Comedian and actor Bill Bellamy is set to be honored with the Icon Award at the 2026 What’s Funny Comedy Festival in Chicago. Recognizing his decades-long legacy across stand-up, television, and film, the award highlights Bellamy’s lasting impact on comedy culture.

Bellamy will officially receive the Icon Award on September 21 during the festival’s inaugural What’s Funny Today Show Chicago Comedy Legends ceremony at Bellagio 223. The event will also honor 15 Chicago comedians whose work helped define the city’s comedy history, culminating in a live podcast taping of the What’s Funny Today Show featuring Bellamy and special guests.

Co-founded by actor-comedian Lil Rel Howery and Knowledge Beckom, the What’s Funny Comedy Festival was created to spotlight Black and Brown comedians while establishing Chicago as a premier hub for comedy discovery.

Running from September 19–26, the festival’s third edition features more than 50 comedians performing across 20 cities in venues throughout Chicago, including the Comedy Bar, Laugh Factory, ETA Theater, and Wax Vinyl Bar.

Beyond Bellamy’s recognition, key highlights of the festival include Lil Rel Howery recording his next live stand-up special on September 20, serving as a follow-up to his previous special, Rel Talk, which was filmed during the event’s inaugural run.

Howery will also lead an intimate industry masterclass, sharing valuable insights from his multifaceted career across stand-up, television, and film. Meanwhile, comedy showcases will feature headliners such as Cousin Tiera, Correy Bell, Eva Evans, Rich Thomas, and Chris ‘CP’ Powell, alongside the reveal of a commemorative artwork celebrating Chicago’s rich comedy heritage.

What’s Funny Comedy Festival begins September 19 in Chicago.