Altercation Comedy Festival 2026

The Altercation Comedy Festival is back at Kick Butt Cafe for its 11th year, running four nights from Wednesday, November 4, through Saturday, November 7. It's curated by JT Habersaat, who puts together the whole run for comedy fans and stand-up enthusiasts. The festival is billed as a celebration of Austin's counter-culture comedy, and the lineup reflects that—it's a mix of stand-up, movie screenings, and some oddball additions that don't quite fit into a standard comedy club night.

On the stand-up side, Brian Posehn, Sam Miller, Val Vulpe, Bailey Pope, and Mo Alexander are all on the bill. There's also a secret headliner whose name hasn't been announced yet, and a new special being taped by Ryan Rogers and Derek Sheen, so you'll be in the room for something that'll end up on record. The non-stand-up stuff is where the counter-culture side comes through: The Toxic Avenger with Mark Torgl, Monster Movie Mockery, a Righteous Retro VHS Found Footage Mix Tape, Heels' Unholy Brunch, and Punk Rock Jeopardy. It's a broad spread—stand-up, cult cinema, and a few things that feel more like a late-night party than a traditional showcase.

Habersaat describes the festival as a session of curated laughs, professional acts, and sharp wit from seasoned performers, aimed at first-time attendees and longtime Austin comedy followers alike. It's a run of four nights, so you can catch one evening or stick around for the whole thing. Doors open at 6:30 PM nightly at Kick Butt Cafe, 5775 Airport Boulevard, and all tickets are non-refundable.