Gallery Laughs 2026: Saint Louis Art Museum’s Comedy Series Returns
Gallery Laughs Image courtesy St. Louis Art Museum.
St. Louis, Jan. 7, 2026 – The Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) is bringing back its popular comedy series, Gallery Laughs, for a second season. Following a successful debut in 2025, this unique four-part stand-up event returns with another stellar lineup. Producers Chris Denman and Mid Coast Media have curated a series featuring nationally touring comedians Chris Redd, Jessimae Peluso, Dulcé Sloan, and Guy Torry. In addition, some of St. Louis’s favorite local performers will support the headliners, with Denman hosting all four shows.
A Perfect Friday Night Out
SLAM always offers free admission, but its Free Fridays programming elevates the experience. The Gallery Laughs evenings begin at 5:00 p.m. with DJ Scooter Brown setting the mood during a special cocktail hour. Afterward, the comedy kicks off at 6:30 p.m.
You can get free tickets in person at the Museum starting at 10:00 a.m. on the day of each performance. Simply visit the welcome desk in Taylor Hall to secure your spot.
The 2026 Gallery Laughs Schedule
- Jan 16, 2026 – Chris Redd feat. Rafe Williams and Larry Greene, hosted by Chris Denman
- May 15, 2026 – Jessimae Peluso feat. JC Sibala and Angela Smith, hosted by Chris Denman
- Aug 21, 2026 – Dulcé Sloan feat. Chris Cyr and Precious J. Dorsey, hosted by Chris Denman
- Nov 6, 2026 – Guy Torry, hosted by Chris Denman
Furthermore, the laughs come with a visual treat. St. Louis artist Cbabi Bayoc has designed custom art for the series. Special portraits inspired by the headlining comedians will be displayed at each show. As a bonus, a select number of prints will be available for lucky attendees to take home.
“Thanks to the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All Grant, the Museum is able to explore more programming opportunities to reach new audiences,” said Jessica Kennedy, Educator for Adult Learning at SLAM. “Gallery Laughs’ debut 2025 season was such a huge success. It drew crowds of comedy fans through our doors to enjoy art before and after the laughter. Consequently, we’re thrilled to bring this unique experience back for a second year as part of our Access for All Free Fridays.”
Meet the Headliners
From January to November 2026, Gallery Laughs will feature an incredible roster of talent. All images are courtesy of the artists.
Chris Redd (performing Jan 16) is a #stlmade stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and rapper. Born in St. Louis, Redd spent five seasons on Saturday Night Live. His other projects include the Starz drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan, the Peacock series Bust Down, the NBC sitcom Kenan, and films like Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and Scare Me. Notably, Redd filmed his latest stand-up special, Why Am I Like This? (HBO Max, 2022), right here in his hometown. Follow him on Instagram at @chrisreddis.
Jessimae Peluso (performing May 15) is a stand-up comedian, writer, and performer whose work blends raw comedy with emotional depth. She is known for her breakout role on MTV’s Girl Code and for hosting Netflix’s Tattoo Redo and Surviving Paradise. Peluso has performed for the USO worldwide and has made multiple appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience, Chelsea Lately, and Comedy Central’s @Midnight. Her new podcast, Dying Laughing with Jessimae, explores grief and loss with just enough humor to make you feel okay about crying. Follow her on Instagram at @jessimaepeluso.
Dulcé Sloan (performing August 21) is a comedian and Emmy award-winning actress. On TV, she is best known as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show and as the voice of Honeybee Shaw on Fox’s The Great North. Sloan is also a recurring panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me and hosted the CW’s The Great American Joke Off. When her Comedy Central Presents special premiered, The New York Times included it in their “Best Comedy of 2019” roundup. Currently, Sloan co-hosts a weekly podcast called Chasing K-Dramas. Follow her on Instagram at @dulcesloan.
Guy Torry (performing November 6) is a #stlmade actor, comedian, radio personality, and filmmaker. Torry grew up in St. Louis and attended Southeast Missouri State University. He has starred in films such as “American History X,” “LIFE,” and “The Animal.” He has also appeared on stand-up shows including “Def Comedy Jam,” “Comic View,” and “Comedy Central’s Premium Blend.” In addition, Torry created and executive produced the hit docu-series “Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy” on Amazon Prime. Follow him on Instagram at @guytorry.
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Senior Editor, Digital Manager, Blogger, has been nominated for awards several times as Publisher and Author over the years. Has been with company for almost three years and is a current native St. Louisan.
