Comedy in the Square delivers free music and laughs in Union Square

UNION SQUARE, Manhattan -- The laughs are on the house this Thursday as award-winning standup comedians and live musicians hit the stage for a free outdoor show in Manhattan's Union Square Plaza.

Comedy nonprofit NYLaughs is partnering with The Stand Restaurant & Comedy Club and Union Square Partnership to deliver Comedy in the Square, an outdoor event expected to be packed with punchlines from 6 to 9 p.m.

Host Matt Richards and popular performers including Chris Turner, Matthew Broussard and Emma Willmann are scheduled to appear.

The event launches the organization's second annual NYLaughs Festival that will continue through Sunday.

"What we're building reflects how comedy exists in New York - across different rooms, formats, and audiences," NYLaughs' founder Suzette Simon told Deadline. "The goal is to create an experience that feels accessible, dynamic, and rooted in the neighborhood."