upcoming shows:
Washington D.C.
The Miracle Theater
Sunday, May 17th
7PM
TICKETS HERE
LINEUP: Maysoon Zayid, Dean Obeidallah, Demetrius Fields, Majdy Fares , Mahmoud Jaber , Rola Z, Yasmin Elhady
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Thanks to all for making the 22nd annual Festival in 2025 a huge hit!
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Making Headlines
a blast from the past
The festival was founded in 2003 by comedian Dean Obeidallah and comedienne and actress Maysoon Zayid to showcase the talents of Arab-American actors, comics, playwrights and filmmakers, and challenge as well as inspire our fellow Arab-Americans to create outstanding works of comedy.
Read more about the history of the festival
Our History
The 2004-2011 festivals were an overwhelming success, with many nights playing to standing room only crowds, showcasing a diverse group of Arab-American comedic plays, stand up comics and short comedic films, with the participation of close to 50 Arab-American artists.
Each year, we have been able to successfully achieve our main goal of increasing the visibility of talented Arab-American artists as well as attracting positive attention for the Arab-American community. A first ever Industry Showcase of the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival took place in Hollywood, CA, in January 2006, and was extremely successful in introducing writers, directors and actors to casting directors and agents in the heart of the US television and film industry.
The festival has progressively received positive media coverage with each year in numerous national and local media outlets including: ABC News, WBAI radio, The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Village Voice, The NY Daily News, The Guardian, The Herald News, Time Out New York, the nationally syndicated radio program Democracy Now, and in various international, national and local Arab-American publications. Browse Press Clips.
In addition, representatives from various casting and talent agencies and television networks continue to attend the festival in search of fresh and new talent, including NBC, CBS, and Comedy Central. Our performers have been seen on CNN, MSNBC, PBS, in major motion pictures, as well as television and on Broadway.
The success of the past eight festivals have visibly benefited both the artists’ careers, as well as had an influence on the positive image of Arab-Americans through the media coverage we received. These accomplishments have shown that our Arab-American artists are crossing over into more mainstream entertainment venues.
The New York Arab-American Comedy Festival is a registered US non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. If you would like to support our not-for-profit festival with a donation, please contact Dean Obeidallah at dean@deanofradio.com
Invest in the fest!
Make a Donation today
Love the Festival? Support Us! If you have enjoyed the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival and want to show your support, consider making a donation. Your contribution will help us grow, showcase more talented comedians, and spread laughter and cultural appreciation. As a non-profit organization, your donations are tax-deductible. Help us continue bringing joy to audiences everywhere. Donate now and be a part of our mission!
PRODUCERS
Dean Obeidallah
Founder & Executive Producer
Maysoon Zayid
Founder & Executive Producer
Contact Us
Looking for information or are you interested in casting anyone in our festival? Please contact us.
Why is the New York Arab American Comedy Festival a big deal?
It’s a big deal because it showcases Arab-American talent, challenges stereotypes, and has garnered international media attention, making Arab-American comedians stars in their own right.
How can I get tickets to the festival?
Tickets are available online, and you can snag them through the provided links for specific showtimes and locations—just click, pay, and prepare for a night of laughs.
What’s the history behind the festival’s laugh fest?
Founded in 2003 by Dean Obeidallah and Maysoon Zayid, the festival aims to showcase Arab-American comedy talent and challenge stereotypes, with a successful track record of increasing visibility and crossing into mainstream media.
Are there any ways I can support or donate to the festival?
Absolutely! Since it’s a registered non-profit, you can reach out to Dean Obeidallah via email to contribute and support Arab-American comedy and culture.
What are some highlights or featured moments from past festivals?
Past festivals have featured big media coverage, performances on CNN, major film and TV appearances, and successful talent showcases that helped Arab-American artists gain recognition and crossover into mainstream entertainment.