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12 Reasons Why The High Plains Comedy Festival Is Denver’s Ultimate Comedy Pilgrimage: The Latest Lineup And Must-Know History

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The High Plains Comedy Festival has cemented its status as one of the most respected and fiercely independent comedy events in the United States, drawing top-tier national talent alongside the best of the local Denver scene. As of the most recent event, the 12th Annual festival, which wrapped up in late September 2025, the three-day comedy pilgrimage once again transformed the Mile High City's historic venues into a powerhouse of stand-up, podcasts, and unique live shows.

The festival is celebrated not just for its headliners but for its grassroots, comedian-first atmosphere, a reputation it has carefully cultivated since its founding. It offers a rare opportunity for fans to see major names in an intimate setting, often alongside breakout stars, making it a crucial date on the annual comedy calendar for both industry insiders and dedicated fans. The following list breaks down the latest event’s highlights, the festival's foundational history, and why it remains a vital force in the modern comedy landscape.

The 12th Annual High Plains Comedy Festival: Lineup Highlights (September 18–20, 2025)

The 12th Annual High Plains Comedy Festival, held from Thursday, September 18th, through Saturday, September 20th, 2025, showcased a diverse and star-studded collection of performers.

The festival's strength lies in its ability to balance established national headliners with emerging voices, ensuring a fresh and dynamic experience across all its venues.

Here are 12 of the most notable names from the latest High Plains Comedy Festival lineup, representing the festival’s commitment to quality and variety:

  • Kyle Kinane: A beloved figure in alternative comedy, known for his gravelly voice and observational storytelling.
  • Mo Welch: Bringing her unique blend of stand-up and cartooning to the High Plains stage.
  • Sean Patton: A high-energy performer and frequent late-night guest known for his sharp wit.
  • Liza Treyger: A fearless and candid comedian whose personal material resonates with audiences.
  • Shane Torres: Known for his thoughtful, often political, yet always hilarious stand-up.
  • Katherine Blanford: A rising star who has quickly gained traction in the national comedy scene.
  • Eddie Pepitone: The "Bitter Buddha," a veteran comic revered for his intense, stream-of-consciousness rants.
  • Katrina Davis: A breakout comic whose fresh perspective added a new layer to the festival's diversity.
  • Ian Karmel: A writer and comedian who brings a massive, joyful presence to the stage.
  • Vanessa Gonzalez: A dynamic performer with a strong voice and hilarious takes on everyday life.
  • Sam Tallent: A Denver native and festival favorite whose wild, road-tested stories are legendary.
  • Sami Beason: One of the many talented local and regional comics featured in the festival's deep roster, highlighting the importance of the Denver comedy scene.

The full roster included over a hundred performers, showcasing the depth of talent that High Plains attracts, from national touring acts to local heroes like George Delgado, Bailey Norton, and Luke Gaston.

The Foundational Pillars: History, Founders, and The Grawlix Legacy

The High Plains Comedy Festival was founded in 2013 by two key figures in the Denver comedy landscape: comedian and writer Adam Cayton-Holland and comedian/producer Andy Juett.

The initial concept was born from Cayton-Holland’s experiences touring the country and performing at other successful indie festivals, such as Bridgetown.

The festival’s distinct identity is deeply tied to its Denver roots and the influence of The Grawlix, a comedy collective co-founded by Cayton-Holland, Andrew Orvedahl, and Ben Roy.

The Grawlix trio are often credited with helping to put the Denver comedy scene on the national map, and the festival serves as a spiritual home for their style of stand-up.

The festival is celebrated for maintaining an "indie-comedy" ethos, focusing on quality stand-up, sketch, and podcast recordings in non-traditional and beloved local venues, rather than prioritizing corporate sponsorships or massive arena shows.

This commitment to the art form and the community has allowed it to quickly evolve into one of the most respected indie-comedy festivals in the country.

Navigating the Festival: Key Venues and The Denver Comedy Scene

Unlike large, centralized festivals, High Plains embraces the unique character of Denver by hosting shows across multiple intimate venues, particularly in the city's vibrant neighborhoods.

This multi-venue approach encourages attendees to explore the city and experience comedy in diverse settings, from rock clubs to smaller theaters.

Two of the most frequently used and iconic venues for the festival include:

  • Hi-Dive: A legendary, smaller rock club known for its gritty atmosphere, which hosts multiple shows, including late-night sets like "Last Call."
  • HQ: Another key venue that hosts major headliner shows and the festival's closing events, such as "Le Finale."

The festival is a major component of the broader Denver comedy scene, which boasts a rich history and multiple year-round comedy hubs.

While venues like the historic Comedy Works have been Denver's premier destination for stand-up since 1981, High Plains complements this by championing the alternative, independent side of the city's comedy culture.

Other vital parts of the local scene include RISE Comedy, which focuses on improv and sketch, and the Denver Comedy Lounge in the RiNo Arts District, demonstrating the city's deep comedic infrastructure.

The High Plains Comedy Festival acts as an annual showcase, drawing national attention to the local talent pool and solidifying Denver’s reputation as a major comedy city. Attendees often purchase festival passes for an all-access experience, though individual tickets are also available for specific headliner shows.

high plains comedy festival
high plains comedy festival

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