SF Sketchfest 2025

#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems returns to Sketchfest stage all by himself with his friend, TV’s beloved comedian and ukulelist Kate Micucci, for a performance of books, songs, drawing, participation, and improvisation!

Click here to preorder a signed copy of Mo's new book, ME AND OTHER BUNNIES, and pick it up at the show! A selection of other books will be available for sale at the event.

The George Lucas Talk Show and the Star Wars Minute podcast are delighted to announce their appearance at the SF Sketchfest for a LIVE staged reading of the Star Wars Holiday Special! Join them and all-star cast of comedic thespians as they return the much-maligned TV special to life before your very eyes!

In 1978 George Lucas was eager to keep his blockbuster Star Wars in the public eye so his beloved characters would face their biggest threat to date—starring in a TV variety show! The world would be forever changed as we watched how Wookiee’s celebrate their titular holiday, Life Day! Featuring a galaxy of guest stars from Bea Arthur (“Maude”), Dihaann Carroll (“Julia”) and Harvey Korman (“High Anxiety”) the special would never be aired again. Curious fans have had no (legal) way to enjoy the festive flop—until now! Featuring the 21st Century equivalents of Art Carney, Starship and Harrison Ford, this live performance, like its predecessor, will never be repeated!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away MALLA THE WOOKIEE is worried her husband, CHEWBACCA, won’t make it home in time for LIFE DAY! Cooking, classic rock and EROTIC VR can’t distract her, her son LUMPY and father-in-law ITCHY! Will Han and Chewie make it in time? Is this really the first appearance of Boba Fett? Can Princess Leia carry a tune?

Find out the answers with The George Lucas Talk Show and the Star Wars Minute at the 2025 San Francisco Sketchfest!

With Patrick Cotnoir, JoJo Ginn, Mary Holland, Rob Huebel, Seth Morris, Griffin Newman, Pete the Retailer, Connor Ratliff, Paul Scheer, Alex Robinson, Nina West, Sabrina Wu and more.

Beloved sketch comedy legends The State present a never-before-seen live reading of their unproduced musical "A Holiday Hubbub at Porcupine Corners." Don't miss this one-time-only special event.

With Kevin Allison, Todd Holoubek, Michael Patrick Jann, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Thomas Lennon, Joe Lo Truglio, Ken Marino & David Wain.

"The Bachelor" super fan Arden Myrin ("Insatiable," "Shameless"), along with "Bachelor"-obsessed celebrity guests, discuss the latest "The Bachelor" episodes: tears, fantasy suites, and making sweet, sweet, love on the GREATEST COMEDY FRANCHISE OF ALL TIME -- "The Bachelor," "Bachelorette," and "Bachelor in Paradise." FANTASY! VICTORY! SUCCESS!! AMERICA!!! BONE ZONE!!! With special guest Doug Benson and more!

Based on one audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), The Improvised Shakespeare Company creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes. Prepare for an evening of spontaneous comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. All of the dialogue is said for the first time, the characters are created as you watch, and if ever you're wondering where the story is going...so are they! "TimeOut Chicago" calls it “Staggeringly Brilliant” and “Downright Hilarious!” You've never seen the Bard like this before!

With Joey Bland, Ross Bryant, Brendan Dowling, Greg Hess, and Blaine Swen.

After sold out shows across the country, How To Get a Second Husband starring Jackie Johnson is comin' to SF Sketchfest! Comedian Jackie Johnson is offering a life-changing seminar: how to find YOUR redemption husband. She has a 7 Step Fool Proof system that is guaranteed to bring YOU the pure happiness that only a second spouse can bring. Come along on this ride of music, audience participation, self-discovery, and love! Jackie delivers an unabashedly funny and vulnerable performance that is a must see for anyone who could use a hilarious look at modern day relationships and divorce. Directed by Kimmy Gatewood ("Girls5eva"), Choreographed by Kat Burns ("Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"), with Original Music by Adam Tressler ("Modern Family").

The Big Bad Armo Show is a sketch comedy show that holds up a fun house mirror to the Armenian American experience through a blend of satire, humor, and social commentary. Since 2009, the show has tackled topics ranging from the community's rich cultural heritage as the first nation to adopt Christianity to Kim Kardashian — and sometimes both, like when Kim refers to her faith as “Kristianity." Why should you care to see a show that's mostly about Armenians? Because chances are you have a co-worker, roommate, partner, or friend who’s Armenian and has already made your life a lot more interesting — or delicious. And if you don’t know an Armenian yet, this is your chance to meet a whole bunch at once — and trust us, it’ll change your life.

The show is totally accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of background. The Big Bad Armo Show is packed with original characters, spot-on impersonations, and sketches that, while rooted in the Armenian American experience, resonate with anyone who’s ever had a family, faced an awkward moment, or survived a political scandal. We don’t just stick to Armenian themes; we dive into broader political, social, and cultural topics, delivering a dynamic and diverse comedy experience.

SF Sketchfest is thrilled to welcome Kathryn Hahn, one of today's greatest comedic (and dramatic) actors, for a fun, irreverent, and in-depth conversation with her friend and collaborator David Wain ("Wanderlust").

Kathryn Hahn can currently be seen in the Disney+ limited series “Agatha All Along,” reviving her celebrated character Agatha Harkness from the "WandaVision" spinoff as the title character. For "WandaVision" which she co-starred alongside Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, she received a 2021 Emmy Award nomination in the category of "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series."

Recently, Hahn wrapped production on the AppleTV+ comedy series "The Studio," from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and co-starring Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders and Bryan Cranston. The series is set against the backdrop of legacy Hollywood movie studio that is trying to survive in a world where it is increasingly difficult for art and commerce to live together.

Previously, Hahn starred in Hulu’s limited series "Tiny Beautiful Things," based off the best-selling novel of the same title by Cheryl Strayed, as Dear Sugar, an anonymous advice columnist whose own life is falling apart. For her performance, she was nominated for a 2023 Primetime Emmy Award "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series" as well as for a 2024 Screen Actors Guild Award in the category of "Outstanding Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series." Prior to that, Hahn was seen in Netflix’s "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," as a part of the ensemble cast featuring Daniel Craig, Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr., Dave Bautista and Madelyn Cline. The film received a 2023 Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Picture- Musical/Comedy as well as 2023 Critics Choice Awards for Best Acting Ensemble and Best Comedy.

Film credits include Tamara Jenkins’ "Private Life," for which she received a Gotham Independent Film Award nomination; Phil Johnston and Rich Moore’s "Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and it’s sequel "Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse"; Genndy Tartakovsky’s "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation;" Max Winkler’s "Flower;" Jon Lucas and Scott Moore "A Bad Moms Christmas" and "Bad Moms;" Matt Ross’ "Captain Fantastic" opposite Viggo Mortensen; Steven Brill’s "The Do-Over" alongside Adam Sandler and David Spade; Peter Bogdanovich’s "She’s Funny That Way," alongside Imogen Poots, Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston; M. Night Shyamalan’s "The Visit;" Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel’s "The D Train;" Brad Bird’s "Tomorrowland" opposite George Clooney; as well as Shawn Levy’s "This is Where I Leave You." Additional credits include Jason Bateman’s, "Bad Words," Ben Stiller’s "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," starring and directed by Ben Stiller and Rawson Marshall Thurber’s "We’re the Millers," with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis. Hahn also starred in Jill Soloway’s "Afternoon Delight," which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and garnered her a 2013 "Breakthrough Actor" Gotham Award nomination. Other feature film credits include David Wain’s "Wanderlust"; Jesse Peretz’s "Our Idiot Brother"; James Brooks’ "How Do You Know"; Neal Brennan’s "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard"; Sam Mendes’ "Revolutionary Road"; Adam McKay’s "Step Brothers"; Robert Shaye’s "The Last Mimzy"; Nancy Meyers’ "The Holiday"; as well as Adam McKay’s "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."

On television, Hahn’s credits include Apple TV+ series "The Shrink Next Door" alongside Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell; Derek Cianfrance’s limited series "I Know This Much is True," in which she co-stars with Mark Ruffalo; Tom Perrotta’s limited series "Mrs. Fletcher;" Matthew Weiner’s anthology "The Romanoffs," alongside Jay R. Ferguson, Annet Mahendru and Clea Duvall; Jill Soloway’s "I Love Dick," starring opposite Kevin Bacon. Additionally, she co-starred in multiple seasons of the Emmy Nominated Amazon original series "Transparent" created by Jill Soloway. For her portrayal of Raquel Fein in season three, she received a 2017 Emmy Award nomination in the category of "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series." Additional television credits include Showtime’s dark comedy "Happyish" opposite Steve Coogan. Hahn also guest-starred on the NBC hit show "Parks & Recreation," as well as HBO’s "Newsroom" and "Girls." Her previous roles include NBC’s "Crossing Jordan," "Four Kings," "Hung" and "Free Agents." She also has lent her voice to the Apple TV+ animated series "Central Park," FX’s "Chozen," and Fox’s "Bob’s Burgers" and "American Dad!"

Hahn made her Broadway debut in the Tony-winning play "Boeing-Boeing," alongside Bradley Whitford, Gina Gershon, Mary McCormack, Christine Baranski and Mark Rylance. "Boeing-Boeing" won the 2008 Tony in the category of Best Revival of a Play. Additional theatre credits include "Dead End," at the Ahmanson Theater and Huntington Theater Company; "Ten Unknowns," at Huntington Theater Company; "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," "Chaucer in Rome" and "Camino Real," at Williamstown Mainstage; and "Hedda Gabler," at Williamstown/Baystreet.

Hahn received her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, her Masters in Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama and an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Northwestern.

Doug Benson has hosted the weekly comedy podcast "Doug Loves Movies" since 2006, which is recorded in front of live audiences in Los Angeles and at clubs all over the U.S. Benson and his guests talk about movies and then play movie related games. Guests have included such notables as John Lithgow, film critic Leonard Maltin, Brian Posehn, Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt and Jon Hamm. If you love movies, you'll love DOUG LOVES MOVIES!

SF Sketchfest presents some of our favorite hand-picked up and coming sketch and improv teams from around the United States and beyond!

With Boop (LA), Lady Business (SF), Not Like Other Girls (NYC), and Wiggle Room (LA). Hosted by Sandi Benton.

Fresh off a (NYT featured) run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Nadia Quinn Show! is a wildly goofy hour of original comedy music covering universally beloved topics from cigarettes, to boobs & dicks, zebras, death, Vanna White, ghosts, cats, butt sex, and more! You can expect to laugh, delight, enjoy special celebrity guest appearances, PRIZES, & surprises!

Reuniting friends and improvisers from the famed-and-former Facebook Improv show, these improv veterans are SF Sketchfest longtime staples! With Owen Burke, Chad Carter, Lisa Gilroy, Mary Holland, Rob Huebel, Phil Jackson, Jason Mantzoukas, Seth Morris, Paul Scheer and Carl Tart.

Robby Hoffman is a small ex-Hasidic queer Jewish stand-up comedian, writer, and true original. She can currently be seen as the breakout of Netflix's "Verified", their new selection of next generation stand-up comedians. "New York Times" comedy critic Jason Zinoman compares her "bulldozing stand-up to Larry David because of her mountain-out-of-a-molehill kvetching, but her hilarious rage over people who complain about interruptions during a conversation makes her sound like a modern lesbian Andrew Dice Clay".

Also a favorite of The Times is her podcast, "Too Far" (with Rachel Kaly) which is described as an "addictive listen", and that "truly great comedy emerges from combustible hostility, discord and a melodramatic sense of conflict".

She was named one of Vulture's Top "Comedians to Watch", one of Comedy Central's "Up Next" comedians, and was on Conan O'Brien's "Comics to Watch" list. She has performed numerous times at the Montreal Just for Laughs festival and has twice headlined the New York Comedy Festival. She recorded her first one-hour stand up special "I'm Nervous" in Toronto, available on CraveTV, and can also be seen in this year's "History of the World" on Hulu.

Robby is also a notable TV writer, having written on "The Chris Gethard Show" (TruTV), "Workin' Moms" (Netflix), and "Baroness Von Sketch Show" (IFC). In 2019, Robby won a Daytime Emmy Award for her writing work on "Odd Squad" (PBS). She is currently developing projects with Showtime, Warner Bros TV and A24.

With an opening set by Ruby Setnik.

Likeminds! is a comedy quiz show that takes the fact-filled fun of a pub quiz and combines it with the quick-witted comedy of an improv show.

Come play along as host Joey Bland (Improvised Shakespeare, "Jeopardy!") takes four hilarious comedian competitors and faces them off in a head-to-head trivia match along with lots of help from the audience! It's like if "Jeopardy" & "Taskmaster" had a really smart baby. Past guests have included Helen Hunt, Matthew Lillard, Vic Michaelis, Rekha Shankar, Doug Benson and more.

Direct from the Webby Award-winning "Judge John Hodgman Podcast", Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are bringing their mix of pop culture obsession, and sheer, unadulterated FAKE LEGAL WISDOM to the stage. Do you have a case that would be good for the live show? Submit your case at https://maximumfun.org/jjho.

SF Sketchfest presents some of our favorite hand-picked up and coming sketch and improv teams from around the United States and beyond!

With Mama Long Legs (SF), Party Trick (NYC), Public Breakup (LA), and Vivek Srikanthan (Toronto, CA). Hosted by Zach Mama.

SF Sketchfest presents some of our favorite hand-picked emerging stand-ups comics from around the country and beyond!

With Colin Armstrong, Graciella Hamilton, Keith Lowell Jensen, Juan Nicolan, Arielle Isaac Norman, L'eah Sampson, Pippa Spindel, and Andrew Yang. Hosted by Celeste Winter.