The Moontowner Comedy Festival has arrived in Austin once again and some of America’s favorite comedians will be performing around the city. The festival has become one of Austin’s best festivals since it was founded in 2012, and this year, they’re celebrating with a talented line up of America’s top comedians, and performers who are certain to send Austinites home with sore bellies after a weekend full of non-stop laughter.
With over 75 shows and events playing at this year’s festival, most of the talented comedians will be in town for several days enjoying some of the greatest highlights of our city. Everyone knows Austin’s food scene is on point featuring greatest cuisine available in the country, making us a top food destination for any festival. With that in mind we’d love to wine and dine some of our favorite comedians during their visit, so we’ve decided to make a list just in case they get hungry enough to reach out for a bite and a few laughs.
Jump Ahead To
Patton Oswalt
Comedian, actor, and writer, Patton Oswalt is one of America’s most accomplished comedians finding success in all areas of entertainment. From his Grammy-nominated comedy specials to his many memorable film roles and guest appearances on his favorite TV shows (including “Parks and Recreation,” for which he received a TV Critics Choice Award), Oswalt continues to choose work that inspires him and entertain audiences.
The Townsend may be a great starting spot to kick things off for an evening with Patton Oswalt. Not only does he appreciate alcohol, he also revels in it and drinks Balvenie regularly. What else would you expect from a man with the name @balvenieboy on Instagram? The Townsend’s find craft cocktails and classy, low-key vibe is a perfect setting for Patton’s appreciation of great food and cocktails. Oh yeah, there’s also a stage in the back just in case he decides to display his exceptional gift of telling hilarious stories.
Dan Soder and Big Jay Oakerson
Big Jay Oakerson and Dan Soder Hosts “The Bonfire” which airs live on Sirius XM Comedy Central Radio 95 every Monday and Wednesday. Big Jay Oakerson has become one of the most recognizable comedians in New York with his dirty delivery, yet endearing style of comedy. He’s becoming legendary among audiences every night at The Comedy Cellar, The Stand and Stand Up New York. Dan Soder, Jay’s best friend and show partner has been seen on Comedy Central’s The Half Hour, John Oliver’s New York Stand Up show, Inside Amy Schumer and he’s appeared multiple times on CONAN and @midnight with Chris Hardwhick.
Assuming I’m able roll my ass out of out of bed early enough on Sunday, I’d love to treat Jay and Day to brunch in what would be a massive Sunday-funday experience. I’ve heard they’re big barbecue fans and demolish enough meat for a serious food coma every time they visit Austin. I would never get in the way of a man’s love for barbecue, but there’s so much more food to experience in the city and think it’s my duty to allow them to experience even more high calorie eating activities. Gentlemen next time you’re in Austin, allow me to introduce you to Gourdough’s.
Matt Bearden
Austin comedian Matt Bearden likes to tell stories and has built his 20-year comedy career on sarcasm and irony and good-natured stares and probably hating the same things you hate. He’s a co-host of the top rated The Dudley & Bob with Matt Show, a live, real time trainwreck, heard weekday mornings on 93.7 KLBJ-FM in Austin, Texas.
I have a pretty good feeling I’d enjoy treating Matt to a decent meal anywhere at the Domain, but not because of the great food. It’s the perfect environment for Matt to display his good-natured sarcasm with the consistent bevy of comedy material that’s constantly available throughout the Domain’s upscale shopping environment. After torchering him with the parade of snobs and delta-bravos (keeping it PG), I’ll treat him to a real meal of his choice downtown, as long as it rhymes with Easy Tiger.
Martha Kelly
Martha Kelly is a stand-up comedian based out of Austin, TX. She has been featured on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Last Comic Standing, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Most recently, she landed her acting debut playing the role of ‘Martha Brooks’ in FX’s Baskets which has been picked up for its third season.
Martha, I see a visit to True Food Kitchen or Vinagrette because I get the feeling you prefer to eat healthier than your male slob counterparts. If I’m wrong I have two words for you, Salty Sow.