Aspen Laugh Festival kicks off 2026 season with two headliners

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Sebastian Maniscalco’s last name.

Ready for some midweek giggles? It’s a double-the-laughs Wednesday night as the Aspen Laugh Festival kicks off March 11 with two headliners: Pete Correale from 5–6:30 p.m. and Anjelah Johnson-Reyes at 8 p.m., both at the Wheeler Opera House.

The first show of the evening begins with Correale bringing his laid‑back, razor-observant comedy to the stage.

“I can’t help feeling that performing in Aspen is a gift from the comedy gods for all of the times I performed in Buffalo, Peoria and Lincoln, Nebraska, without complaining,” Correale said.

Hailing from New York state, he began doing comedy in his early 20s and continues to share his American experiences with his audiences.

He’s known as a podcast co-host for “The Pete & Sebastian Show” with fellow comedian and friend Sebastian Maniscalco — two Iongtime, Italian pals riffing on life, childhood and families. Correale is the more reflective, self-deprecating storyteller to Maniscalco’s high-energy venting.

Correale has appeared on late-night talk shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Late Show with David Letterman” and “Conan.” He’s also got writing chops as a writer for CBS’s “Kevin Can Wait” (2016-2018) and Netflix’s “The Crew” (2021).

“I’m excited for my show, but the best part of this greatest festival is that I get to watch great comedians like Anjelah Johnson perform after I’m done,” Correale said.

Johnson-Reyes joins the Aspen Laugh Festival as part of her “The Family Reunion” world tour, where she has been selling out multiple venues like the Ryman Theatre in Nashville and The Wiltern in Los Angeles throughout 2025-2026. She’s also released at least six comedy specials, like “Say I Won’t” (2024) and “Technically Not Stalking” (2023), among others.

She grew up in California with Mexican heritage. She’s also been a guest star on television series such as “Superstore,” “Ugly Betty” and “Life & Beth.” She broke out with her viral character “Bon Qui Qui” on the 13th season of “MADtv.” 

This performance will be presented in association with Justice for Migrant Women.

Correale noted that he’s also excited to see who will be in the audience.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be performing at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen,” he said, “especially because I heard a rumor that Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell might be coming to my show … although is it really a rumor if I started it?” 

For more information and tickets, visit wheeleroperahouse.com/event/aspen-laugh-fest-pete-correale and wheeleroperahouse.com/event/2026-aspen-laugh-festival-anjelah-johnson-reyes.