When: November 5–9, 2014

Where: More than 20 venues throughout NYC

So a Manhattanite walks into a bar and says "ouch, that hurt!" For laugh-factor material far better than what you'll find here, look out for the comedy marathon that is the 11th annual New York Comedy Festival, running from November 5 through 9 in 2014. The five-day giggle fest, produced by Caroline on Broadways and run in collaboration with Comedy Central, pulls together more than 200 big-name and emerging comedians over 60 shows and comedy competitions, which unfold in some 20 venues across the city, including the Beacon Theatre, Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and more.

For the best laugh-for-your-buck, check out these must-see comedians, each performing in Manhattan for the festival's 2014 edition:

• Bill Cosby: November 8 at Carnegie Hall
• Bill Maher: November 8 at Beacon Theatre
• Hannibal Buress: November 7 at Town Hall
• Amy Schumer: November 7 at Carnegie Hall
• Maria Bamford: November 8 at Town Hall
• Chris D’Elia: November 8 at Town Hall
• Nick Offerman: November 8 at the Beacon Theatre
• Marc Maron: November 7 at NYU Skirball Center
• Dane Cook: November 6–7 at the Beacon Theatre
• Jim Gaffigan: In Conversation with Elliott Forrest; November 6 at The Greene Space
• Sommore: November 6–9 at Carolines on Broadway

In addition, featured panel discussions, held at the Paley Center for Media in Midtown, will highlight the creative writers and teams behind hit comedy-driven TV shows Late Show with David Letterman (held November 7) and Inside Amy Schumer (November 8). Or, try the panel for Broad City, anchored on the show's executive producer, Amy Poehler, with moderator Seth Rogen (November 9).

 

The festival lineup will also include the "New York’s Funniest Stand-Up" competition finals featuring NYC-based comedians (November 8 at Carolines on Broadway), and the stand-up show "Comics to Watch," spotlighting new talent from across the country (November 5 at Carolines on Broadway).

The New York Comedy Festival also folds in the 8th annual Stand Up for Heroes comedy-and-music event, on November 5 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, with major headliners like Louis C.K., John Oliver, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart, and other surprise guests.

Tickets are priced individually on a per-show basis, and performances vary in length (though most run about 90 minutes). New for 2014, festival-goers can also opt in for a 5- or 10-show "fan pass," redeemable at select shows, which grant pass-holders access to exclusive seating sections, entry to Comedy Central-hosted festival parties, and also enable them to skip lines.

For more info and to book, visit nycomedyfestival.com.