For festival fanatics, March means narrowing down your summer wish-list. Coachella, Firefly, or Mysteryland? Should you purchase a one-day pass, or go full-throttle and get the four-day VIP experience? How much time can you take off work to devote to camping in a desert?
Now there’s a new contender: Comedy Central Presents Colossal Clusterfest.
Comedy Central’s inaugural festival is, as its name implies, focused on comedy. But the San Francisco event’s lineup is full of more than just laughs. This entertainment bonanza features music, branded attractions and delectable cuisine from local restaurants and wineries.
With headliners including Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman and Ice Cube, Clusterfest looks to be one of 2017’s most enticing summer endeavors.
It’s produced by an all-star team.
Comedy Central is the premier brand in comedy, while event producer Superfly is responsible for legendary festivals such as Bonnaroo. And Billboard Magazine named Clusterfest’s third collaborator, Another Planet Entertainment Top Independent Promoter for 2015.
These three forces are behind Clusterfest. Comedy Central already has a strong rapport with Superfly, according to Comedy Central President Kent Alterman, who told Deadline, “Several years ago we got to know these guys at Superfly by going to Bonnaroo [and] Outside Lands, and those festivals are just complete holistic experiences that bring people together, where everything is happening in this almost communal atmosphere.”
Catch @unqualified, @HDTGM, @2dopequeens and the other voices in your head(phones) live at #Clusterfest: https://t.co/iwtVxjL5F7 pic.twitter.com/m7WUovCvG4
— Colossal Clusterfest (@clusterfest) March 8, 2017
Clusterfest will be the only large-scale comedy festival in the U.S.
Most major festivals revolve around music. Though lineups typically incorporate comedy in some way (think Bonaroo’s legendary Comedy Tent, which Comedy Central sponsored in 2011) there are no current festivals focused on laughter.
Colossal Clusterfest boasts a roster of diverse comedic talent, from legends to newcomers. Its comedic headliners include Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr and Sarah Silverman.
Hannibal Buress and Broad City’s Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson are slated to perform, as are Fred Armisen, Bob Odenkirk, and Natasha Leggero.
“Clusterfest will celebrate comedy in all its various forms,” said Alterman in a press release. “From headliners to comics-to-watch to podcasters to sketch to improv, fans of comedy are in store for an immersive experience that not only connects them to their favorite comedy stars, but also provides fantastic opportunities for discovery.”
This doesn’t mean there won’t be music. With performances by Ice Cube, Tegan and Sarah, Chromeo, Vince Staples and more, Clusterfest’s musical lineup rivals some of the country’s reigning music festivals.
A post shared by Colossal Clusterfest (@clusterfest) on
Clusterfest is fans-first.
Clusterfest won’t just be a place to watch top-notch comedic talent—you’ll get to participate.
South Park’s theme song encourages viewers to “head on down to South Park,” and Clusterfest is an opportunity to do just that.
Attendees can explore everything the tiny mountain town has to offer—from replicas of the show’s famous eateries, like Whistlin’ Willy’s, to a life-size Memberberry Ball Pit.
Remember Comedy Central’s innovative exposition at Comic Con 2016? Photo courtesy of Comedy Central.
Ever wondered what it’s like to pull up a stool at the fictional Paddy’s Pub? At Clusterfest, you’ll be able to enjoy the shenanigans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s notorious watering hole—minus the rats.
Seinfeld fans can experience what it’s like to get spurned by the Soup Nazi, take a tour of Jerry’s apartment, and gorge themselves on Seinfeld specialties, such as food from Monk’s Café.
There will even be a Festivus Pole, although we don’t expect attendees will have much to complain about.
The festival gives back to the Bay Area.
Festival-goers reaping the benefits of San Francisco’s rich culture, scenic landscape, and comedic spirit can rest assured their money is being spent on bettering the community.
Clusterfest is partnering with local nonprofits such as Downtown Streets Team, a group combating homelessness while beautifying the city streets.
Larkin Street Youth similarly focuses on adolescent residents, providing them with life skills and resources such as educational classes, job training, and health care.
Finally, The Tenderloin Museum celebrates one of San Francisco’s most maligned districts by honoring its rich, diverse history.
A portion of Clusterfest ticket sales will go to these three organizations.
Comedy Central Presents Colossal Clusterfest will take place at Civic Center Plaza & Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco from June 2 to 4. Tickets are on sale now.