Comedy Festival Kicks Off with a Bang at Battlers Knob

Battlers Knob is echoing with laughter this weekend as the much-anticipated Comedy Festival takes over Philippi from Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28! With nearly 40 performers, shows for all ages, live podcast recordings, two professional wrestling events, food trucks, and local vendors, there’s no shortage of excitement on the hill.

Thursday night’s kickoff was a roaring success. Fairmont State’s KidProv, stand-up comic Derek Stacy, and improv favorites The Fearless Fools lit up the Funkauser Auditorium with high-energy performances and big laughs. The crowd’s enthusiasm has definitely set the tone for the rest of the weekend.

Friday’s schedule keeps the momentum going with a full evening of comedy across town. From 6–8 p.m., a family-friendly clean comedy show will take place at Funkauser, hosted by Bobby Benavides and headlined by Dawn Davis Womack. Then the spotlight shifts to the 18+ crowd from 8–10 p.m. with an open comedy segment hosted by Dan Desmond and headlined by Hulin Saunders. Prefer something more casual? Two open mics are happening Friday night—clean comedy at Molly’s Ice Cream and a 14+ show at BoTai Boba in town.

Saturday brings a packed day of entertainment starting at 1 p.m. with a live RSW wrestling event. From 2–3:30 p.m., Bobby Benavides will host a live audience recording of his podcast Taking Up Your Time, followed by another clean comedy block featuring Joey Stepp—who’ll be bringing some magical surprises to the stage. A hall full of vendors will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring favorites like SOS Candy, Artefaktual Comics, Rust & Stardust, and Crafter’s Den, alongside delicious food trucks parked across campus, plus a chance to pick up official merch from some of the comedians. More wrestling action hits at 6 p.m., and the festival closes out with a grand finale 18+ comedy show from 7–10 p.m. hosted by Bobby Benavides and headlined by Adam Minnick.

All main performances are held at Funkauser Auditorium on the campus of Battlers Knob. Tickets are available at battlersknobcomedyfestival.com or at the door.

Missed opening night? There’s still time to join in on the fun—don’t miss your chance to catch the laughter before it’s gone!