Trevor Noah and More Coming to Laugh it Up for LaughFest 2018

It's the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, and it's Gilda’s LaughFest, here in Grand Rapids. They just announced the exciting first round of talent and shows for the festival’s eighth year, slated for March 8–18, 2018.

Headlining is Trevor Noah, host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, which has been nominated for a Writers Guild Award. Noah is performing during Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Signature Event, Saturday, March 10 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.

Tiffany Haddish in coming, as well. She just hosted Saturday Night Live, recently starred in Universal's "Girls Trip" alongside Jada Pinket Smith, Queen Latifah and Regina Hall, and, debuted here comedy special for Showtime titled, "Tiffany Haddish:SHE READY! From the Hood to Hollywood."

Also returning to LaughFest are veterans Maria Bamford and Cameron Esposito, among other diverse artists including some festival newcomers and other returning favorites.

The artists revealed are in addition to the previously announced “Weird Al” Yankovic event happening in partnership with Live Nation and 20 Monroe Live, and the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Second City’s Guide to the Symphony.

The 10-day festival will feature the Clean Comedy Showcase, March 8–10, with two showcases. Artists announced for Clean Comedy Showcases include Jordan Carlos, Nore Davis, Aaron Kleiber, Grant Lyon, Nathan Macintosh, Keith McGill and Emma Willmann.

LaughFest Badges will go on sale to the general public 10 a.m., today, Nov. 17 at laughfestgr.org, or over the phone at 616-735-HAHA (4242). Badges are priced at four levels and will allow individuals to create customized ticket options for shows before individual tickets go on sale. The badges will include access to insider perks, such as exclusive parties, early access to additional single ticket sales, early seating at free shows, merchandise discounts and an exclusive t-shirt. Individual ticket sales will be available beginning January.

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is again seeking to raise funds to support its programs through the “High Five” campaign. Money raised during LaughFest through this campaign will support the free cancer, grief and emotional health support programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Individuals interested in donating to the “High Five” campaign may do so by purchasing a button for a $5 donation at participating restaurants and businesses in West Michigan, or through laughfestgr.org.