News Summary
Grand Rapids is set to host the 15th anniversary of Gilda’s LaughFest from March 5 to 9, 2025. This comedy festival features over 40 shows to raise funds for those affected by cancer and grief, highlighting the importance of laughter and community support. Special events, including the Gospel Fest and the High Five Campaign, aim to involve local residents while providing free entertainment for families. The festival will culminate in the Sunday Night Funnies show on March 9, celebrating resilience and the healing power of humor.
Grand Rapids Gears Up for Gilda’s LaughFest 2025
Get ready, Grand Rapids! The city is buzzing with excitement as Gilda’s LaughFest prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary from March 5 to March 9, 2025. Known as West Michigan’s largest comedy festival, LaughFest promises a fantastic lineup of laughs with a purpose. This annual festival, hosted by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, aims to raise funds that support vital programs for those dealing with cancer and grief.
What to Expect This Year
This year, the festival has scheduled over 40 shows that cover a wide range of comedic styles, from quirky “anything goes” performances to family-friendly events that everyone can enjoy. The goal is clear: to provide the community with laughter while supporting people traversing the often difficult journey of cancer and grief.
Shawn Campbell, the Vice President of Fund Development and Engagement, explains that this festival is not just about the comedy; it’s also about offering free emotional health programs to help those in need. Everyone knows that laughter is the best medicine, and this festival is here to prove it.
High Five Campaign: A Community Effort
This year, there’s a special twist! The High Five Campaign will feature buttons sold at various shows. What makes this campaign even cooler is that Meijer has pledged to match every dollar spent on these buttons, up to a total of $20,000! It’s a fun way to rally the community around a worthy cause while enjoying top-notch entertainment.
Events All Around Grand Rapids
LaughFest isn’t limited to just one location. Events will be scattered throughout Grand Rapids, as well as in neighboring Lowell and the Wayland Gun Lake Casino. No matter where you are, you won’t have to travel far to catch a show! New for 2025 is the Gospel Fest, hosted by the Sister-to-Sister Breast Cancer Support Group for Women of Color, adding another layer of diversity to the festival.
Star-Studded Lineup
Prepare for laughs from some spectacular comedians! The lineup features the likes of Adam Ray, a well-known Seattle comedian and actor, who will perform at Fountain Street Church on March 7. Gabby Bryan, an Emmy-award winning producer and stand-up comedian based in New York, will take the stage at Midtown on March 7 and 8. Let’s not forget Dan Soder, famous for his role in Showtime’s “Billions,” performing on March 8 back at Fountain Street Church.
Fans of local talent will love the performances from Corey Bonalewicz, also known as COREY B, who will be at Gun Lake Casino on March 6 and at First Congregational UCC of Lowell on March 7. The variety is endless, ensuring there’s something for everyone!
Fun for Everyone
Many events during LaughFest are completely free! Look out for shows like the Virtual Reality Showcase, Sunday Night Funnies, Kids Joke, and Family Improv. These opportunities allow families to come together and enjoy entertainment without breaking the bank.
Celebrating Resilience
The heartwarming kick-off event will feature comedian Brian B., a Stage 4 throat cancer survivor, who will be showcasing an entire lineup of cancer survivors. This event beautifully highlights the therapeutic power of laughter and how it can aid in the healing process.
Don’t Miss the Grand Finale
As LaughFest draws to a close, make sure to catch the iconic Sunday Night Funnies, emceed by Brian B., on March 9 at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming. It promises to be a night filled with joy, laughter, and a chance to celebrate not only the comedic talent but the resilience of those who have faced cancer.
So mark your calendars and gather your friends! Gilda’s LaughFest 2025 is more than just a comedy festival; it’s an annual tribute to laughter, community, and the positive power of humor. Come join Grand Rapids in this spectacular event that showcases support and unity in the face of adversity!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Prepares for 15th Annual LaughFest
Additional Resources
- WZZM13: LaughFest 2025 Guide
- MLive: Steve Martin and Martin Short Coming to Grand Rapids
- WWMT: Jim Gaffigan in Grand Rapids
- Wikipedia: Gilda Radner
- Google News: Gilda’s LaughFest 2025
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
