The content on this page was provided by an independent third party and syndicated by XPR Media. Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.

Desi Comedy Fest Kicks Off 2026 with a Series of Laughter-Packed Shows Across the Bay Area

Featuring an all-star lineup of South Asian comedians, celebrating culture, identity, and big laughs in San Francisco and Sunnyvale

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, UNITED STATES, January 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Desi Comedy Fest, America’s largest South Asian comedy festival, returns this winter with a trio of unforgettable live shows across Northern California, spotlighting some of the funniest voices in the Desi comedy scene. With appearances in San Francisco and Sunnyvale, the festival promises nights of sharp wit, cultural insight, and non-stop laughter.

Show Dates & Locations
1. Wednesday, January 28 • 7:30 PM — Punch Line Comedy Club, San Francisco
In collaboration with SF SketchFest, a world-class comedy festival that brings top stand-up, sketch, and improv talent to San Francisco every January, this one night Desi Comedy Fest exclusive event will be held at Punch Line Comedy Club, the city’s iconic stand-up comedy club.

2. Friday, January 30 • 7:00 PM — Sunnyvale Theater, Sunnyvale
3. Friday, January 30 • 9:15 PM — Sunnyvale Theater, Sunnyvale
We’re thrilled to return to one of our favorite spots: the Sunnyvale Theater. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this iconic venue is a true cornerstone of Desi culture. Its intimate, high-energy atmosphere offers the perfect setting to experience comedy exactly as it should be: up-close, personal, and unforgettable.

Across these shows, audiences will experience a dynamic range of comedic styles — from global perspectives and storytelling to sharp observational jokes about culture, tech, identity, and daily life.

Featured Performers & Quotes

Abhay Nadkarni — Co-founder of Desi Comedy Fest and internationally recognized comic: “Comedy connects us — not just with laughs, but with shared experience. These shows are about bringing our stories to life and making everyone feel at home.”

Dhaya Lakshminarayanan — Bay Area favorite and award-winning storyteller (Jan 28 only): “Comedy lets us look at ourselves in the mirror — and laugh at what we see. I’m thrilled to bring that joy to these Bay Area stages.”

Hunaid Shakoor — Bay Area native with an international comedic voice (Jan 30 shows): “Stand-up has taken me around the world — and every audience brings its own flavor. I can’t wait to share laughs with the home crowd.”

JT Singh — New York–based comic with a sharp club sensibility: “Every crowd is a fresh adventure — this lineup is one of the funniest I’ve been part of, and the Bay Area deserves all the laughs.”

Karthik Raj — New York–based comic and social comedy standout: “Comedy is all about connection, and this festival brings together voices you won’t hear anywhere else — it’s a joy to share this stage.”

Priya Puram — High-energy SF local known for culture-driven humor (Jan 28 only): “I love mining everyday life for laughs — and there’s no better place to do that than with this incredible crowd and cast.”

Renuka Kulkarni — Comic with a quirky, unexpected twist (Jan 30 7 PM only): “Comedy is magic — and I’m ready to cast some laughs into the audience. This lineup is pure joy.”

Priya Shekar — Witty Kiwi comedian in tech (Jan 30 9:15 PM only): “Whether I’m talking tech life or awkward moments, I’m just here to make you laugh — and these shows are THE place for that.”

Samson Koletkar — Co-founder of Desi Comedy Fest and world’s only Indian Jewish comic: “This year’s shows are about celebrating our stories with heart and humor — and giving folks three unforgettable nights of comedy they won’t stop talking about.”

What to Expect
Audiences can expect diverse comedic voices exploring themes of global culture, identity, family, and everyday absurdities — all wrapped in high-energy stand-up that celebrates the South Asian experience while inviting everyone in on the laugh.

Desi Comedy Fest continues to build on its legacy of amplifying Desi voices and bringing comedy fans together through shared laughter. Tickets are on sale now, and seats are expected to sell fast.

Tickets & Info: www.desicomedyfest.com
— includes show details, performer bios, and links to secure seats for all three January events.

Samson Koletkar
Samson Koletkar
+1 415-676-1371
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media

Tampa Artist Magdalena Debuts R&B Album With Smooth Jazz Single “Come On Over”

Tampa Artist Magdalena Debuts R&B Album With Smooth Jazz Single “Come On Over”

TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES, January 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Independent Jazz and R&B Artist Magdalena Pesanti, known by her Artist name Magdalena, is gearing up…

January 27, 2026

Angeles Psychology Group Expands LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Services to Nation’s Highest-Concentration Queer Communities

Angeles Psychology Group Expands LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Services to Nation’s Highest-Concentration Queer Communities

West Hollywood, Silver Lake & DTLA Gain Better Access to LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy as Trevor Project Reports 45% of Youth Considered Suicide Affirmative therapy starts…

January 27, 2026

Survivors of Abuse NJ Updates Doctor Sexual Abuse Resources

Survivors of Abuse NJ Updates Doctor Sexual Abuse Resources

MT. LAUREL, NJ – January 21, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE – Survivors of Abuse NJ announced the release of updated educational resources focused on doctor sexual…

January 27, 2026

Newmedical Technology, Inc. Completes Strategic Acquisition of Derma Made

Newmedical Technology, Inc. Completes Strategic Acquisition of Derma Made

Strategic addition strengthens Newmedical’s professional and consumer divisions worldwide, and accelerates international growth opportunities With our leadership in scar and bruise care through brands such…

January 27, 2026

Survivors of Abuse PA Expands Sexual Abuse Resources for Survivors

Survivors of Abuse PA Expands Sexual Abuse Resources for Survivors

PHILADELPHIA, PA – January 21, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE – Survivors of Abuse PA announced the expansion of its sexual abuse resource initiative to provide updated…

January 27, 2026

La Alianza urge a los miembros de Medi-Cal a renovar para mantener su cobertura

La Alianza urge a los miembros de Medi-Cal a renovar para mantener su cobertura

Ante los cambios en Medi-Cal, la Alianza busca asegurar que los miembros conserven su cobertura de cuidado de salud SCOTTS VALLEY, CA, UNITED STATES, January…

January 27, 2026

High Pressure, Hidden Pain: Media Expands Mental Health Coverage During Peak Risk

High Pressure, Hidden Pain: Media Expands Mental Health Coverage During Peak Risk

January marks one of the highest-risk months for suicide; this initiative confronts the hidden mental health toll on high-performing individuals and athletes. ROCHESTER, NY, UNITED…

January 27, 2026

E.M. Schorb Receives National Recognition Through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®

E.M. Schorb Receives National Recognition Through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®

MOORESVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES, January 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The 2026 Independent Press Award recognized “Gravity Flow: The Jimmy Whistler Stories” by E. M. Schorb…

January 27, 2026

Expanded Access to Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Perimenopause in Tampa Bay

Expanded Access to Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Perimenopause in Tampa Bay

South Beach Wellness Center expands BHRT access for perimenopause in Tampa Bay following FDA label changes removing care barriers. Perimenopause does not have to derail…

January 27, 2026

UNT Health Fort Worth Advances Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness with CriticalArc’s SafeZone®

UNT Health Fort Worth Advances Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness with CriticalArc’s SafeZone®

UNT Health Fort Worth strengthens campus safety and emergency readiness through cross-campus collaboration and advanced use of CriticalArc’s SafeZone platform. SafeZone gives us a practical,…

January 27, 2026

Evertreen: Leading the Charge in Corporate Sustainability through Tree Planting and Reforestation Initiatives

Evertreen: Leading the Charge in Corporate Sustainability through Tree Planting and Reforestation Initiatives

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, January 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In an era where climate action is no longer a choice but

January 27, 2026

Author JW Carpenter Releases Book Exploring Transaction Fee Model to Address Affordability Challenges and National Debt

Author JW Carpenter Releases Book Exploring Transaction Fee Model to Address Affordability Challenges and National Debt

Ending the Cost Crisis and the Debt Funeral with One Simple Fee: A Proposed Approach to Tax Reform and Debt Reduction

January 27, 2026

Indiana Digital Agency Bridges Local Business Growth with Global Impact: Web Services Now Supporting 3,300 Children

Indiana Digital Agency Bridges Local Business Growth with Global Impact: Web Services Now Supporting 3,300 Children

When our clients grow, our ability to give back grows with them, creating real opportunities and hope for children in

January 27, 2026

Fine and Specialty Chemicals Market to Reach $343.80B by 2033 – Strategic Revenue Insights (SRI)

Fine and Specialty Chemicals Market to Reach $343.80B by 2033 – Strategic Revenue Insights (SRI)

Market valued at $196.40B in 2024, projected 6.42% CAGR growth driven by pharmaceutical APIs, agrochemicals,

January 27, 2026

The Legend of Valentine Wins Outstanding Production at the 2026 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards

The Legend of Valentine Wins Outstanding Production at the 2026 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards

The award-winning audiobook also earned Outstanding Audio Engineering at SOVAS, following its Independent Press Award

January 27, 2026

Influential Women Features Kimberly Brannon: A Visionary Leader in Interior Design and Construction Management

Influential Women Features Kimberly Brannon: A Visionary Leader in Interior Design and Construction Management

WASHINGTON, DC, DC, UNITED STATES, January 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Celebrating Over 30 Years of Excellence at

January 27, 2026

Influential Women Features Tonya Moore: Elevating Medicaid and CHIP Expertise

Influential Women Features Tonya Moore: Elevating Medicaid and CHIP Expertise

OKEMOS, MI, UNITED STATES, January 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Veteran Policy Leader Brings Over 30 Years of

January 27, 2026

Influential Women Highlights Chloe West (Sampley): Turning Challenges into Business Solutions

Influential Women Highlights Chloe West (Sampley): Turning Challenges into Business Solutions

LYNN HAVEN, FL, UNITED STATES, December 24, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Delivering Smart, Client-Focused Strategies

January 27, 2026

Influential Women Profiles: Holly Rivera, Strategic Ops & Finance Executive Driving Sustainable Growth Across AI Sectors

Influential Women Profiles: Holly Rivera, Strategic Ops & Finance Executive Driving Sustainable Growth Across AI Sectors

PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL, UNITED STATES, January 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Bringing Vision, Integrity, and

January 27, 2026

Alternative to Meds Center Highlights Clinical Considerations Surrounding Lorazepam Withdrawal and Recovery

Alternative to Meds Center Highlights Clinical Considerations Surrounding Lorazepam Withdrawal and Recovery

Examining withdrawal risks, symptom variability, and safer discontinuation strategies for lorazepam Education is

January 27, 2026

Neuro Force One Welcomes Eric Wynalda as Brand Ambassador to Advance Team-Based Training, Recovery, and Performance

Neuro Force One Welcomes Eric Wynalda as Brand Ambassador to Advance Team-Based Training, Recovery, and Performance

Neuro Force One partners with Eric Wynalda as Brand Ambassador to advance team performance, recovery, and data-driven

January 27, 2026

Directing Design, Inc. Drives Revenue Growth for Builders & Contractors with Digital Marketing and AI-Powered Solutions

Directing Design, Inc. Drives Revenue Growth for Builders & Contractors with Digital Marketing and AI-Powered Solutions

Using a 'Three Pillar' approach to company growth, Directing Design, Inc. helps construction businesses reach new

January 27, 2026

The Psychology of Double-Speak: Shannon Kacherovich on Truth, Leadership, and Breaking Toxic Communication Patterns

The Psychology of Double-Speak: Shannon Kacherovich on Truth, Leadership, and Breaking Toxic Communication Patterns

BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, January 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a compelling episode of Xraised, Shannon

January 27, 2026

Dr. Joel Durinka Announces Scholarship for Aspiring Physicians

Dr. Joel Durinka Announces Scholarship for Aspiring Physicians

BUFFALO, NY, UNITED STATES, January 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Dr. Joel Durinka Scholarship for Future Doctors

January 27, 2026

Mayfield Environmental Solutions Featured on Best of Los Angeles TV for Leadership in Disaster Response

Mayfield Environmental Solutions Featured on Best of Los Angeles TV for Leadership in Disaster Response

Episode focused on Mayfield Environmental Solutions’ role in responsibly remediating properties affected by large-scale

January 27, 2026

Wake the Improv Debuts an Audience-Driven Improv Comedy Experience

Wake the Improv Debuts an Audience-Driven Improv Comedy Experience

The show uses audience-submitted dreams and nightmares to generate live improvised performances. MINNEAPOLIS, MN,

January 27, 2026

Jennifer Piper to Offer Free Consultations During Divorce with Respect Week®

Jennifer Piper to Offer Free Consultations During Divorce with Respect Week®

ST. LOUIS , MO, UNITED STATES, January 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Missouri family law attorney Jennifer Piper will

January 27, 2026

CR Legal Team Launched Its 2026 Scholarship Season

CR Legal Team Launched Its 2026 Scholarship Season

Charlotte, North Carolina – CR Legal Team opened its Scholarship Portal on December 1, 2025. Students interested in

January 27, 2026

Indy Auto Man Alerts Indiana Drivers: New BMV Vehicle Color Law Takes Effect January 2026

Indy Auto Man Alerts Indiana Drivers: New BMV Vehicle Color Law Takes Effect January 2026

Indy Auto Man warns Indiana drivers about a new 2026 BMV vehicle color rule, helping keep their vehicles in accordance

January 27, 2026

Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant Announces National Opportunity for Medical Students

Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant Announces National Opportunity for Medical Students

HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, January 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant for Medical Students is

January 27, 2026

ProServeIT Introduces Hope & Hugo: New Mascots Embodying Commitment to Exceptional Customer Experience

ProServeIT Introduces Hope & Hugo: New Mascots Embodying Commitment to Exceptional Customer Experience

ProServeIT debuts Hope & Hugo, new mascots signalling a human-first shift in tech consulting through the firm’s

January 27, 2026

EnviroPro 360 Adds New Allergen Testing Services for Augusta Area Residential & Business Customers

EnviroPro 360 Adds New Allergen Testing Services for Augusta Area Residential & Business Customers

EnviroPro 360 Becomes the First Local Business in the CSRA to Offer Comprehensive Microbial and Allergen Testing for

January 27, 2026

New Book The Lost Lineage of Manchu Shamanism: The Spirit Between Worlds Debuts

New Book The Lost Lineage of Manchu Shamanism: The Spirit Between Worlds Debuts

Jiaming Li Publishes the First Illuminating Work Preserving an Endangered Indigenous Spiritual Tradition Cultural

January 27, 2026

VHRP LIVE! Celebrates 10 Seasons with ‘The Forgotten Victor Herbert: No Singing Allowed!’ a Rare Classical Concert

VHRP LIVE! Celebrates 10 Seasons with ‘The Forgotten Victor Herbert: No Singing Allowed!’ a Rare Classical Concert

The orchestral concert held May 1st in NYC, features nine rare works composed by Victor Herbert, which classical lovers

January 27, 2026

Boston Corporate Coach™ Sets Global Standard for Executive Chauffeur Services Across 680 Cities

Boston Corporate Coach™ Sets Global Standard for Executive Chauffeur Services Across 680 Cities

Leading Boston-based transportation entity provides Fortune 500 enterprises and private aviation with vetted ground

January 27, 2026

Vollrath Introduces New Induction Products Powered by Energy-Efficient Technology

Vollrath Introduces New Induction Products Powered by Energy-Efficient Technology

Vollrath’s new induction cooking and warming solutions are engineered for power, precision, and energy efficiency.

January 27, 2026

Smart Comfort Solutions with Trane Smart Thermostat

Smart Comfort Solutions with Trane Smart Thermostat

A/C Connection, a trusted Trane AC Contractor in Pensacola, is proud to announce its continued commitment to smarter,

January 27, 2026

KIS(cubed) Events Emerges as a Creative Force Redefining Luxury and Corporate Events

KIS(cubed) Events Emerges as a Creative Force Redefining Luxury and Corporate Events

New Ways Experiential Marketing Agency Atlanta, is Designing and Delivering High-End Event Experiences That Matter

January 27, 2026

Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Leading Timeshare Exit Company Vacation Ownership Consultants

Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Leading Timeshare Exit Company Vacation Ownership Consultants

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, UNITED STATES, January 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce has

January 27, 2026

The World’s First Photorealistic AI Feature Film Arrives February 10, 2026

The World’s First Photorealistic AI Feature Film Arrives February 10, 2026

Deep Frame fills its industry screening ahead of a Feb 10 premiere, marking a milestone as the first photorealistic

January 27, 2026