A comedy festival featuring some of Southern California’s finest Asian cuisine is coming to Los Angeles this summer.
The Belly Laughs Comedy and Food Festival, taking place at L.A. Live on July 12 and 13, will showcase more than 30 stand-up Asian comedians, including Hasan Minhaj, Kumail Nanjiani, and Margaret Cho, with additional surprise guests to be announced.
“I think we could all use a laugh right now,” said Bing Chen, CEO & Co-Founder of GoldHouse, a nonprofit organization that champions the cultural interests of the Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora. “We’re so honored to partner on the Belly Laughs Festival with so many friends and artistic heroes to further propel the modern comedic Renaissance that so many Asian Pacific leaders have led.”
In addition to prominent funny acts, over 20 Asian restaurants from around Los Angeles will be featured, curated by Mama’s Nightmarket, which spotlights underrepresented restaurants at live entertainment events. Menu highlights at the festival include dishes made by Chef Tuệ Nguyễn & Điđi, Bobapop, Feng Mao, Guzzu Bento-Ya, Holy Basil, and more.
“We’ve always dreamed of growing Mama’s Nightmarket, but this takes it beyond anything we could have imagined – bringing communities together with incredible flavors, comedians, and cultural moments,” said Jared Jue, founder of Mama in a press release.
The beverage program will include Asian-inspired signature drinks from Martell, the oldest of the great Cognac houses with historic ties across Asia, and Skrewball Whiskey, the original peanut butter whiskey founded by Cambodian-born refugee Steven Yeng.
Mama’s Nightmarket will also offer live entertainment, cultural programming, and interactive experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in Asian culture. Some of the activities at the Mama stage will include live cooking demonstrations and surprise performances.
“The Belly Laughs Festival is an exciting extension of CAPE’s work championing people, stories, and culture,” said Michelle K. Sugihara, executive director of CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) in a press release. “We’re honored to be a part of such an incredible celebration to highlight these talented comedians and restaurants.”
Here is the full lineup of artists and food for the upcoming Belly Laughs Comedy & Food Festival. For more information visit bellylaughsfestival.com. Tickets for the all-ages event are on sale now at AXS.com.
Artist lineup:
Hasan Minhaj
Kumail Nanjiani
Margaret Cho
Zarna Garg
Joel Kim Booster
Nimesh Patel
Sherry Cola
Hari Kondabolu
Asif Ali
Jonnie Park (Dumbfoundead)
Andrea Jin
Jason Cheny
Irene Tu
Dylan Adler
Joe Wong
Kiran Deol
Jenny Yang
Helen Hong
Aparna Nancherla
Sabrina Wu
Jes Tom
Tien Tran
Fumi Abe
Robin Tran
Ismael Loutfi
Aaron Chen
Nori Reed
Tatyana Guchi
D’Lo
Paul Ogata
Yudhi Sharma
Restaurant Lineup:
Chef Tuệ Nguyễn & Điđi
Bobapop
Feng Mao
Good Alley
Guzzu Bento-Ya
Hermanos Empanadas
Holy Basil
Kanomwaan Thai Gelato
Kolkata Chai Co
Mayura
Riviera Seafood Club
Tenkatori
Yum Sະlut