This July 11-13, Snowmass Comedy WKND at The Collective is gearing up for laughs, free events and sets from a diverse line-up of rising stars and fledgling big shots with network credits from Netflix, Comedy Central and more. A headliner event will take place each night of the weekend at 7:30pm at The Collective Hall. Proceeds from Saturday’s Triple the Laughs show, with three headlining comedians, will benefit HeadQuarters, a nonprofit providing mental health support in the Roaring Fork Valley,
Beginning July 11, audiences can kick off the WKND with a free Mountainside Comedy Happy Hour at the New Belgium Ranger Station at 5:30pm. This will feature local and regional talents. Later that night, beginning at 9:30pm at the Rock Island Oyster Bar, anyone interested can partake in a comedy open mic event.
“We have a diverse range of headliners coming in, and we’re also hosting local showcases to highlight our local talent,” Sarah Sanders, director of plaza and event venues at The Collective, told The Sopris Sun. “All of our programming is centered on being inclusive, vibrant and fostering community and connection. Everything about this lineup hits on all of those elements, and I’m really proud of that.”
Audiences are invited to another free event on Saturday, July 12: the “Laughter is the Best Medicine Panel” at Basecamp Bar & Grill at 4pm. In partnership with HeadQuarters, the panel will include a headlining comedian, a local therapist, a local doctor, and HeadQuarters Executive Director Angilina Taylor. The discussion will revolve around the relationship of laughter with mental and physical health. Sanders will moderate.
On Sunday, July 13, audience members can witness a live podcast recording from headliner comedian Brittany Brave. “I Have a Secret” will see the comedian unpack her life and career in a vulnerable and raw manner. Earlier that day, a Comedy 101 workshop will be taught by Christie Buchele.
Three of the five headliners — Brittany Brave, Usama Siddiquee and Dino Archie — have performed at The Collective before, Sanders shared. “We’re really excited to bring them back and give them a more engaged audience, put them on bigger stages and have more off-the-cuff festival experiences with them,” she said.
“When we seek talent for Snowmass, we’re always seeking people who maybe aren’t represented in our community as much, to show a different background and perspective to our snow globe,” Sanders continued.
Irene Tu, a Los Angeles-based comedian who is recognized for her quick wit and off-the-wall observations about day-to-day life, will also be headlining. Each headliner will have a local act opening for their main stage events. Ryan Honey will open for Tu, and Julie Gillespie, who won the 2025 Ajax Award for funniest local, will open for Brave.
“We keep a close eye on all of the comedians and all the performers in our valley, and we try to match up the performer, our local comic, with the headliner that makes the most sense,” Sanders explained. “Ryan and Julie’s styles compliment their headliners very well.”
Additionally, a local showcase will take place on Sept. 24, also featuring an open mic. Discussing what she hopes audiences take away from this WKND and other upcoming events at The Collective, Sanders said, “Our intention at The Collective is to be inclusive, vibrant and foster community and connection. With everything we program and do outside of comedy, but across all of our programming, we strive to be a place for everyone.”
She concluded, “I think one of the best things to know when coming to an event with us is you’re going to be welcomed, met with a smile and laugh, and have an incredible time. Even if you disagree with the content, you can put that aside and take a moment for yourself to be in a safe space and have a great experience.”
For a full events schedule and more information, visit www.thecollectivesnowmass.com