Brian Copeland’s Comedy in the Plaza returns July 18 with free show, school supply drive

Brian Copeland Presents Comedy in the Plaza returns July 18 for its fifth year, moving to San Leandro Tech Campus with a free comedy lineup and a fundraising push for local children. The event will help provide 100 backpacks and 100 pairs of school shoes through Davis Street Family Resource Center.

Why it matters: - Comedy in the Plaza has become a San Leandro summer staple, drawing 500 to 700 attendees a year since Copeland launched it in 2019. - This year’s event pairs entertainment with a back-to-school effort for local children in need. - Sponsorship money will help cover event production and fund 100 backpacks and 100 pairs of school shoes through Davis Street Family Resource Center.

What happened: - Brian Copeland Presents Comedy in the Plaza returns Saturday, July 18, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - The free show will take place at the San Leandro Tech Campus, 1600 Alvarado Street, San Leandro. - The 2026 event marks the fifth year for the comedy series. - Copeland, a Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame inductee and Official San Francisco Legend of Comedy, will host and emcee the event. - Copeland is returning to the stage weeks after emergency open-heart surgery in June.

The details: - The lineup includes Greg Proops, Laurie Kilmartin, Tom Rhodes, Monique Marvez and Chris Riggins. - Proops is known for Whose Line Is It Anyway? - Kilmartin has appeared on Netflix and Hulu and has been a longtime writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. - Rhodes has credits with Comedy Central and MTV. - Marvez’s Dry Bar Comedy special was ranked No. 1 in 2024 and has topped 70 million views; she has also appeared on HBO, Showtime and Comedy Central. - Riggins won the San Francisco Comedy Competition and has toured nationally, including with Dave Chappelle. - The stage will sit in front of the Truth is Beauty sculpture at the new San Leandro Tech Campus location. - The event is dedicated to former San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy, who supported the event’s growth and was known for backing the arts and civic engagement. - Sponsorships are coming from Fremont Bank, Sons of Liberty Alehouse, Slice House by Tony Gemignani, Westlake Realty Group and The Wild Olive Napa Valley, with more sponsors to be announced. - Seating is first come, first served. - Guests are encouraged to bring low-back lawn chairs or blankets. - The event is recommended for ages 14 and up. - Sponsorship contributions are 100% tax deductible through Davis Street. - More information is available through Davis Street’s social channels, Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The move to San Leandro Tech Campus gives the event a new public setting tied to one of the Bay Area’s best-known sculptures. - Copeland’s return after surgery adds a personal layer to an event that already centers on community and civic identity. - The partnership with Davis Street expands the event from a one-night show into a direct support effort for families heading into the school year.

What's next: - Organizers say additional sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks. - The event will go ahead as a free public show on July 18. - Sponsorship inquiries, media requests and other questions go to Brian Copeland at Carolena Productions LLC or April Arce at Davis Street Community Center.