Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026: our highlights

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival returns from 25 March to 19 April 2026, and this year it’s a big one — 40 years of funny. We love how this festival blends much-loved comedy names, nostalgia-driven favourites, and plenty of shows that suit a relaxed, well-planned outing.

As always, we’ll be spotlighting performances that feel right for us — our favourite comedians, familiar faces from TV and radio, and shows that make it easy to enjoy a great day or night out.

Read on for our top picks of the must-see acts and events in this year’s spectacular line-up. Please check specific venues for accessibility needs.

Related reading: 29 Best Hotels in Melbourne CBD: A Senior-Friendly Guide

When is the Melbourne Comedy Festival 2026?

Our favourite Melbourne comedy gala will run from 25 March to 19 April 2026

Special Comedy Events Worth Planning Around

Several of the Festival’s most popular special events are on sale, including:

• The Comedy Festival Gala at the Palais Theatre, proudly supporting Oxfam Australia
• The Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, marking the official start of the 40th anniversary celebrations
• The Great Debate, always a crowd favourite
• Upfront, showcasing the funniest female and non-binary comedians from Australia and beyond

These events tend to sell quickly and are often held in larger, more comfortable venues — ideal if you like to plan ahead.

Another highlight, Ageing: Results May Vary — read our article here.

Related reading: 10 Top Comedy Shows Melbourne: A Guide to Laughter in the City

Our MICF 2026 Show Highlights

1. Denise Scott – Tickety Boo

After more than a decade away from solo performance, Australian comedy favourite Denise Scott returns with her most personal show yet. Tickety Boo blends razor-sharp observational humour with reflections on resilience, positivity, and unexpected laughter—even in a cancer ward. Contains references to medical procedures and cancer. Suitable for audiences 15+.

Ticket prices $49–$74. AUSLAN performance Thu 2 Apr.
Times: Wed 25–Sat 28 Mar: 6pm; Sun 29 Mar: 4pm; Tue 31 Mar–Sat 4 Apr: 6pm; Sun 5 Apr: 4pm.
Venue: Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne.

2. Judy Horacek – Everyone on the Bus Fell Down (Not Just Me),

Beloved cartoonist and children’s illustratorJudy Horacek makes her Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut with a 50-minute slide show exploring public transport, climate concerns, feminism, social justice, and life’s ups and downs—with plenty of humour along the way. Featuring her iconic feisty pointy-nosed characters, stories from her life as a cartoonist, and nods to Where is the Green Sheep?

Ticket prices $27–$33 (Laugh Pack).
Times: Sat 28 Mar: 4.15pm; Sun 29 Mar: 3.15pm; Sat 4 Apr: 4.15pm; Sun 5 Apr: 3.15pm
Venue: The Westin – One, 205 Collins Street, Melbourne

3. Jane Austen – Improvised

Australia’s Impro Melbourne brings a unique twist to Regency charm with Jane Austen Improvised. This 60-minute performance is entirely improvised each night, inspired by Austen’s wit and romance, and shaped by audience suggestions. Expect spirited heroines, dashing suitors, meddlesome relatives, and plenty of laughter, all set in a world of tea, manners, and mischievous matchmaking.

Ticket prices $15.50–$28.50.
Times: Wed 25 Mar – Sun 29 Mar: 7.30pm; Sat 11 Apr: 3pm; Sat 11 & Sun 12 Apr: 7.30pm; Tue 14 – Fri 17 Apr: 7.30pm; Sat 18 Apr: 3pm; Sat 18 & Sun 19 Apr: 7.30pm
Venue: Impro Melbourne Theatre, 21–23 Stanley Street, West Melbourne

4. Dave O’Neil – Don’t Call Me Boomer!

Stand‑up favourite Dave O’Neil (as seen on Spicks and Specks and Fisk) returns with a brand‑new comedy show about ageing, Gen X identity, and the absurdities of getting older. Sick of being labelled a “Boomer” despite still feeling young at heart, he riffs on life at 60 — from podiatrist appointments to scoring the special seat on the bus — in a rapid‑fire set packed with sharp wit and laughs.

Ticket prices $29–$37.
Times: Mon–Sat: 6.20pm; Sun: 5.20pm (varies by date)
Venue: Spleen Bar, 41 Bourke Street, Melbourne

5. Andrea Barello – Full of Grace

International clown and performer Andrea Barello brings a quirky, irreverent spiritual experience to the stage in Full of Grace. Playing Padre Andrea, he leads an unconventional worship service full of eccentric prayers, odd confessions and comic mishaps. Equal parts absurd and thought‑provoking, this Melbourne Premiere will have you laughing at life’s contradictions while being gently nudged toward ‘repenting your sins’.

Ticket prices $23–$28 (Laugh Pack).
Times: Mon 6 Apr – Sat 11 Apr: 10.30pm; Mon 13 Apr – Sat 18 Apr: 10.30pm.
Venue: Bard’s Apothecary, 24 Crossley Street, Melbourne.

Special offer: use a promo code (SALVATION) to get discounted tickets!

6. Ethel Chop & Tina Del Twist – Together at Last

Two beloved Australian performers—Ethel Chop, a witty octogenarian with a lifetime of tales, and Tina Del Twist, a much‑loved nightingale with honey‑smooth vocals and sharp comic timing—join forces in Together at Last. This 60‑minute show blends humour, music and quirky character interplay, celebrating their contrasting styles in a delightful and hilarious pairing that’s won praise from The Age, Sunday Times and Comedy Judges at the Melbourne Fringe.

Ticket prices $28–$32 (Laugh Pack).
Times: Sat 28 Mar: 4.30pm; Sun 29 Mar: 3.30pm; Sat 4 Apr: 4.30pm; Sun 5 Apr: 3.30pm; Sat 11 Apr: 4.30pm; Sun 12 Apr: 3.30pm; Sat 18 Apr: 4.30pm; Sun 19 Apr: 3.30pm.
Venue: The Westin – Two, 205 Collins Street, Melbourne.

7. Nicky Barry – Unladylike

Stand‑up and cabaret force Nicky Barry brings Unladylike to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival — a riotous, risqué celebration of wild women and unapologetically feminist humour. Joined each night by some of the best femmes of the Fest, expect wicked comedy, scandalous stories and plenty of sass in this adults‑only banquet of laughter.

Ticket prices $15–$25 (Laugh Pack).
Times: Tue 7 Apr – Sat 11 Apr: 6.00pm; Sun 12 Apr: 5.00pm; Tue 14 Apr – Sat 18 Apr: 6.00pm; Sun 19 Apr: 5.00pm.
Venue: Ballers Clubhouse, 2 Coverlid Place, Melbourne.

8. Damian Cosgriff – But, it is a Tumour!

Stand‑up comic Damian Cosgriff turns a year from hell into a surprisingly funny and brutally honest comedy hour in But, it is a Tumour! With raw energy and sharp self‑deprecation, Damian shares the absurdities, setbacks and unexpected moments from his annus horribilis — proving that sometimes humour really is the best medicine.

Ticket prices $15–$30 (Laugh Pack).
Times: 6.15pm & 7.30pm (varies by date).
Venue: Wolfhound Function and Event Space – Back Room, Melbourne.

9. Mark Silcox – The Successful Gold Trader

Comedian Mark Silcox brings his delightfully dry, anti‑comedy style to The Successful Gold Trader, blending absurd stand‑up with a wildly unexpected storyline about finding success in gold trading after years of financial uncertainty. With deadpan delivery and offbeat observations, Silcox turns the tale of turning £500 into a profitable haul into a surreal hour of laughs — earning praise from reviewers for his unique, subtle approach to comedy.

Ticket prices $15–$30 (varies by date/ticket platform).
Times: nightly at 8.00pm (23 Mar – 19 Apr, various dates).
Venue: The Motley WhereHaus, 432 Queen Street, Melbourne.

10. Piip & Tuut at Concert

Piip and Tuut bring a rare style of visual comedy, blending acrobatics, slapstick, live music, and audience interaction. Their performance transcends language and generations, making Piip and Tuut at Concert a must-see for families, theatre lovers, and anyone seeking a truly international experience.

Tickets: $25 – $100
Times: 4 pm, 3 – 12 April 2026
Venue: ACMI – Gandel Lab – Federation Square

Melbourne Comedy Festival – Festival Roadshow

The comedy doesn’t stop in Melbourne! The MICF Festival Roadshow takes the laughs on tour, showcasing some of the festival’s top talent across the country. 

Whether you’re in the city or regional Victoria, you’ll have plenty of chances to catch world-class comedy close to home. Read the Festival Roadshow program here.

MICF Ticket Discounts and Deals

Looking for great value? There are a few of ways to save on tickets at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival:

• Seniors Card holders: A discount is offered at concession rates for most events.
• Previews & Tightarse Tuesdays (TT): Catch shows at a discount during preview performances or on TT nights.
• Group Discounts: Round up your friends and save when booking as a group.
• Laugh Pack: Planning to see multiple shows? Buy full-price tickets for three or more eligible performances and get 10% off! (Excludes Previews, TT, and Saturdays).
• Last Minute Deals: If you’re happy to book on the fly, keep an eye on the Melbourne Comedy Festival Facebook page for same-day ticket deals, especially midweek!

Check the festival website for full details and snag a bargain!

Side note: We love that the Melbourne International Comedy Festival supports Oxfam in tackling poverty, equality, and climate action. Want to help? You can add a donation at checkout!

Handy Planning Tips

Here’s a simple feature that makes Festival planning much easier. On the Comedy gala website, you can create a free account using just your name, email address and a password. Once logged in, you can browse the full program — often 400+ shows — and save any that catch your eye.

Later, head straight to the Favourites tab to see only the shows you’ve shortlisted, making it far easier to compare dates, venues and times without having to start from scratch.

MICF Accessibility

Another thing we really appreciate about the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is how clear and practical the accessibility information is on their website.

With shows spread across large theatres and smaller venues, the Festival website provides detailed, venue-specific access notes for each show — including things like the number of steps at the entrance, wheelchair access, seating details and accessible bathrooms.

It makes planning ahead much easier and gives you confidence to choose a venue that suits your needs, rather than leaving it to chance on the night.

Travellers Aid is teaming up with the Comedy Festival to provide support for people with mobility impairments who are travelling to and from Melbourne Town Hall for the following shows;

• The 36th Annual Great Debate – Sun 5 April 2026
• Upfront – Mon 6 April 2026
• RAW Comedy National Grand Final – Sun 12 April 2026

Traveller’s Aid supports festival goers using power-assisted wheelchairs to and from Flinders Street Station, Town Hall Station, nearby tram stops, and tram stop 6 on Collins St. Look for volunteers or call 0498 023 959 for assistance. Service is available 1 hour before and after each show.

*Note: Access assistance is available. Clarification of humour is not. Comedic comprehension remains the user’s responsibility.

Easy Options for a Day or Night Out

As more shows are announced, we’ll continue updating this guide with recommended picks, venue tips, and practical advice to help you plan an outing that feels enjoyable, accessible and stress-free.

The Festival will once again take over theatres, comedy clubs and outdoor spaces across Melbourne, including an expanded free program at Federation Square. There’s also a strong Easter school holiday program, making it easy to combine comedy with family visits if grandchildren are in town.

Explore what’s on at comedyfestival.com.au — and check back here as we add more highlights from the 2026 program.

I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.

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