About

Originating in 2005 from humble beginnings, the Sydney Comedy Festival has grown into Sydney’s largest annual comedy event and one of Australia’s leading celebrations of live comedy.

For five huge weeks every April and May, hundreds of comedians from Australia and around the world take over theatres, comedy clubs, pubs and performance spaces across Sydney, bringing the city to life with stand-up, sketch, satire, improv, musical comedy, clowning, theatre, magic and family entertainment.

In 2026, the Festival celebrated its 21st year with its biggest program ever, presenting 411 shows and close to 1,000 performances across Sydney, alongside packed venues and sold-out outdoor comedy events that brought thousands of people together through laughter.

From global superstars making exclusive Australian appearances to the country’s most exciting emerging comedians stepping onto Festival stages for the very first time, Sydney Comedy Festival exists to champion the full spectrum of comedy and the artists who create it.

The Festival begins each year with its iconic Gala celebrations — extravagant nights showcasing a huge variety of comedians in one unforgettable show — while the broader program offers something for every kind of comedy fan, whether you’re discovering your next favourite comedian or seeing an international legend live.

Beyond presenting hundreds of shows each year, Sydney Comedy Festival plays an active role in supporting Australian comedy. Through FRESH, we champion new voices; through the Sydney Comedy Festival Awards, we celebrate the standout performances of each Festival; and through our national Showcase Tour, we take some of the Festival’s best comedy to audiences across the country.