Salem Comedy Festival

Mark Scalia – Festival Founder

“I was inspired to start the Salem Comedy & Spirit Festival in 2016 because of a festival I attended years back in New Orleans. I have attended several festivals throughout my career but none like this one. It was one of the greatest memories in my 25+ year professional career. It felt like a celebration of comedy and a real appreciation of the craft. I thought, for the Salem Comedy & Spirit Festival, I want the same relaxed welcoming environment. I’ve been a Salem resident for over 15 years. I love the city and all it has to offer and this couldn’t be a better match. We are excited to offer a great comedy festival for the audiences and comics where they can feel like they are at home. As a comedian, you have a basic need to make people laugh. This is a unique opportunity to raise everyone’s spirits in winter and create fantastic memories for both the audience and the talented comedians we are honored to have performing.”

Here are the comedians appearing at the
2019 Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival!

AJ Hapenny

Stu Melton

Steve Turgeon

Ralph Joyal

Marla Demarchi

Lucy Tollefson

Jody Sloane

Jared Horning

Geoff Colella

Evan Hull

Dave Decker

Chad Powers

Previous Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival Comedians & Quotes

“The Salem Comedy and Spirits Festival was a great experience! It was the breath of fresh comedic air the area needed. Mark was a phenomenal host and the venues were places I would patronize without the excitement of comedy happening.” – Ryan Chani

“I had the best time at the Salem Comedy and Spirits Festival in January 2016! Can’t wait to come back next year!” – Pete Wolynec

“The Salem Comedy and Spirits Festival is a fantastic experience and professionally run, organized and promoted – and probably the best time I’ve had at a show! Everyone had this “energy” about them from patrons, people running the venue and the comedians! It was “pure fun”, great laughs and the personal feel and a privilege to be a part of it, I can’t wait for next year!” – Andy Lester

“A weekend of stacked comedy lineups, great crowds, and amazing venues: Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival a great addition to the New England comedy scene.” – Dan Gilbert

“I cannot recommend the Salem Comedy and Spirits Festival more. The shows were packed and all the comedians destroyed! I can’t wait to come back next year!”- Danny Rathbun

“A fun, well-organized event, showcasing some of the best talent in New England. The crowds and venues were top-notch and I made some lasting friendships. Also, I didn’t see one wart, which is weird for a city steeped in witchery. Hope to see at least one this year.” – Mark Turcotte

“A great way to see some of New England’s best comic’s while enjoying some great local brews. Awesome time!” – Drew Dunn