Comedy Night Aims to Revive Bocce Court in Omaha’s Little Italy

May 20th, 2025

For the first time, Omaha’s historic Little Italy neighborhood will host a comedy event — and the laughs come with a purpose.

“Big Laughs in Little Italy,” set for Friday, May 30, will bring together local stand-up talent, Italian food and wine, and a grassroots effort to restore a once-popular neighborhood bocce court that has sat unused for three years.

Organizers Todd Graves and Addy Herman say the event is both a celebration of culture and a step toward reviving a gathering space that once brought generations together.

Graves, who grew up in Little Italy, recently moved back and is eager to help preserve the area’s traditions. Herman, who relocated to Omaha three years ago to pursue a comedy career, said the city’s welcoming spirit and supportive audiences inspired him to get involved.

“There’s so much history here, and it’s still alive,” Graves said. “We just want to bring people together again — and have some fun doing it.”

The evening starts at 6 p.m. with a spaghetti and meatball dinner at the Sons of Italy hall. Guests will then walk down the block to Santa Lucia Hall, where the comedy show begins at 8 p.m. Wine and fresh cannoli will be served to close the night.

The lineup includes several local comedians, each performing original material. All proceeds will support the restoration of the bocce court.

Herman said he hopes the inaugural event becomes a new tradition in the neighborhood. “It’s about laughter, food, and community,” he said. “We want people to leave with full stomachs and big smiles — and to come back next year.”