Star-studded 2026 Just For Laughs Montréal
Summer Festivals and events
Some of the biggest names in entertainment will headline the 44th edition of Just For Laughs Montréal, the largest comedy festival in the world, which runs from July 15 to 26 at various venues.
Just For Laughs revolutionized the comedy world and launched the careers of hundreds of today’s most renowned comedians, like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon and Amy Schumer.
Which comedians will perform at the Just For Laughs Montréal Festival?
The 2026 edition of the Just For Laughs Montréal Festival will announce its headliners and Gala hosts in the coming days and weeks.
Outdoor shows
The 2026 Just For Laughs Montréal Festival presents free outdoor shows at Place des Festivals in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles.
- The biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, “Weird Al” Yankovic brings his Bigger & Weirder Tour to Place des Festivals on July 25 at 9 p.m.
Just For Laughs galas
Hosted by top comedic talent from around the world, the Just For Laughs gala shows taped live at Théatre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts feature a curated mix of global stars and breakout voices from across the comedy spectrum.
- The Mike Birbiglia gala at Théatre Maisonneuve on July 24 at 6:30 p.m.
- The Atsuko Okatsuka gala at Théatre Maisonneuve on July 24 at 9:30 p.m.
- The Gerry Dee gala at Théatre Maisonneuve on July 25 at 6:30 p.m.
- The Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias gala at Théatre Maisonneuve on July 25 at 9:30 p.m.
Roast Battle Canada
Roast Battle Canada films live in Montréal and features Canada’s boldest comics going head-to-head in savage insult battles where no punchline is off-limits. Dates TBA.
Concert shows
Some of the world’s hottest comics will headline solo shows at JFL this summer in many of the city’s most prestigious venues. Some highlights include:
- Superstar Jerry Seinfeld headlines Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier on July 23 at 6:30 p.m.
- Fresh off selling out Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier (July 22), JFL has added a second Smosh Reads Reddit Stories LIVE! at the Olympia on July 23 at 7 p.m. with host Shayne Topp (33m) and his friends from Smosh.
- L.A. comic Nurse John (a.k.a. John Dela Cruz) headlines Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier on July 24 at 7 p.m.
- Break-out comedy star Jordan Jensen headlines the Olympia on July 22 at 7 p.m.
- Drag superstars Monét X Change and Bob The Drag Queen headline Sibling Rivalry Live based on their hit podcast, at the Olympia on July 22 at 9:30 p.m.
- Hungarian-American comic Zoltan Kaszas headlines Le National on July 24 at 7 p.m.
- Girls Gotta Eat hosted by comedic duo and real-life best friends Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg. At Club Soda on July 24 at 9:30 p.m.
- Tracy and Martina Live! One of Canada's biggest comedy podcasts starring two fun-loving best friends from Cape Breton. At Le National on July 25 at 9:30 p.m.
- TV fan-favourite Ron Funches headlines Gesù on July 23 at 9:30 p.m.
- A Late Night with Seth Meyers and Tonight Show regular, Jacqueline Novak headlines Gesù on July 24 at 9:30 p.m.
- American comic Martin Amini headlines Gesù on July 21 at 9:30 p.m.
- Irish comic David Nihill headlines Cinquième Salle on July 24 at 7 p.m.
Club Series
The Brit(ish) comedy showcase celebrates the sharp wit and dry humour of comics from Britain, but could also include friends from Ireland, or elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Hosted by Mark Watson. At the Gesù on July 21-22-23-24-25, at 7 p.m.
The Culture Show continues JFL’s long tradition of breaking stereotypes and boundaries. Hosted by Dave Merheje with guests Alfred Robles, Jackie Fabulous, Keith Pedro and Tara Cannistraci. At Club Soda on July 15-16-17-18-19, at 7 p.m.
The The Nasty Show lives up to its name, and promises to be the filthiest and most shocking show at the Festival. Hosted by Comedian CP with guests Ian Fidance, Marito Lopez, Maddy Smith and Rebecca Reeds. At Club Soda on July 15-16-17-18-19, at 9:30 p.m.
The Midnight Surprise Show is one of JFL’s most unpredictable events, with surprise lineups of top-tier comedians, many of whom may perform impromptu sets or test new material, at Studio TD. You never know who might drop in! Past guests include Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Tiffany Haddish, Amy Schumer and Judd Apatow. Dates TBA.
OFF-JFL
OFF Just For Laughs – known as “OFF-JFL” – is the festival’s edgy sibling where comedy fans can discover their favourite new artists. Some of the series and solo shows include Best of the Fest, The Montreal Show, The Queer Show spotlighting Montréal LGBTQ+ comics, and Double Threats.
OFF-JFL shows are presented in intimate venues like Salle Claude-Léveillée, Café Cléopâtre and Théâtre Sainte-Catherine in the Quartier des Spectacles.
More! More! More!
Additional programming details—including daytime industry networking ComedyPRO sessions for professionals and creatives (July 22 to 25), fireside chats, keynotes, fan events, and screenings of Just For Laughs Shorts and Pilots—will be announced in the coming days and weeks.
Just For Laughs Montréal Festival runs from July 15 to 26 at various venues. For updates, artist announcements and tickets, visit hahaha.com.
Richard Burnett
Richard “Bugs” Burnett is a Canadian freelance writer, editor, journalist, blogger and columnist for alt-weeklies, mainstream and LGBTQ+ publications. Bugs also knows Montréal like a drag queen knows a cosmetics counter.