What is The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival?
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival (GOCF) is a large multi-venue event that hosts the biggest names in comedy each summer. GOCF attracts tens of thousands of attendees in various places in the world such as Canada, Europe, and the United States. They bring the most famous comedians to their platforms such as Matt Rife, Nate Bargatze, Kevin Hart, Tom Segura, and Shane Gillis.
2024 was the first year that GOCF came to the United States. They picked Spokane, WA due to the proximity to Canada (their homebase) and the availability of the newly built Spokane One Stadium in downtown Spokane. Since this comedy event is hosted outdoors they found the One Stadium to be the perfect fit. The community of Spokane was thrilled to welcome Tom Segura, Shane Gillis, and Kevin Hart to the area.
Outdoor events are a challenge in places like Spokane, where the weather is often unpredictable. One night one of the three evening event, there was a huge storm that let up right as the doors opened. Thousands of people were still able to enjoy the kick off evening of the festival. Many people were bundled up in blankets and jackets but were not going to let the weather get in their way of enjoying an evening of fun and laughter.
What Was it Like to Attend The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival?
Attending The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival was an exciting experience for all involved. Upon entry there was carnival-like entertainment with stilt and acrobatic performers. Food and beverages were available for purchase as people found their seats. Live music was playing before the event started by Spokane musician Nathan Chartrey.
Each evening included 3-4 comedians to showcase their talent leading up to the headlining comedian. As each headliner took the stage, they were met with a standing ovation from adoring fans. Each headliner made the crowd roar with laughter as they shared stories, jokes, and their observations of Spokane. It was an unforgettable and exciting weekend.
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival Supports Local Performers
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival values supporting local performers. In addition to the big names coming to the stage they wanted to include names of people that the community recognized. People who could make the crowd laugh and represent the comedy scene in the area. The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival partnered with Spokane Comedy Club in order to select the local festival hosts. Charles Hall Jr., Lyv Babinski, and Casey McClain were selected to host each night of the festival. This opportunity was an incredible honor for each local comedian. It meant the world to each of them to be able to showcase their talent to a crowd of over five thousand people.
Spokane is On The Map
Spokane is continuing to grow as a community that is able to host incredible evenings of entertainment. Furthermore, the community is able to provide the necessary accommodations for thousands of people to visit and enjoy what the city has to offer. The reputation of Spokane will only become stronger as a place where big name performers and entertainment platforms will want to come. Hopefully we will see The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival come back next year and bring more quality entertainment experiences to our community.