The Skankfest 2025 lineup is, as always, ridiculously stacked. It’s a murderer’s row of stand-up legends, podcast kings, and the best up-and-comers in the game. While it’s impossible to see everyone at Mardi Gras World from November 14-16, here are 10 acts you absolutely cannot miss.
(Note: This is based on past performers and the official 2025 lineup. Set times are a mystery until the day of!)
- Big Jay Oakerson: The co-founder of the festival and a master of crowd work. Seeing him command a Skankfest crowd is like watching a maestro at work.
- Luis J. Gomez: The other co-founder and the heart of the festival. His energy is infectious, and he’s guaranteed to be part of the weekend’s most memorable moments.
- Dave Smith: The third co-founder, bringing his sharp, libertarian wit to the stage. His “Part of the Problem” podcast recording is always a hot ticket.
- Shane Gillis: A Skankfest regular who has exploded into one of the biggest names in comedy. His drop-in sets are the stuff of legend.
- Mark Normand: Another powerhouse who thrives in the uncensored Skankfest environment. “Comedy!”
- Ari Shaffir: A storyteller and provocateur, Ari’s sets are always an event. Expect something wild.
- Tim Dillon: The king of cynical comedy. His rants on the state of the world are a perfect fit for the Skankfest vibe.
- Ms. Pat: Unapologetically honest and absolutely hilarious. Her presence on any lineup is a guarantee of a killer show.
- Jessica Kirson: A force of nature on stage. Her energy and characters are mesmerizing, and she’s a crowd favorite for a reason.
- The “Secret” Headliner: Every year, Skankfest features unannounced, massive drop-in sets. In the past, names like Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr have popped up. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know who will walk on stage.
Now that you know which comics to catch, make sure you’re ready for the full New Orleans experience. Check out our Skankfest 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to the “Voodoo, Mardi Gras & Vampires” Theme to navigate the madness like a pro.
