Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, has quickly earned a reputation for being one of the nation’s marquee events for both participants and artists. The festival is based in Grand Rapids and includes events throughout West Michigan. Created by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and launched in March 2011 to celebrate laughter for the health of it, the festival features stand-up, improv, film, showcases, and a variety of seriously funny stuff.

We are serious about our funny here in West Michigan. LaughFest brings together a diverse audience of children and adults once a year to honor laughter as an essential part of emotional health and well-being. And what better time for a laughter festival than when it’s cold, icy, and distinctly un-funny outside! LaughFest is more than just a seriously good time. It also raises funds and awareness for a very important cause, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is a vibrant FREE emotional health support community of children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving a death due to any cause. Proceeds from Gilda’s LaughFest benefit Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, and 100% of those funds stay in West Michigan. To learn more about the work of Gilda’s Club or how to get support started, please visit gildasclubgr.org.