Four shows. Four restaurants. ALL SOLD OUT! The first-ever Dunwoody Village Comedy Festival is taking over Marlow’s Tavern, Vintage Pizzeria, Bar{n}, and Chupito’s Azteca Grille this weekend! With Laughing Skull and Create Dunwoody behind the scenes, this event is bringing top stand-up acts straight to Dunwoody Village. Marshall has shaped Atlanta’s comedy scene by launching careers, mentoring talent, and curating top-tier shows. Now he’s bringing the smiles to Dunwoody!
On this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody, Matt Weber sat down with Marshall Chiles, owner of Laughing Skull Lounge, to talk about the Dunwoody Village Comedy Festival, an event that has quickly become a must-attend for residents and visitors alike. Brought to you by Dr. Bret Freedman and Village Orthodontics, this conversation dives into how comedy is shaping the cultural fabric of Dunwoody, GA. If you’re moving to Dunwoody or already living in Dunwoody, this festival is a testament to the city’s thriving entertainment scene and community spirit.
The Birth of the Dunwoody Village Comedy Festival
The Dunwoody Village Comedy Festival didn’t just appear overnight—it was the result of over a year of planning and collaboration. It all started when Lauren Sok, owner of Functionize Health & Physical Therapy, introduced Marshall to the board of Create Dunwoody, a local organization dedicated to enhancing the city’s cultural and artistic presence. After scoping out potential venues, the team took the leap, and the event has since exceeded all expectations, selling out multiple shows and adding even more to accommodate demand.
Dunwoody’s Businesses Benefit from the Festival
One of the most exciting aspects of this comedy festival is its positive impact on Dunwoody Village businesses. Local favorites like Marlow’s Tavern, Vintage Pizzeria, Bar{n}, and Chupito’s Azteca Grille have all benefited from the influx of attendees eager to grab a bite or drink before and after the shows. This collaboration between entertainment and local business helps reinforce the strong sense of community that Dunwoody prides itself on.
Why Dunwoody is the Perfect Place for a Comedy Festival
Dunwoody has always been a place that appreciates arts and entertainment, and this festival proves just that. According to Marshall, the city’s commitment to cultural infrastructure—a term he borrows from his experience working on similar events in Rosemary Beach, FL—is what makes it stand out. Create Dunwoody has played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life, ensuring that events like this continue to thrive in the city.
What to Expect at the Dunwoody Village Comedy Festival
If you’re attending this weekend’s festival, get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy. The showcase format features eight comedians performing 10-minute sets, offering a mix of styles and humor to keep the audience engaged. With multiple shows throughout the weekend, including late-night options, there’s plenty of opportunity to catch a performance. The festival leans toward a PG-18 rating, meaning attendees should expect some adult humor but nothing too extreme.
The Power of Live Comedy in Dunwoody
Seeing comedy live is a vastly different experience from watching a recorded set, and Matt and Marshall agree that the energy of a live audience makes all the difference. Comedy is an interactive art form, and the shared experience of laughter creates a special bond between the audience and performers. Marshall, who has been in the industry for over 24 years, knows firsthand how one audience member’s attitude can shift the energy of an entire room—making every show unique.
The Journey to Performing at Laughing Skull
For aspiring comedians looking to make it onto the Laughing Skull Lounge stage, the path isn’t easy. It involves working up from open mic nights, proving yourself in guest spots, and eventually earning a place in the club’s Laughing Skull Comedy Festival—one of the most competitive comedy festivals in the country, receiving over 1,000 submissions for just 50 spots each year. This festival has helped launch the careers of several major comedians, including Shane Gillis, who performed back in 2016 before skyrocketing to fame.
Marshall Chiles: From Stand-Up Comic to Comedy Club Owner
Marshall’s journey in comedy began as a touring road comic before he decided to settle down and build his own venue. His first venture was Funny Farm Comedy Club in Roswell, and later he founded Laughing Skull Lounge, now celebrating 15 years of success. His goal? To create a career in comedy without the constant travel—allowing him to perform stand-up while being home with his family in Dunwoody. It’s a balance that many comedians envy, and one that allows him to stay deeply connected to both his industry and his community.
What’s Next for the Dunwoody Village Comedy Festival?
The overwhelming success of this year’s festival has already sparked discussions about expanding the event in the future. Could we see more Dunwoody venues participating? Will the festival stretch across two weekends? The excitement surrounding this inaugural event suggests that it’s only the beginning of something bigger for Dunwoody’s growing entertainment scene.
Final Thoughts: A Bright Future for Dunwoody’s Comedy Scene
Marshall and Matt agree that the combination of community engagement, local business support, and top-tier comedy talent has created something special in Dunwoody. If you didn’t grab a ticket this year, make sure to plan ahead for the next festival—because if ticket demand is any indication, this event is here to stay. Dunwoody’s comedy scene is thriving, and with support from Create Dunwoody, Laughing Skull Lounge, and local businesses, it’s only going to get better.
