Comedian Katie Hannigan returns to Vail for annual festival

Dozens of comedians will fly in from around North America for the Vail Comedy Festival held in Vail Village over Memorial Day Weekend. Katie Hannigan visits from New York City where she taped her late night debut. Mark Masters, founder of the Vail Comedy Festival, caught up with her and asked some questions about her upcoming show.

Have you ever performed in the Vail Valley?

Yes! I performed in Vail once and immediately got altitude sickness and fell in love with a moose. Honestly, it’s hard to say if I crushed the show or if everyone was just oxygen-deprived enough to find me hilarious. Either way, a 10/10 experience.

Do you have a favorite Colorado comedy memory? 

Yes! I performed in Fort Collins and had an amazing time — not just on stage, but also because I found two spice shops on the same block. I spent 45 minutes debating between smoked paprika and slightly smokier paprika. The show was great, but honestly, the cumin selection was the real headliner.

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You recently got married, has that changed your comedy at all?

Totally. Before I got married, I used to do material about dating disasters and sleeping with people who had vision boards. Now I talk about the thrilling world of joint bank accounts and learning that my husband folds towels wrong. It’s a new era of romance — and content.

What do you know about Vail Comedy Festival?

Vail Comedy Festival is the dream combo — gorgeous mountain views and even better audiences. The crowds are smart, warm and ready to laugh, which is all a comic can ask for (besides snacks). Plus, you get to tell jokes, then stare at a mountain and rethink all your life choices in a scenic way.

Any major events coming up?

Yes! I’m currently on tour, recording new material and trying to figure out how to become TikTok famous without dancing or being under 25. Also, I might try to keep a plant alive this year — we’re dreaming big.

How would you describe your comedy?

It’s like your neurotic best friend started journaling out loud — funny, honest, slightly anxious and probably oversharing. I talk about relationships, being a woman in this weird world and the sheer chaos of existing with a face that says “I believe in crystals,” but a soul that screams “I do not.”

What is next for Katie Hannigan?

World domination, probably. But first: more stand-up, more writing and ideally, a nap. I’m developing a new hour, scheming podcast plans and figuring out how to turn my marriage into a reality show called “Love You, Mean It, Now Please Stop Snoring.“

Three day festival passes are available for purchase at VailComedyFestival.com and allow access to dozens of events including comedy, magic and podcast live tapings. VIP passes include access to special events like a wine tasting with comedians at a private dining room in a Michelin recognized restaurant. Free family friendly magic shows happen again May 24 and 25 at the RocketFizz stage in Lionshead. Learn more at VailComedyFestival.com/Film.