No matter how old you are, everyone loves to laugh.
And Australia has no shortage of festivals designed for just that. From stand-up to sketches, there’s something for everyone in this list of the best comedy festivals in Australia.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Melbourne Comedy Festival is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, boasting an all-star line up of stand-up acts, theatre, films, and more. It aims to showcase the amazing talent of comedians from all around the country, celebrating all things funny over three and a half weeks of amazing acts. With an attendance of over 700,000 people each year, tickets always sell out fast. For comedy lovers, there’s really nothing better.
Sydney Comedy Festival
As the city’s biggest annual comedy event, Sydney Comedy Festival has its fair share of laughs. It all begins with an extravagant gala, before visitors are wowed by the best sketch, satire, and slapstick performances of the year. The festival also offers the FRESH program, which provides financial assistance, marketing support, and professional guidance to emerging talent, hoping to develop the next generation of incredible performers.
Adelaide Fringe Festival © Meaghan Coles
Adelaide Fringe
Adelaide Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. While not strictly for comedy, the event is packed full of laugh-out-loud acts. Plus, with an open stage, anyone can perform and test out their skills in front of a live audience. It’s the perfect place for comedians to get their start, and fine tune their acts for the future. Adelaide Fringe showcases 6000 artists in 300 venues across South Australia every year. It’s a celebration of art, music, and culture.
A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas
Ahead of next year’s annual festival, the Canberra comedy festival is hosting a Christmas spectacular. The two-hour comedy gala will be filled with superstar performers and Christmas cheer, bringing the holiday spirit alive. It’s not suitable for children under 15, ensuring it will be a show to remember. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, this is the festival for you.
Over the Fence
Over the Fence is Australia’s longest running comedy film festival. Each year, it tours across the country, celebrating new and independent filmmakers with their lineup of hilarious films. The festival aims to bring joy and humour to their audience, and highlight a whole new way of approaching comedy through different filmmaking styles and techniques. With its experimental form and unique lineup, Over the Fence is one of the most creative festivals on the list.
Sunshine Coast Comedy Festival
Held in beautiful Queensland, the Sunshine Coast Comedy Festival features some of the top names in comedy. It all kicks off with an opening night gala, including the festival’s most exciting acts and performers. Plus, the festival also holds the Laughable Comedy Competition, where participants can register to compete against other up and comers for the crown. The winner will receive a cash prize, and the chance to come back to the festival next year and perform in the headline spot for the Laughable Comeback Show.
To learn about other performances around the country, click here.
