The 39th Melbourne International Comedy Festival kicks off this week, showcasing 690 shows across 182 stages in the city.
This year’s festival features more than 1,000 performers from around Australia and overseas, with over 130 international artists joining the lineup. The four-week comedy extravaganza will transform Melbourne into a laughing stock (in the best possible way) from 26 March to 20 April.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Where: 133 venues throughout Melbourne
- When: 26 March – 20 April 2025
- Cost: Tickets start from $10, with an average price of $35
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Comedy fans can catch performances by international heavyweights including Ahir Shah, Rosie Jones, Iliza, Julio Torres and Ruby Wax, alongside homegrown favourites such as Dave Hughes, Nazeem Hussain, Luke McGregor and Zoë Coombs Marr.
The festival is designed to be accessible for audiences of all ages and budgets. Discounted preview prices are available during the opening week, with Tightarse Tuesday specials running throughout the festival period. Comedy lovers looking to catch multiple shows can save with 3+ show “laugh pack” discounts.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Director Susan Provan AO said, “The world’s biggest comedy festival is here and we couldn’t be happier. We’re ready for surprises, brilliant takes on serious issues and serious silly-ness for all who need it. Hundreds of venue staff are swinging into action to support all our Australian and visiting faves and Melbourne’s bars and cafes are ready to make sure everyone is fed and watered. It’s the best time of year in our beloved city. Melbourne does fun like no other.”
The festival caters to families as well, with a dedicated kids program featuring Comedy Club for Kids, Aboriginal Allstars for Kids, The Listies, Circus Oz and Mr Snotbottom. On Friday 18 April, Fed Square will host The (Very) Big Laugh Out, a free family-friendly event from 1.30-5pm featuring stand-up, physical and musical comedy performers.
Comedy fans can also witness the future stars of Australian comedy at the RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny and Class Clowns National Grand Finals, as part of the festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
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