The Cleveland Comedy Festival

Now in its 9th year, the Cleveland Comedy Festival returns to Playhouse Square tonight with comedy performances and contests and free comedy happy hours. Festival highlights include: a Cleveland All-Stars featuring local favorites Jeff Blanchard, Juanda Mayfield, Dave Arena and Bill Squire; a performance by local hero Mike Polk Jr.; “The Madness of Tyler Whidden,” a collection of short plays from Cleveland-born playwright and comedian Tyler Whidden written during his three years as a writer and performer for MidnightMadness; the Class Clown Graduation, during which 48 country-wide contestants will vie for the top $2,000 prize; and a sneak preview of the comics of tomorrow as kids ages 10 to 17 “graduate” from a four-week stand-up comedy class and give a live performance. Check the website for more details. (Niesel) clevelandcomedyfestival.com.