CringeFest 2026 To Bring Night Of Live Storytelling To Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — ProjectWriteNow (PWN) is set to present the 8th annual CringeFest this spring, bringing a night of live storytelling to Red Bank.

On Friday, April 17, PWN’s signature storytelling fundraiser will take place at The Vogel at the Count Basie Center for the Arts.

What began in 2018 as a small café event featuring adults reading their middle school diaries has since grown into a beloved live stage experience — celebrating vulnerability, humor, and connection through true stories that are both hilarious and heartfelt.

“Comedy is more than entertainment—it’s relief, release, and a way to build understanding,” said Jennifer Chauhan, Executive Director of Project Write Now. “CringeFest brings people together through laughter and storytelling while supporting programs that make a meaningful impact across our local community.”

This year’s CringeFest highlights voices from Red Bank, featuring performers who represent and contribute to the local community. Performers include:

• Gary Simons (Comedian and Writer, Co-Producer on Mike Birbiglia's “The Good Life” on Netflix)
• Fatima Carranza (Community Engagement Coordinator, Borough of Red Bank)
• Dennis Chambers (Associate Artistic Director, Two River Theater)
• Catherine Ferguson & Christy Sunquist (Generation Women NJ)
• Jeremy Grunin (Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Count Basie Center for the Arts)
• Shani Love (Program Manager, Lunch Break)

“After performing in the very first CringeFest at a small cafe in Red Bank, I saw the impact that an event like this can make — for the performers, the audience, and the organization,” said Kelly Cullen, CringeFest Chair and Master of Ceremonies.

“The stories are hilarious, yet relatable, and each year our generous donors say it’s an event they don’t want to miss.”

All proceeds of the event support Project Write Now’s community outreach programs, delivering expressive writing programs and storytelling opportunities to local schools, including Red Bank Middle School and Red Bank Regional High School, and partner organizations, such as Lunch Break and Shore House.

Since 2014, PWN has reached more than 14,000 youth and adults across Monmouth County and beyond.

Tickets for the event are $95 and include the live show, along with access to a pre- and post-show Cast Party featuring light bites. Doors open at 6 p.m. with showtime set for 7 p.m.

Sponsorship packages for CringeFest are also available and include various levels of benefits, including tickets.

For more information on sponsoring CringeFest, you can contact Project Write Now at info@projectwritenow.org.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster via pwnwriters.org or directly at the Count Basie for the Arts box office.

To learn more, you can visit the CringeFest 2026 event page here.

CringeFest will take place at The Vogel at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, located at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank.