On July 9, 2025, the Belly Laughs Festival, a groundbreaking event dedicated to celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) comedians, performers, and culinary traditions, took place at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles. Organized by the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE), Nederlander Concerts, and Gold House, the festival brought together a star-studded lineup of AAPI talent for a weekend of laughter, food, and cultural pride.
This year’s festival drew between 6,000 and 8,000 attendees, underscoring the growing demand for events that showcase AAPI voices and experiences in the entertainment industry. The Belly Laughs Festival is not just another comedy event — it’s a platform for AAPI performers to share their stories, defy stereotypes, and use humor as a powerful tool for social change. The festival was built on the idea that comedy can both entertain and educate, offering a space for the AAPI community to unite, share common experiences, and break down barriers.
A Diverse and Star-Studded Lineup of Comedians
The comedy lineup for Belly Laughs was one for the books, featuring 30 AAPI comedians, including big names like Kumail Nanjiani, Margaret Cho, Hasan Minhaj, and Bobby Lee. These comedic veterans took the stage to offer their unique takes on everything from immigrant experiences to Hollywood’s treatment of AAPI performers.
Hasan Minhaj, known for his Netflix show Patriot Act, delivered an insightful and hilarious commentary on politics, race, and identity. Kumail Nanjiani, star of The Big Sick, kept audiences in stitches with his witty observations on life as a South Asian in Hollywood. Margaret Cho, a trailblazer in the comedy world, offered a mix of humor and social activism, bringing attention to the challenges of being a queer, Asian-American woman in a predominantly white industry.
Newer faces like Jo Koy and Ali Wong also took the stage, injecting fresh perspectives into the conversation. Their performances were a blend of lighthearted humor and sharp political commentary that resonated with a diverse audience.
A Taste of AAPI Culinary Heritage
Beyond comedy, the Belly Laughs Festival also featured an impressive culinary component. The event showcased over 20 food vendors, each representing different AAPI cultures through their menus. Curated by MAMA (Modern Asian Marketplace), the food stalls offered everything from Korean BBQ and Filipino lumpia to Japanese sushi and Indian curries.
Festival-goers were able to sample dishes from across the Pacific Rim, giving them a taste of AAPI cultures through both food and humor. This culinary focus was an intentional effort to honor the richness of AAPI heritage beyond the stage, highlighting the way food plays a central role in the community’s traditions and celebrations.
A Moment for AAPI Representation
The Belly Laughs Festival represents a significant moment for AAPI communities, whose voices have historically been marginalized in entertainment. The festival serves as a testament to how far the AAPI community has come in terms of representation, visibility, and influence in Hollywood. Beyond the laughs, the festival highlights the growing importance of creating spaces where AAPI individuals can express their cultural identity freely, without fear of misrepresentation or stereotypes.
As Belly Laughs continues to gain traction, there are already plans to take the event to other major cities, expanding its reach and providing a platform for even more AAPI talent to shine. It’s a celebration not just of comedy, but of resilience, community, and the power of laughter as a tool for change.
