From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Lil Rel Chicago Comedy Festival
Lil Rel returns to Chicago for comedy festival honoring his roots.
In brief
Lil Rel returns to Chicago for comedy festival honoring his roots. Lil Rel Howery filmed his new comedy special in Chicago for the What’s Funny Festival, dedicating it to his late father and hometown. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Lil Rel returns to Chicago
Comedian Lil Rel Howery filmed his latest standup special at Black Ensemble Theatre in Chicago.
“Some of the best musicals I’ve ever seen have been at Black Ensemble”
What’s Funny Comedy Festival
The What’s Funny Comedy Festival runs through Saturday and Lil Rel cofounded it with his former manager Knowledge Beckom.
“We want a blended festival”
Chicago comedy roots
Chicago has established itself as a premier destination for Black standups and comedy training grounds.
“People get mad when we say this, but the best comedians come out of Chicago”
Lil Rel’s Chicago connection
Lil Rel Howery grew up in Chicago’s West Side and has strong ties to the neighborhood.
“I like just driving up and down Madison”
Dedication to father
Lil Rel filmed his comedy special after his father passed in January and dedicated it to him.
“I told my brother after the funeral, ‘I want to do a special dedicated to dad’”
Festival goals
The festival aims for 40% out-of-town performers and emphasizes diverse stories beyond comedy.
“I don’t want 90% men. I want women comics”
Chicago confidence
Lil Rel credits Chicago’s diversity for building his confidence to succeed in L.A. and New York.
“I was able to be so confident coming to L.A. and going to New York because Chicago made me feel like a star already”
Black ensemble theatre
Lil Rel praised Black Ensemble Theatre for its role in his comedy career and future collaborations.
“I’m really hoping to build a relationship with them beyond just this special”
Festival honors
The festival will honor Bill Bellamy with the 2026 Icon Award.
“The fest will honor legend Bill Bellamy with the 2026 Icon Award”
Chicago’s comedy legacy
Lil Rel highlighted Chicago’s history of producing legendary comedians like Bernie Mac.
“Think about Bernie Mac, for us Black comics, he set the tone for what being yourself looks like”
Personal memories
Lil Rel recalled childhood memories of his neighborhood on Madison and Central Park streets.
“If I drive to Western, I remember going to the laundromat on Saturdays with my mother, me and my brothers carrying our stuff”
Father’s funeral
Lil Rel visited his father’s funeral home after his father passed in January.
“I just wanted to stop there. I know he’s not there, but I built a relationship because I was there so much”
Chicago snowballs
Lil Rel bought snowballs from a Chicago shop after being recognized by locals.
“I love what Chicago represents for me. I was driving up and down out west the other day and stopped to get some snowballs”
Chicago theme song
Lil Rel used a Chicago-themed song for his sitcom theme.
“One of my favorite songs is Crucial Conflict’s ‘In The Circle’”
Festival impact
Lil Rel plans to see new Chicago comedians at the festival and celebrate his hometown.
“Chicago’s just a great place for standup comedy”
What matters most
Lil Rel Howery filmed his new comedy special in Chicago for the What’s Funny Festival, dedicating it to his late father and hometown.
