Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Series
- Comedy
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026
This year’s laugh fest has kicked off, with more than 2000 performers stepping up to the mic. Here, our writers take a closer look
Latest
I can just withdraw from the discourse: Why Josie Long ditched social media
The British comedian talks weather, politics and Australia’s “weird prehistoric animals” ahead of her show at this year’s Comedy Festival.
- John Bailey
It’s taken 40 years, but this comedian finally got her shot at the festival big time
Denise Scott has been doing comedy a long time. And finally, she got to host the Melbourne International Comedy Festival gala. She’s also launched the festival’s 40th year.
- Karl Quinn
‘They’re wild’: Why Tuesdays are comedy gold, and Adelaide can be a joke killer (yeah, really)
Stand-up star Lizzy Hoo can read a room before she actually walks on stage. Sometimes that can be an “uh-oh” moment.
- Cassidy Knowlton
Four decades, 40 defining moments in the life of Melbourne’s Comedy Festival
As the Melbourne International Comedy Festival turns 40, we count down 40 moments that have shaped the famous event.
- John Bailey
- Exclusive
- Domestic violence
How a ‘rush of feelings’ from a Botox jab unlocked a comedian’s domestic abuse trauma
UK radio star James Barr was beaten and belittled by his boyfriend – but because he thought he was “meant to be strong”, he struggled to acknowledge what was happening.
- Michael Lallo
Win a night away enjoying Melbourne Comedy Festival
Subscribers have the chance to win a get-away at The Westin Melbourne, a $250 voucher to dine at Robata Japanese Grill and tickets to see The Big FOUR-OH!*
Why are we paying hundreds to answer ‘what’s your job’?
The rise of the crowd-work comic: because thinking of a second joke is just too much effort.
- Luke Heggie
The shake-up coming to Melbourne’s major events calendar in 2026
Some of the country’s most beloved events are facing change next year.
- Cara Waters
Is this the world’s most infuriating comedian? He certainly hopes so
Luke McQueen lies, pours soup on his head and uses AI to take down his enemies. No wonder his audiences sometimes walk out.
- Richard Jinman