The Bellwether Improv Comedy Festival

Contact us for details about BELL 16 in October 2025!

Formerly known as "Improvfest," the Bellwether Improv Festival, beginning in 2010, is an annual festival to celebrate improv and encourage collaboration among the college improv scene. Taking place in the Fall, some of the finest college improv groups from around the country convene on one stage for a weekend of live improv comedy. Bellwether is currently the largest college improv festival in the Midwest and one of the largest in the United States!

The event strives to showcase each school's unique style of comedy. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and -- above all -- very funny.

8th Floor has shared the stage with teams from NYU, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Georgetown, University of South California, Denison University, Northwestern University, Indiana University, University of Illinois, University of Florida, University of Missouri, Missouri State, Dayton University, Penn State, University of Kansas, University of Michigan, University of Virginia, and Ohio University!

Bellwether has also showcased the improvisational talents of UCB Tour Co. from New York City, Revolver from iO Chicago, along with very successful indie teams from both cities, including the all ladies team Dumpster and one of 8th Floor’s favorite teams ever, Pudding-Thank-You, hailing from Chicago, Illinois.

Is your college or professional improv group interested in participating in the next Bellwether? Let us know! Contact us here.