WASHINGTON, DC

The legendary New York Arab American Comedy Festival is coming to our nation’s capitol Washington DC for one night only, May 17th at the Miracle Theater.

Co-founded by Dean Obeidallah and Maysoon Zayid in 2003 to combat the negative portrayals of Arabs and Muslims in media post 9/11. This mission is now more urgent than ever as anti-Arab hate has been mainstreamed. Free speech is under siege, yet these Arab American comedians–many immigrants–remain fearless and funnier than ever.

“Given the attacks on free speech and immigrants by the Trump regime, we intentionally choose to perform the show in Washington, D.C. as an act of defiance,”  said co-founder Dean Obeidallah, a lawyer-turned-comedian, who hosts The Dean Obeidallah Show on SiriusXM radio and has appeared on Comedy Central’s Axis of Evil special, ABC’s The View as well as regularly on MSNOW. “And through this comedy show we can both celebrate our heritage and stand up for our freedoms-all while making people laugh,” Obeidallah added.

The NYAACF’s May 17th lineup at the Miracle Theater will bring together a dynamic mix of stand-up comics, writers, and rising stars from across the country to one of DC’s most iconic stages.  In addition to Obeidallah and Zayid, the line up includes Yasmin Elhady host of Hulu’s Muslim Matchmaker who recently appeared on ABC’s The View, Demetrius Fields who has more than 3.1 million followers on TikTok and Rola Z , an artist-in-residence at the Atlas Performing Arts Center and creator of Funny Arabs Show and more.

Now in its 23rd year, the New York Arab American Comedy Festival remains a launchpad for talent and a beloved cultural institution, drawing sold-out crowds and fans from all backgrounds who come to laugh, connect, and celebrate the power of comedy to bring people together.  The festival’s star-studded alumni include Ramy Youseff, Mo Amer, Bassem Youssef, Sammy Obeid, Omar Metwally and many who have gone on to appear on Netflix, HBO, and Comedy Central.

The show at the Miracle Theater will be accessible and will include ASL interpretation. Accessibility is a festival priority as is equal representation of women in what is usually a male-dominated industry. Co-founder Maysoon Zayid — a Palestinian comedian, best-selling author, and disability rights advocate believes “This show is living proof that Arab American stories are diverse, hilarious, and universal. It’s about fun, inclusion, and incredible comedy. And you never know what future comedy superstar you will be seeing before they break out.”