“Do Queer Sh*t!” That has been the official motto since the very first Midwest Queer Comedy Festival back in 2017, from the lips of its founder and executive director, Cleveland comedian Dwayne Duke.
This colorful battle cry was born of Dwayne’s pure exhaustion amidst organizing the initial fest. “A volunteer asked me where I was going and I just said, ‘to do queer sh*t.’ It has been the theme and driving force behind the festival ever since.”
Recently rebranded as the MQCFest, this festival has always been about bringing independent, alternative comedy from queer voices to larger audiences and this year, the festival is coming to Pittsburgh October 9 through 12.
“The 2025 MQCFest is four nights of queer joy, three stages, featuring over thirty of the country’s funniest queer comics for one unforgettable experience,” says Dwayne.
Highlights of the festival include:
Local favorite Helen Wildy at the Arcade Comedy Theater on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 9 pm. Born in Ireland, raised in Pittsburgh, her first comedy album “Bomb Threat” can be heard on Sirius XM now.
National touring show “Here to Pee,” which features trans activist comedians raising funds to fight anti-trans bathroom bills. Friday, Oct. 10 at 9 pm (Arcade Stage) and Saturday, Oct. 11 (South Side Stage at 880 Wrestling).
“Double Team’d,” the festival’s crowd work extravaganza, hosted by yours truly, local comedian and QBurgh writer, Roy Gloeckl. Saturday, Oct. 11 at 9 pm (Arcade).
“Comics Stripped,” a body positivity show where the comics get as bare as they dare. Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 pm (Arcade).
“Talking Points,” your place for all the hottest trending topics. Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 pm (Arcade).
“No Straight Answers,” a comedy therapy show where our panel of “experts” try to solve your problems. Sunday, Oct. 12 at 8 pm (Arcade).
Visiting comedians, including Gabbie Watts (Sirius XM, debut album “Boing”), Kate Zasowski (JFL, Netflix Is A Joke), Justin Matson (World of Wonder), Gwen Sunkel (Vice, albums ‘No More Tears’ and ‘A Two Person Job), and Matt Laughery (iheartradio).
And, of course, Pittsburgh comedians, including associate producer and Head Yinzer of the festival Amanda Averell, Asher O’Briant, Ellen Lundie, Jennifer Lopez, Jo Crawford, Kayleigh Dumas, Matty Malloy, Michael Buzzelli, Roy Gloeckl, Whitney Mor, and Zach Funk.
More information can be found at mqcfest.com, including schedule, tickets, and full festival passes.
