Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/01/2026
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- ComedySportz Jersey Shore will host the 2026 ComedySportz World Championship at the Palaia Theater at the Jersey Shore Arts Center, bringing competitors from 24 cities across the country to Monmouth County for four days of fast-paced, family-friendly competition. The championship runs June 24–27, with the final match on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This year marks the 37th ComedySportz World Championship since the league was founded in Milwaukee by Dick Chudnow in 1984.
Competing teams will travel from Boston, San Antonio, New York City, Richmond, Las Vegas, Houston, Portland, Cincinnati, Chicago, Philadelphia, Austin, St. Louis, Seattle, San Jose, Indianapolis, Buffalo, and more for 11 official matches. All championship matches are open to the public, with presale tickets available for purchase online� and low-cost rush tickets available at the door.
The home team, the Jersey Shore Things, opens the championship on Wednesday, June 24th at 6:00pm against the Indianapolis Circle City Slammers, the 2025 World Championship finalists. The Jersey Shore Things take the field again on Friday, June 26th at 9:00pm to face the Buffalo Snow Patrol.
The championship weekend also includes The Queer Show, a specialty performance celebrating LGBTQ-IA performers, on Thursday, June 25th at 11:00pm at Paradise Nightclub in Asbury Park, a 21+ event with proceeds benefiting the Trans Equity Coalition.
The championship represents a significant milestone for Shore Thing Theater, the Neptune-based nonprofit that launched ComedySportz Jersey Shore in 2019. Ria Torricelli, Creative Director of Shore Thing Theater and President of ComedySportz Worldwide, will oversee the event.
"We're thrilled to bring the 2026 ComedySportz World Championship to the Jersey Shore," said Torricelli. "With performers arriving from cities across our league, audiences can expect four days of incredible comedy. We can't wait to show them everything the Shore has to offer."
Beyond the competition, the championship will bring approximately 200 visiting performers and participants to the area for professional development workshops and intensives led by instructors from across the country. Attendees will also take part in local outings designed to support Jersey Shore businesses and explore the region's history and culture.
What to Expect
* Live improv battles between Red and Blue teams, fueled by audience suggestions
* Wednesday through Friday, three matches per night at 6:00pm, 7:30pm, and 9:00pm, each approximately one hour long
* Saturday at 6:00pm: a special All-Star Match featuring players from across the league
* Saturday at 7:30pm: the Championship Match, a full 90-minute showdown with halftime as the final two teams compete for the ComedySportz World Championship title
Shore Thing Theater is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Neptune, NJ, and the home of ComedySportz Jersey Shore. Its mission is to provide high-quality, live entertainment and arts education in a safe environment, at an affordable cost, for the diverse communities of the Jersey Shore. Shore Thing Theater offers improv classes at multiple levels as well as workshops in sketch writing, storytelling, stand-up, and poetry. No student is ever turned away from a class for inability to pay. Scholarships, payment plans, and sliding scale tuition are available to anyone in need. ComedySportz Jersey Shore performs every Saturday night at 7:00pm in the Herbst Theater inside the Jersey Shore Arts Center.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Nationally Recognized Comedian Adam Sank presents "Bad Dates: A One-Man Show About Many Men" in Cape May on June 6th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The new East Lynne Theater Company celebrates Pride Month with a raucous one-night-only stand-up comedy show starring nationally recognized veteran comic Adam Sank in his award-winning show "Bad Dates: A One-Man Show About Many Men," on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME in Cape May. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents comedian Jeff Allen
(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents comedian Jeff Allen on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is part of his first "Final" Farewell Tour - the last tour until the next one.
Art House Productions presents the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions has announced the lineup for the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival, taking place June 9–13. From more than 300 submissions, 40 stand-up comics from across the U.S. have been selected to perform in the festival's stand-up competition.
Newark Culture Club to Host Shows for The 2026 North To Shore Festival
(NEWARK, NJ) -- North to Shore is a festival celebrating all the talent, diversity and creativity this great state has to offer. North to Shore will bring together over 100 venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey-wide excellence, aligned with former Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy's vision for a celebration worthy of the Garden State's legacy in the arts and innovation. Two shows from this year's festival will be held at Newark Culture Club!
NJPAC presents comedian Eric D'Alessandro on June 18th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Eric D'Alessandro, the viral comedy sensation, will return to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. This promises to be an evening filled with laughter, energy, and irresistible charm, as D’Alessandro brings his distinct comedic perspective to one of New Jersey’s premier venues.
Debonair Music Hall presents Kevin Farley on June 19th
(TEANECK, NJ) -- Debonair Music Hall presents comedian Kevin Farley on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 7:00pm. Known for his bold delivery, sharp timing, and fearless physical comedy, Farley delivers a fast-paced show packed with relatable observations, larger-than-life storytelling, and crowd-driven moments that keep audiences laughing from start to finish.
bergenPAC presents Tracy Morgan on June 19th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Tracy Morgan on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tracy is one of the most well-respected comedians and actors in his field. He currently stars in the tv show CRUTCH.
bergenPAC presents comedian Tim Dillon on June 20th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Tim Dillon on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tim is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor known for his no-holds-barred humor and incisive social commentary.
Punkie Johnson (SNL) to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show at Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Comedian, writer, and actor Punkie Johnson is known for her hilarious work as a former cast member on Saturday Night Live. When Johnson joined SNL in its 45th season, she made history as the first out Black lesbian cast member and became a featured player the following season. She will be headlining a lineup of LGBTQ comedians at Newark Culture Club on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00pm.
NJPAC presents Earthquake's Father's Day Comedy Show with Sheryl Underwood, Mr. Bishop, D'Lai, Junior, TK Kirkland, and Donnell Rawlings
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Get ready to laugh out loud as Earthquake, the iconic comedian known for his electrifying stage presence, brings his annual Father's Day Comedy Show to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. This special event promises a night of nonstop humor with Earthquake at the helm, joined by a stellar lineup of comedic talent and hosted by the incomparable Sheryl Underwood.
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