Comic Relief launches first Neighborhood Festivals in LA and Philadelphia

Comic Relief has launched its first Neighborhood Festivals, a series of community events designed to bring people together through comedy and direct support of local non-profit organizations. The inaugural festivals are set to take place in Los Angeles and Philadelphia, kicking off this fall and offering families a fun and engaging way to contribute to the fight against childhood poverty.

The first festival, to be held on September 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will take place at the Paramount Pictures Studio Lot in Los Angeles. It will feature performances from established comedy groups such as The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade's "Wildly Appropriate," Story Pirates, and YADA's "Rockin' Awesome Improv Show." Local DJs and all-ages entertainment will also be on hand to provide a day full of laughter and community spirit.

A second festival is scheduled for October 24 in Philadelphia, though the exact location and time are yet to be announced. Both events are free and aim to inspire year-round action by raising awareness of childhood poverty, fostering community connection, and supporting local organizations.

According to Michele Ganeless, CEO of Comic Relief, "One in six kids in America lives in poverty. It's a national issue, and at the same time, a deeply local one, but it is a problem we can solve. Neighborhood Festivals give people an accessible way to get involved, using comedy to bring communities together to have fun, connect with their neighbors, and see exactly how they can support local kids and families."

The Neighborhood Festivals will feature a variety of hands-on activities, including:

- Community Care-Kit Packing: Eventgoers can volunteer to assemble 500 whole-kid care kits containing school supplies, snacks, toiletries, and books to be distributed locally through Covenant House and the Boys & Girls Club. - LEGO® Replay Community Build Station & Donation Drop: The LEGO Group will host a build activation with design prompts that foster shared play and connection for families. Attendees can donate their used LEGO® bricks for recycling and distribution to local schools to inspire creativity and learning. - LinkedIn Career Empowerment Experience: In partnership with LinkedIn, the festival will offer interactive experiences to help young adults explore skills, build confidence, and discover new opportunities.

Locally active non-profits will be central to both events, providing attendees with interactive booths where they can learn about local programs, sign up to volunteer, and access community resources. A dedicated installation at the Los Angeles festival will highlight the work of local non-profits that received rapid response grants from Comic Relief following last year's wildfires, offering attendees the opportunity to support ongoing recovery efforts.

Comic Relief's Neighborhood Festivals are part of a broader initiative to establish community-driven giveback events. The events aim to make giving back accessible and fun, encouraging ongoing engagement and support for local organizations. Comic Relief, Inc., a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity, has helped more than 50 million children and families live healthier, safer, and more empowered lives.