SketchFest Seattle bills itself as "the world’s original sketch comedy festival [which] has established a reputation for presenting the best and most original comedy from around the globe." What that means for you in 2013: ten days of high-quality original sketch comedy from all over the U.S., including groups from NYC, LA, Chicago, Portland, Spokane, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Also: a ton of great local talent, including Charles, Broad Comedy, One Man Wolfpack, Jason & Spike, and more. SketchFest Seattle runs through September 28 at venues on Capitol Hill and in Belltown. For full info, go here.

Of special filmy interest: The SketchFest Comedy Film Challenge, going down this Saturday night at Central Cinema, where a bunch of original comedy shorts will screen before a beer-soaked audience and a panel of judges including me, comedian Danielle Gregoire, and some jerk called Nancy Guppy.* Full info on the SketchFest Comedy Film Challenge here, a sample video from last year's competition—made by local faves Don't We Boys, also performing live this year—below.

*—Kidding! I love Nancy Guppy. DOES THAT MAKE ME A GAY FISH???