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Some of the biggest names in entertainment are set to headline the 44th edition of Just For Laughs Montréal—the world’s largest comedy festival.
Taking place across multiple venues throughout the city, Just For Laughs has long reshaped the global comedy landscape, helping launch the careers of hundreds of today’s biggest stars from Jimmy Fallon to Amy Schumer.
Read: 16 must-attend events in Montréal this spring 2026
Just For Laughs 2026 will feature world-renown stand-up, podcast tapings, live music-style comedy events, and returning signature showcases. Additional programming—including ComedyPRO, free outdoor shows, and award announcements—will be revealed in the weeks leading up to the event.
When is the Just For Laughs Montréal Festival?
Just For Laughs has announced the first wave of programming for its 2026 Festival in Montréal, running July 15–26, featuring major comedy headliners, returning shows and Gala hosts.
Tickets can be purchased and the complete Just For Laughs Montréal schedule found at HAHAHA.com
Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld returns to Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts, while “Weird Al” Yankovic will deliver a free outdoor performance at Place des Festivals as part of his “Bigger & Weirder” tour.
What else is happening in Downtown Montreal during the Just For Laughs Montréal Festival?
Located in the Montreal Eaton Centre, Time Out Market Montréal is 40,000 square feet of great food and fun under one roof. A culinary and cultural destination smack dab in the heart of Downtown, the gigantic space below a massive skylight is where you’ll find some of the best restaurants and chefs under one roof. There’s always something for everyone—from killer tacos and Cantonese barbecue to some of the coolest free events around.
Kick off your evening at one of the Market's 7 bars, including Montreal’s first dedicated mocktail bar and exclusive zero-proof menu.
Which comedians will perform at the Just For Laughs Montréal Festival?
Just For Laughs has revealed its first wave of programming for the 2026 Montréal Festival, running July 15–26, featuring major headliners, Gala hosts, returning club series, and live podcast shows across the city.
The lineup spans some of the biggest names in comedy, including:
GALA HOSTS
Mike Birbiglia
July 24, 6:30PM | Théâtre Maisonneuve
Emmy-nominated comedian, filmmaker and storyteller known for acclaimed solo shows (Sleepwalk With Me, The New One) and Netflix specials blending narrative and comedy. Also a director, actor (Trainwreck, The Fault in Our Stars) and podcast host of Working It Out.
Atsuko Okatsuka
July 24, 9:30PM | Théâtre Maisonneuve
Award-winning comedian behind viral HBO/Hulu special Father and the sold-out Big Bowl Tour, known for high-energy, globally viral stand-up.
Gerry Dee
July 25, 6:30PM | Théâtre Maisonneuve
Host of Family Feud Canada, star of Mr. D and Animal Control, and award-winning stand-up comic known for observational humour and TV success.
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
July 25, 9:30PM | Théâtre Maisonneuve
One of the world’s highest-grossing comedians with 2B+ YouTube views, Netflix specials, and global arena tours.
SOLO SHOWS & HEADLINERS
Jerry Seinfeld Live
July 23, 6:30PM | Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Comedy icon behind Seinfeld, Emmy-winning Netflix specials, films (Bee Movie, Unfrosted), and bestselling books.
“Weird Al” Yankovic – Bigger & Weirder Tour
July 25, 9PM | Place des Festivals
Grammy-winning parody legend with global hits (Eat It, Amish Paradise) and the Emmy-winning biopic WEIRD.
LIVE PODCASTS & COMEDY EVENTS
Smosh Reads Reddit Stories LIVE!
July 22–23 | Place des Arts / L’Olympia
Viral Reddit storytelling show hosted by Smosh’s Shayne Topp.
Nurse John
July 24, 7PM | Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Viral nurse-comedian known for relatable “work bestie” humour and global sold-out tours.
Jordan Jensen
July 22, 7PM | L’Olympia
Netflix stand-up star known for raw, fearless storytelling and rapid digital growth.
Sibling Rivalry Live
July 22, 9:30PM | L’Olympia
Podcast duo Monét X Change and Bob The Drag Queen bring chaotic, high-energy comedy chemistry.
Girls Gotta Eat
July 24, 9:30PM | Club Soda
Top comedy podcast about dating and relationships with massive international touring success.
Tracy and Martina Live!
July 25, 9:30PM | Le National
Cape Breton comedy duo known for chaotic humour and one of Canada’s top podcasts.
INTERNATIONAL & FESTIVAL FAVOURITES
Ron Funches
July 23, 9:30PM | Gesù
Feel-good stand-up star and actor (Loot, New Girl, Inside Out 2) known for warm, joyful comedy.
Jacqueline Novak
July 24, 9:30PM | Gesù
Emmy-nominated Netflix comedian (Get On Your Knees) and acclaimed writer.
Martin Amini
July 21, 9:30PM | Gesù
Washington DC comic blending multicultural storytelling and relationship humour.
David Nihill – Taking Tangents
July 24, 7PM | Cinquième Salle
Irish comedian and storyteller known for travel-based humour and viral global success.
Zoltan Kaszas
July 24, 7PM | Le National
Award-winning comedian known for observational humour and viral “cats vs dogs” routine.
CLUB SERIES (RETURNING FAVOURITES)
Brit(ish)
July 21–25 | Gesù
Showcasing sharp UK, Irish and Commonwealth comedians.
The Culture Show
July 15–19 | Club Soda
Global comedy showcase celebrating cultural diversity.
The Nasty Show
July 15–19 | Club Soda
The festival’s most uncensored and boundary-pushing comedy showcase.
For more information about Just For Laughs Montréal, click here.
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