MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL OPENS THIS WEEK WITH A PACKED 40TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM

Melbourne is set for four weeks of laughter as the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival officially opens this week, marking the 40th anniversary of the world’s biggest celebration of comedy.

Running from Wednesday 25 March to Sunday 19 April, this year’s Festival will see almost 800 shows performed in over 130 venues across Melbourne’s CBD and suburbs, delivering more than 9,000 performances from some of the most exciting comedic voices from Australia and around the globe.

From stand-up and sketch to cabaret, circus, improv, plays and more, the Festival’s month-long program brings together over 2,000 world-class performers offering something for everyone – from first-time comedy fans to seasoned festival-goers.

With an average ticket price of $35, the Festival continues to offer an accessible night out for audiences. Comedy lovers can benefit from discounted preview performances during opening week, AirAsia Tightarse Tuesday deals throughout the Festival, and 3+ show Laugh Pack discounts, making it easier to experience multiple shows at a reduced price.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Director Susan Provan AO said, “For forty years the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has brought the city to life through laughter, creativity and a shared sense of fun. From humble beginnings in 1987 to becoming the biggest dedicated comedy festival in the world, it’s extraordinary to celebrate this milestone alongside the thousands of performers, venues and audiences who make it so special. This year, we’re thrilled to look back on four incredible decades with special 40th anniversary shows such as The Big FOUR-OH! and How It Started, while showcasing an outstanding line-up of Australian household names, international stars and the next generation of comedy voices across stages throughout the city.”

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said, “Forty years of gags, laughter and fun! We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the Melbourne International Comedy Festival return for another season of belly laughs. From the Festival Hub at Melbourne Town Hall to the many clubs, pubs, bars and theatres around town, MICF Festival is a fantastic way to explore Melbourne and support local businesses.”

FESTIVAL SNAPSHOT

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of laughter-filled events featuring a diverse and dynamic mix of international superstars, beloved Australian comedians and exciting emerging talent.

The Festival continues to bring world-class international comedians to Australian stages with this year’s line-up hailing from Denmark, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, the UK and the USA, including Abby Wambaugh (Denmark/USA), Chloe Petts (UK), David O’Doherty (Ireland), Ed Night (UK), Emmanuel Sonubi (UK), Ian Smith (UK), Josie Long (UK), Lara Ricote (Mexico/USA), Luke McQueen (UK), Mark Watson (UK), Mike Rice (Ireland), Phil Wang (Malaysia/UK), Prashasti Singh (India), Rich Hall (USA), Sam Jay (USA), Sam Nicoresti (UK), Sarah Keyworth (UK) and Zainab Johnson (USA), plus newcomers Christopher MacArthur-Boyd (UK), Sharon Wanjohi (UK) and Thor Stenhaug (Norway) who will perform in New Order. Other visiting international artists include Daniel Sloss (Scotland), Demi Adejuyigbe (USA), Douglas Lim (Malaysia), Gearóid Farrelly (Ireland), Helen Bauer (UK), Jason Leong (Malaysia), Joanne McNally (Ireland), Joe Ken-Walters (UK), Melanie Bracewell (NZ), Olga Koch (UK/Russia), Ray O’Leary (NZ), Schalk Bezuidenhout (South Africa), Urzila Carlson (NZ/Sth Africa) and more.

Australian favourites include Ali McGregor, Anisa Nandaula, Bronwyn Kuss, Denise Scott, Danielle Walker, Cassie Workman, Celia Pacquola, Claire Hooper, David Quirk, Geraldine Hickey, Gillian Cosgriff, Josh Thomas, Hannah Gadsby, Ivan Aristeguieta, Kevin Kropinyeri, Kitty Flanagan, Kirsty Webeck, Lano & Woodley, Lizzy Hoo, Matt Okine, Nat Harris, Sam Campbell, Sammy J, Sashi Perera, Scout Boxall, Steph Tisdell, Tom Gleeson, The Umbilical Brothers and Wil Anderson.

Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to see rising stars of the Australian comedy scene including Peter Josip, Bahaa Dabbagh, Stella Wu, Jack Knight, Kushi Venkatesh in The Comedy Zone; Annie Boyle, Ben Hunter, Blake Pavey, Chris Damos, Elouise Eftos, Gabbi Bolt, Kate Dolan, Leon Filewood, Lena Moon, Nathan Chin, Rachael Hornbuckle, Noah Szto, Tarsh Jago, Will Gibb, Tilly Oddy-Black and many more.

For those wanting to see a mix of top-rate comedians in one neat go, hugely popular line-up shows will be returning including Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, Asian Allstars Gala, the 36th Annual Great Debate, Upfront, the Moosehead Benefit and more.

Keeping the laughs going into the late hours, the late-night Festival Club is back as the Festival’s home for after-dark comedy. Running from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the Festival, the Festival Club features massive rotating line-ups of stand-up, variety, storytelling, clowning, character and musical comedy from across the program. With 21 unique shows, every night promises a fresh mix of performers, surprises and high-energy late-night entertainment.

EASTER LONG WEEKEND

The Easter long weekend will once again feature some of the Festival’s biggest special events, including The Great Debate, Upfront and the Asian Allstars Gala, bringing together standout performers for unique, one-off shows.

40TH CELEBRATIONS

To mark the 40th anniversary, the festival program includes special shows such as The BIG FOUR-OH!, a one-night-only extravaganza at the Regent Theatre hosted by Nath Valvo and Geraldine Hickey, featuring more than 20 comedians and giving comedy fans a chance to celebrate the last 40 years and the bright future of Melbourne’s favourite festival.

There will also be four pop-up shows over one night only as part of the special How It Started series. Already fully sold out, they will be staged at some of the Festival’s most intimate and long-serving performance spaces, sending some of the biggest names in comedy back to where it all began.

FAMILY & SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Families can join the fun across the school holidays with the Festival’s packed kids and family program. The much-loved The (Very) Big Laugh Out returns to transform Melbourne into an outdoor playground of comedy for all ages. This year it expands beyond Fed Square to include the newly reopened City Square, offering even more space for free performances and family-friendly entertainment.

Families will enjoy world-class street performers alongside stand-up, physical and musical comedy, with appearances from Oliver Coleman, Claire Hooper, Dane Simpson, Otto & Astrid, Piip & Tuut (Estonia), Dandyman, Geraldine Quinn, The Burton Brothers and more.

The free program launches over the Easter long weekend with two showcase events on Good Friday 3 April and Saturday 4 April on the Fed Square Main Stage. Free performances then continue in City Square every Friday and Saturday from 10 to 18 April during the school holidays.

RISING STARS

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival continues its commitment to supporting emerging talent across Australia through its acclaimed development programs including RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny and Class Clowns, spotlighting the next generation of exciting Australian comedy stars.

Following the Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow will tour nationally, bringing a curated line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces from Australia and beyond to more than 80 locations across the country.

For more information about the Melbourne International Comedy Festival visit comedyfestival.com.au