News Summary
Grammy and Emmy-nominated comedian Nate Bargatze will perform in Grand Rapids as part of his extensive ‘Big Dumb Eyes World Tour’ on August 1, 2026. This show, held at the Van Andel Arena, is a highlight of Bargatze’s 62-date tour following his record-breaking success in recent years. With over 1.2 million tickets sold in 2024 and numerous accolades, including hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards, Bargatze’s return to the stage promises to delight fans with new material and engaging performances.
Grand Rapids Welcomes Nate Bargatze’s “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour” in 2026
Grand Rapids will host Grammy and Emmy-nominated comedian Nate Bargatze on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of his extensive “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour.” This performance will take place at the Van Andel Arena, adding to Bargatze’s impressive track record of live shows.
The Grand Rapids show is a highlight in a 62-date tour, which follows Bargatze’s extraordinary success over the past two years. In 2024 alone, he sold over 1.2 million tickets, setting more than 20 venue records. His rise in popularity has led to him being recognized as the top comedian in the world by Pollstar, a position that places him alongside iconic music acts like Coldplay, Madonna, and U2.
Bargatze’s record-breaking achievements were recently underscored by Billboard’s announcement that he set a new standard for the highest one-year gross by a comedy performer in history in 2024. This accomplishment further cements his status in the entertainment industry, highlighting his widespread appeal and the demand for his comedic performances.
Upcoming Events and Releases
As part of his recent accomplishments, Bargatze is also set to host the Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14 on CBS. His presence on television has been well-received, having previously hosted Saturday Night Live twice, with both performances garnering positive reviews from audiences and critics alike.
In addition to his live performances, Bargatze has made significant contributions to literature and television. He published his first book, “Big Dumb Eyes: Stories From A Simpler Mind,” which quickly became a New York Times #1 bestseller. Furthermore, he co-produced a holiday variety special, “Nate Bargatze’s Nashville Christmas,” alongside SNL creator Lorne Michaels for CBS, showcasing his talents beyond stand-up comedy.
Streaming Success
Bargatze’s foray into streaming platforms has also been extraordinarily successful. His 2023 Amazon Prime special, “Hello World,” became the most-streamed original comedy special within the first 28 days after its release. His Netflix special, “Your Friend, Nate Bargatze,” premiered on Christmas Eve 2024, achieving significant acclaim by remaining in the global top 10 for two weeks and receiving three Emmy nominations.
Ticket Information
Local presales for the Grand Rapids performance will start on Thursday, September 4, at 12 p.m., with general ticket sales available beginning Friday, September 5, at 10 a.m. Tickets for this much-anticipated show can be purchased on the Van Andel Arena’s official website.
New Material and Fan Anticipation
Fans can expect all new material during the 2026 tour, furthering the excitement surrounding Bargatze’s return to the stage. Additional dates are anticipated to be announced as the tour progresses, reflecting Bargatze’s ability to connect with audiences across diverse venues.
Background and Recognition
Described by The Atlantic as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” and recognized by CBS Mornings as “One of the Funniest People,” Bargatze has crafted a reputation for clean, relatable comedy. His performances continue to resonate with fans, evidenced by sold-out shows at prestigious locations like the Hollywood Bowl, where he has consistently broken attendance records.
As Nate Bargatze prepares for his Grand Rapids performance as part of the “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour,” anticipation continues to build among his fans, eager to experience fresh material from one of comedy’s most celebrated figures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Pollstar: Nate Bargatze’s 2026 Tour Announcement
- WZZM13: Nate Bargatze Coming to Grand Rapids
- Yes Weekly: Nate Bargatze’s 2026 Tour Details
- Des Moines Register: Nate Bargatze in Des Moines
- NBC Connecticut: Nate Bargatze’s Tour in Hartford
- Wikipedia: Nate Bargatze
- Google Search: Nate Bargatze Big Dumb Eyes Tour
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nate Bargatze
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.
