The 2026 Thurber Prize for American Humor

A Spectacular Evening of Laughter, Surprises, Fun, and Frivolity!

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Columbus College of Art and Design | Columbus, Ohio

Register for the Event

Tickets | Sponsorships | Host Committee Membership

  • Processing fee:

    • When you register, you will be asked by default to cover an online processing fee. You can opt out by clicking "Edit."

    • If you opt out, we strongly encourage you to submit your payment via mailed check instead, which will save Thurber House from having to pay the processing fee.

    • To pay by check, scroll to the bottom of the payment page on the form and select the check option.

    Optional tip for Givebutter:

    • During registration, you will also be asked to give an optional tip. If you opt in, the tip goes to Givebutter, which does not charge Thurber House a platform fee to use. Givebutter offers its system for free to nonprofits because of this tipping model. If you choose not to tip, Thurber House will not be directly impacted.

    • You can opt out of the tip by choosing "Other" and setting the amount to $0.

 

Accepted payment methods (options vary by device/browser):

  • Credit/debit

  • Google Pay

  • Apple Pay (click here to use Apple Pay)

  • PayPal

  • Venmo

  • Cash App

  • Bank (ACH)

  • Check (please complete the online form before mailing)

Need assistance?

Register Here

Tickets | Sponsorships | Host Committee Membership

(Scroll to see all ticket/sponsor/host committee options)

 
 

Event Schedule

6:00 pm | Private VIP Reception

Doors open at 5:45 pm.

This private reception in the gallery is open to sponsors, host committee members, VIP ticket holders, and special guests only. Attendees will receive two drink tickets per person.

7:15 pm | Award Show

Doors open for general admission at 6:30 pm.

Grab your beverage of choice from the cash bar, sit back, and let us entertain you!

9:00 pm (ish) | After-Party

All attendees are invited to cap off the evening at our celebratory after-party. We’ll have musical entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and plenty of merriment!

Location, Parking, Attire & Accessibility

Location

The event will take place at the Columbus College of Art & Design’s Canzani Center (60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43215).

Parking

Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the building. Click here for a map (the Canzani Center is building 1).

Attire

The overall vibe for the event will be funky, fun, colorful, and festive. Standard cocktail attire will be completely appropriate, as well as artsy and playful looks, and anything with festive flair. We encourage our guests to express their own individuality.

Accessibility

All event areas have step-free access. Please contact us if you need to reserve wheelchair seating in the auditorium.