LGBTLOL 2026
The LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest is returning to New Orleans for its fifth year from June 4 through June 7, bringing over 60 LGBTQIA+ comedians from across North America to the city for four days of stand-up performances, showcases, and Pride Month events.
Founded by local comedians and producers Drew Prestridge and Ryan Rogers, LGBTLOL started as a grassroots comedy showcase and has grown into what organizers describe as the nation's premier queer comedy festival. The annual event has become a staple of Pride Month in New Orleans, attracting performers and attendees from across the country.
2026 Headliners
This year's festival headliners include Ren Q. Dawe, Kalea McNeill, and Bailey Pope.
Dawe is a Boulder-based comic and activist known for their "Here to Pee" tour, which is recognized as the first comedy tour by a transgender comedian to reach all 50 states and raise money for LGBTQ+ nonprofits.
McNeill is based in Los Angeles, California and is recognized for her recurring role on the television series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and appearances on Comedy Central, Don't Tell Comedy, and comedy festivals including Netflix Is A Joke and Just For Laughs.
Pope is a New York comedian, writer, and actress. Her debut comedy album AKA reached No. 1 on the iTunes comedy charts and has been shown on Prime Video, SiriusXM, and Roku Comedy Network.
National and Local Talent
According to organizers, more than 100 comedians applied to perform at this year's festival. The selected national lineup includes comics from cities such as Chicago, Portland, Albuquerque, Brooklyn, Seattle, Jacksonville, and San Francisco.
The festival will also highlight a group of New Orleans comedians, reflecting the city's growing queer comedy scene. Local performers include Jade Brontë, Kat Dreher, Justice Singleton, Saya Meads, and several other comics, drag performers, and entertainers.
Building a Platform and Community
In a statement announcing the lineup, Prestridge said the festival was created to give queer comedians a platform that centered around LGBTQIA+ voices and stories.
"Five years ago, we started LGBTLOL because queer comedians deserved a stage that was entirely ours," Prestridge said. "Now performers are traveling from across the country to experience queer comedy in New Orleans — a city that's always embraced bold voices and big personalities.
Rogers added that the event has become both a "launchpad" for queer comics and a community space for audiences seeking inclusive entertainment.
The festival is known for its sold-out shows and standing-room only crowds throughout New Orleans, helping establish the city as a spot for queer comedy at the start of Pride Month.
Tickets and Festival Information
Festival passes are currently on sale on the festival's website. Four day passes currently cost $99, with specific events also on sale or open to the public. Additional show schedules and ticket information are expected to be announced soon through LGBTLOL's website and social media platforms.
