Numbers Are In: RI’s “Lil Rhody Laugh Riot” Comedy Festival Attracted 17,000
Matt Rife
PHOTO: Jesse Dufault
The team at The VETS came up with a big idea a couple of years ago — create a major comedy festival in Providence.
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Well, this past weekend, Daniel Swartz, the general manager, and Michael Gravison, the marketing director, saw their big idea come to fruition.
Add in some support from Lynn Singleton, the CEO of PPAC, and the weekend was a breakthrough success.
They attracted many of the biggest names in comedy — Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Hannah Berrner, Leslie Jones, and about 30 other comedians.
Leslie Jones
PHOTO: Jesse Dufault
17,000
The weekend of comedy was a boon to Providence’s hotels and restaurants.
"Providence welcomed over 17,000 guests across 30 events for Lil Rhody Laugh Riot,” said Schwartz.
"We were thrilled to receive such a positive response from the audience and artists alike,” Gravison said.
Crowds, laughs and swag
PHOTO: Jesse Dufault
"We can't wait to welcome everyone back in 2026!"
PPAC's Kevin Hart show was a sellout
PHOTO: Jesse Dufault
Stay tuned for the 2026 dates and list of comedians.
PHOTOS: Jesse Dufault
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