The 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival announces lineup of one-night-only showcases
The 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival is pulling out all the stops for this milestone year, with a stack of one-night-only showcases that’ll have you scrambling for tickets. From the opening night spectacular to the closing Moosehead Benefit, these events bring together the cream of the comedy crop in venues across Melbourne.
Kicking things off is The Gala on 18 March at the Palais Theatre, proudly supporting Oxfam Australia. This comedy night of nights brings together local legends and international icons for a massive evening of laughs in support of a great cause. A few days later, the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow hits the same stage on 25 March, promising a legendary lineup to officially kick off the festival season.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026
- The Gala – 18 March, 7.30pm, Palais Theatre
- Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow – 25 March, 7.30pm, Palais Theatre
- The 36th Annual Great Debate – 5 April, 3pm, Melbourne Town Hall
- Upfront – 6 April, 5pm, Melbourne Town Hall
- Moosehead Benefit 2026 – 19 April, 7.30pm, Melbourne Town Hall
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Then things really heat up in April. The 36th Annual Great Debate returns on 5 April at Melbourne Town Hall, pitting two teams of over-confident, unqualified comedians against each other in the comedy throwdown of the year. Expect dubious facts, baseless allegations and whip-smart humour as six comedy superstars and one fearless moderator battle it out for the entertainment of the crowd.
The following day brings Upfront, a showcase of the funniest female and non-binary comedians from Australia and around the world. This massive lineup features all-time favourites, emerging talent, local legends and special guest superstars, with everything from big and bold to real and relatable packed into one unforgettable evening.
Closing out the festival on 19 April is the Moosehead Benefit 2026, which has featured the absolute must-see artists of every Melbourne International Comedy Festival for more than 35 years. Curated by those in the know, this lineup is always jam-packed with superstar headliners alongside the best comedy discoveries you need to know about. All shows are suitable for audiences 15 and over, with occasional coarse language.
For more information, head here.
