Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival 2025
Event Details
Date: October 10th - 12th, 2025
Location: The Wharf, Washington, DC
About the Event
The Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival 2025 brought three days of laughter, culture, and creativity to Washington, D.C.’s Wharf District. Produced by NICE CROWD with Stratus Firm as a production partner and presented by Events DC, the festival featured headline performances, breakout showcases, and conversations celebrating Black comedy and diverse storytelling. From Jay Pharoah’s Breakout Comedian of the Year competition to the Hey Ladies Comedy Experience, the weekend spotlighted rising talent and the unifying power of humor.
NICE CROWD is a premier entertainment and events company dedicated to celebrating diversity and creativity through live experiences. Founded by visionary producers Jeff and Nicole Friday, NICE CROWD curates cultural festivals, film showcases, and comedy events that amplify underrepresented voices and foster community through storytelling, laughter, and shared connection.
Schedule of events
Friday October 10th
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Screening: Microphone Masters Arena Stage
9:00 PM - 10:30 PM Post-Reception Mixer Zooz
Saturday October 11th
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Conversation on Comedy Anthem
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Breakout Comedian of the Year Anthem
Sunday October 12th
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Hey Ladies Comedy Experience Anthem
10:00 PM - 11:30 PM DC Funny Union Stage
VIPs
Talitha Watkins
Clayton Thomas
Delmar Washington
Affion Crockett
SoMMore
Jay Pharoah
Isaiah Jones
Amber Ferguson
Bob Sumner
Rikki Hughes
Tamra Goins
Apple Brown Betty
Tisha Campbell
Zainab Johnson
Leslie Liao
Angie Gates
Anthony Oakes
Scope of Services
Event Preparation Services
Project Management: Stratus Firm provided full project management support through web-based software, timeline development, stakeholder coordination, quality control, and vendor and contractor hiring.
Meetings included one kickoff meeting, one one-hour discovery session, biweekly meetings in August, weekly meetings in September and October, and one final tie-down meeting.
Onsite Logistics Management
Stratus coordinated production schedules and floor plans at The Anthem, Arena Stage, and Union Stage.
The team managed day-of timelines across all venues, liaised with talent, VIP staff, and security regarding needs, riders, and dressing room requirements, and distributed instruction packets and briefings to participants and talent.
Comprehensive onsite event management covered logistics, production, programming, and attendee and speaker experiences.
Stratus also oversaw all catering operations—including attendee needs, green room, craft services, and media/press room—while coordinating food, beverage, and alcohol vendors to ensure full compliance at all venues.
Onsite Setup Management
The team managed and oversaw the load-in and setup of décor, stage sets, event spaces, activations, and installations.
Onsite Technical Production and Show Direction
Stratus provided onsite technical production and show direction in collaboration with in-house venue staff.
The team oversaw all aspects of show production, including technical direction, stage and floor management, and rehearsal coordination.
The team also managed technical production services, such as lead-up tasks, advanced planning, and technical requirements for sound, lighting, stage management, video, PowerPoint, and rehearsals across The Anthem, Arena Stage, and Union Stage.
Sponsors
Venues
Arena Stage
Zooz
The Anthem
Union Stage
Vendors
Mecca Filmworks
Control Video
4Wall Lighting
Design Foundry
Basse Enterprises (HMU)
Claviger Security
Atlas Teleprompting