy Coachella, with an all-star Broadway line up!
The Festival
Kingston, NY
Musical comedy legends performing including Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara and Brian Stokes Mitchell. And a 30th Anniversary of Rent performance!
I understand the lure of staying inside with your remote. Last night as the sun was setting I quite literally wanted to crawl into bed. Fortunately I’d made a plan I couldn’t cancel. I walked into a local haunt teeming with energy and truly enjoyed a satisfying conversation. We laughed, we ate brussel sprouts and I left feeling connected to another human being.
Social engagement is getting a lot of attention in brain health circles these days. It’s right up there with quality sleep for staving off Alzheimer’s. So even if you can’t get to a festival in the coming months, make an effort to leave the house and meet with real people. Your future self and your brain will thank you for it.
