Packed with international superstars, award-winning favourites and local legends, 2024’s Aussie Comedy Festivals promise a bumper year of comedy royalty. From the iconic Melbourne International Comedy Festival to laugh-fests at the Brisbane, Perth, Canberra and Sydney Comedy Festivals – get ready for a list of comedy highlights that will make your month.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
27 Mar – 21 Apr
Kicking off the comedy festival season is the renowned Melbourne International Comedy Festival, a month-long celebration of comedy genius that has now become a global sensation. In fact, it’s now one of the three biggest comedy festivals in the world, drawing in comedians from around the country and across the globe.
What to see:
This year’s lineup promises a host of local favourites including Tom Gleeson, Celia Pacquola, Anne Edmonds, Tommy Little and Wil Anderson. For an unforgettable night, the ‘Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow’ kicks off the festival with a bang. Of course, ‘The Great Annual Debate’ will also be back with a vengeance.
Where to stay
You’ll find a range of places to stay in and around Melbourne to suit all tastes and budgets, from boutique hotels and heritage-style apartments to family friendly hotels.
Sydney Comedy Festival
22 Apr – 19 May
Sydney takes centre stage as the next stop on the comedy circuit, with a month-long showcase of comedic brilliance. The biggest annual comedy event in Sydney, the festival lineup caters to all tastes, from stand up and sketch comedy to improv, absurdist and comedy for the kids – , the festival hits the road for a national Showcase Tour from May to December.
What to see:
Alongside champions such as Luke Heggie, Swamplesque, Tom Cashman and Nina Oyama, you’ll find the ‘Best of the Fest’ – a one-hour showcase, bringing you a surprise line-up of the biggest local stars each night. It’s on five nights a week across the Festival at the Factory Theatre Festival Hub.
Where to stay
Make the most of your stay with comfortable accommodation options across Sydney, from boutique and historic hotels to apartments and hotels with home comforts.
Brisbane Comedy Festival
26 Apr – 26 May
Heading north, the Brisbane Comedy Festival returns in April, promising a four-week laughter fest that showcases both established and emerging comedic talents. From stand-up to improv, more than 100 acts will be bringing the laughs across four venues, making Brisbane the comedic capital of the Sunshine State.
What to see:
Don’t miss the return of Brisbane Comedy Festival’s Opening Gala, as well as Australian favourite Josh Thomas – touring for the first time since 2013 with a brand new show. You’ll also be able to catch names such as Nazeem Hussain, Joel Creasey, Rhys Nicholson, Reuben Kaye and Luke Heggie.
Where to stay
Find plenty of quality accommodation options with the best of Brisbane on your doorstep, with the city’s attractions and Comedy Festival events all within easy reach.
Perth Comedy Festival
22 Apr – 19 May
After a side-splitting month on the east coast, the comedy baton is passed to the west with the Perth Comedy Festival. Featuring a dazzling lineup of international stars and homegrown legends, Perth is set to be a hub of hilarity during this three-week extravaganza
What to see:
After sold out runs across Australia, the award-winning and critically-acclaimed burlesque parody show ‘Swamplesque’ is touring Australia in 2024. Catch the raucous fairytale adventure that’s taken Australia by storm at the Regal Theatre for the Perth Comedy Festival.
Where to stay
Get into the comedy festival spirit spirit with one of the many outstanding accommodation options close to the action in Perth.
Canberra Comedy Festival
13 Mar – 24 Mar
Canberra Comedy Festival is returning with a bang in 2024. With a jam-packed lineup that caters to all comedic tastes, this festival provides a perfect blend of celebrated local and international talent – and plenty of dry wit.
Highlights:
Canberra Comedy Festival kicks off the season with the two-hour Opening Night Gala showcasing some of the very best acts from the festival line-up. This year also sees names such as Wil Anderson, Jimeoin, Geraldine Hickey, Akmal and Melanie Bracewell burst into the spotlight
Where to stay
The Quality Hotel Dickson offers modern, well-appointed accommodation in the heart of Canberra, providing the perfect base to catch the best comedy festival dates.
