SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES?FULL PROGRAM FOR 2026

The Sydney Comedy Festival is thrilled to announce the full 2026 line-up, including brand-new events, incredible Australian exclusives and more than 400 shows in its biggest program ever, on from 13th April to 17th May. 

Everyone’s favourite, family-friendly outdoor comedy showcase, the Great Laugh in the Park, returns to Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park on Sunday 19h April, following a sell-out first outing last year. We’re thrilled to welcome back host and Australian comedy legend, ABC Kid’s Giggle and Hoot’s Jimmy Rees OAM who leads a ferociously funny line-up for all ages, including your favourite Heeler sisters, Bluey and Bingo, in the Bluey Live Interactive Experience Bring mum, dad and the kids for a jam-packed day of laughs, fun and incredible performances under the Sydney Sky, running from midday to 8:30pm. Tickets $10. More acts to be announced soon! 

For the big kids at heart, Comedy Gala on the Green returns to Tumbalong the following day on Saturday 18th April, with a hilarious selection of comedy’s greatest global superstars including Tiffany Haddish. The event will be hosted by the one and only Guy Montgomery, and we cannot wait to share this hilarious event with you. 

In two Australian exclusives, global superstar Tiffany Haddish brings her fearless stand-up to the State Theatre on 25th April and the Enmore Theatre on the public holiday eve 26th April, and star, creator and writer of Netflix’s global phenomenon Baby Reindeer Richard Gadd joins us for a special live, onstage conversation at the Sydney Opera House, for one-night-only on 11th May.  

Also, for the first time ever, join the Sydney Comedy Festival Comedy Cruise as it undertakes its maiden voyage on an ocean of laughs. Board the HMS Comedy at Darling Harbour and grab a drink at our shipboard bar, before settling down to see the Festival’s funniest comedians all in one place, all while taking in the iconic sights of the Sydney Harbour.  

Another Festival fave, the Sydney Comedy Festival Comedy Crawl, returns bigger and better than ever in 2026 with not one but SIX crawls across Sydney hotspots – from beachside rooftops in Manly, historic pubs in The Rocks, craft breweries in Rozelle to iconic queer clubs in Oxford St. All sessions sold out in 2025, so get in quick!

This adds to the colossal list of big names appearing in the Festival, including Daniel Sloss, Joanne McNally, Reuben Kaye, Celia Pacquola, and the hilarious whodunnit play, CLUEDO at the Theatre Royal from 11th to 26th April.  

“With almost 400 shows over five massive weeks of comedy, we are please to welcome you to the biggest Sydney Comedy festival program ever. Get ready to laugh, Sydney, we have many surprises in store for you!” said Sydney Comedy Festival General Manager, James Declase.  

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “The Sydney Comedy Festival is celebrating its 21st birthday this year and is bringing big laughs to the party. It’s their biggest program yet with global comedy superstars, Australian legends and the best emerging standups, all showcasing why Sydney is the nation’s premier destination for world-class cultural experiences and hilariously fun times. With more than 850 performances across Sydney, this year’s festival will energise the city’s venues and entertainment precincts like never before.” 

The Sydney Comedy Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. 

Tickets are on sale now via www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au