If it seems a little funny around here lately, that’s because the annual N.C. Comedy Arts Festival is back in town. Running today through Feb. 17, the festival will play host to three weeks of stand-up, sketch and improv comedy. Headliners include Chicago’s Second City sketch company and standup comedy legend Steven Wright.

Zach Ward, owner of DSI Comedy Theater in Carrboro and artistic director of Improv Boston, said this year’s fest will bring more than 100 performers for shows across several venues in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Durham. “When I took the job in Boston, I made it a condition that I get to come back home for a month every February to do this thing,” Ward said.

The festival’s Standup Week kicks off tonight with a showcase at Durham’s Motorco nightclub. Among the 13 comics getting on the mic are local favorites Tom Keller, C.J. Wells, Shane Smith and Michelle Maclay. Performances continue Thursday through Sunday at DSI Comedy Theater in Carrboro and Local 506 in Chapel Hill. Los Angeles comic April Richardson, a regular on the late-night show “Chelsea Lately,” will headline shows Friday and Saturday.

DSI Comedy Theater will also host two live podcast shows on Saturday – “Comics Coming Up” and the locally-produced "Small Town Funny.” The tapings begin at 3 pm on Saturday and are free and open to the public.

Standup headliner Wright – actor, writer, 30-year comedy veteran and Oscar winner – will come to the party a little late. Wright will perform at Durham’s Carolina Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 10. Tickets, as they say, are going fast. For a full schedule and more details on the North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, visit the website at nccomedyarts.com.

When: Tonight through Feb. 17

Where: Multiple venues

Tickets: Various

Info: nccomedyarts.com or 919-338-8150

Correspondent Glenn McDonald