The 11th annual Cleveland Comedy Festival returns today to Playhouse Square, and Cleveland Comedy Festival Co-director John Wellington says this year’s incarnation strives to be even more eclectic than past festivals. “There are a number of great shows for every type of comedy fan,” he says in a press release announcing the schedule.

Free comedy shows take place at 5 p.m. today, tomorrow and Friday at Kennedy’s Theatre. A $10 Spotlight Showcase will feature up-and-coming comedians from all over the country. Those shows also take place at Kennedy’s Theatre at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night. Performances also happen at 7:30 and 9:30 on Friday night.

Women and Wine, a stand-up comedy show by women for women, takes place at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Kennedy’s, and the festival’s marquee performance features Canton native Kate Quigley, who performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Hanna Theatre. Shaker Heights native Rick Glassman will open the show. That same night, there will be an improv and sketch comedy show at 7:30 at Kennedy’s.

The Class Clown Show happening at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Kennedy’s will offer  a line-up of young up-and-coming comics performing “clean” sets. Clean comics will also perform at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Kennedy’s.

Visit clevelandcomedyfestival.com for information on shows taking place at other venues around the city.

This article appears in Nov 7-13, 2018.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.