Join us for a spectacular evening of laughter, surprises, fun, and frivolity!
ABOUT THE EVENT
Awarded annually, the Thurber Prize for American Humor is one of the highest recognitions of humor writing and cartooning in the United States.
The Thurber Prize is presented each year in James Thurber’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio. During this spectacular evening of humor, attendees are entertained with a host of hilarious surprises, including appearances from the finalists/winners.
The award show culminates with the announcement of the winners of the Thurber Prize for American Humor in Writing and Cartoon Art.
Past winners and finalists include Roz Chast, Paul Noth, Alexandra Petri, S.E. Boyd, Steven Rowley, James McBride, Damon Young, Simon Rich, Patricia Lockwood, Trevor Noah, Mike Birbiglia, Dave Barry, Alan Zweibel, David Sedaris, Jon Stewart and The Daily Show, The Onion, and Ian Frazier.
Tickets for the 2026 Thurber Prize will go on sale in early 2026.
THURBER HOUSE’S SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER
The Thurber Prize celebrates humor, writing, and cartoon art on a national scale. It is also a vital fundraiser for Thurber House. For over 41 years, Thurber House has been an inclusive, empowering, and joyful place for people to come together, learn from each other, express themselves, and return that positive impact to the world—this is our mission.
2026 THURBER PRIZE SEMI-FINALISTS
The 2026 Thurber Prize for American Humor in Writing semi-finalists are:
Feh by Shalom Auslander
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Love and Hot Chicken by Mary Liza Hartong
The Spamalot Diaries by Eric Idle
The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
Tabitha, Get Up by Lee Upton
Magically Black and Other Essays by Jerald Walker
You can read more about the writing semi-finalists here. The finalists will be announced in early 2026.
Judging is still underway for the 2026 Thurber Prize for American Humor in Cartoon Art.
Tickets for the 2026 Thurber Prize will go on sale in early 2026.