Star-studded 2025 Just For Laughs Montréal

Just For Laughs galas

The Just For Laughs gala shows at Théatre Maisonneuve feature some of the funniest and most popular comics in show business on July 25 and 26, at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Hosted by Roy Wood Jr. (July 25 at 6:30 p.m.), Michelle Buteau (July 25 at 9:30 p.m.), Fortune Feimster (July 26 at 6:30 p.m.) and Mikey Day (July 26 at 9:30 p.m.), each gala features a curated mix of global stars and breakout voices from across the comedy spectrum. The shows will be taped live for broadcast by the CBC.

Roast Battle Canada

For the first time ever, Roast Battle Canada films live in Montreal, at Espace St-Denis from July 20 to 22, at 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. nightly. Comedy superstar Russell Peters leads the judging panel alongside Sabrina Jalees and K. Trevor Wilson, bringing their signature mix of wit and brutal honesty. Hosted by the razor-sharp Ennis Esmer, the series features Canada’s boldest comics going head-to-head in savage insult battles where no punchline is off-limits. 

Concert shows

Some of the world’s hottest comics will headline solo shows at JFL this summer in many of the city’s best and most prestigious venues.

JFL New Face turned Marvel movie star Kumail Nanjiani returns to perform stand-up at the Olympia Theatre on July 26.

Canadian comic Mae Martin headlines Mae Martin & Friends at the Olympia Theatre on July 25.

British comedy superstar Russell Howard headlines Russell Howard Live at the Olympia Theatre on July 24.

Rising star Ralph Barbosa Live at MTelus on July 25.

Detroiter Joe Dombrowski at Club Soda on July 24.

Mexico City actor and comedy star Carlos Ballarta headlines the Spanish-language Carlos Ballarta: TLATOANI EN ESPAÑOL at MTelus on July 26.

The StanLand podcast live read featuring Bobby Moynihan and Mike Sacksre at Le Gesù on July 26.

Ted Lasso star and Taskmaster UK loser Nick Mohammed brings his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow to JFL for the first time with his brand-new show: Nick is Mr. Swallow: Show Pony at Le Gesù from July 23 to 26.

Scottish comedy superstar and Montréal favourite Danny Bhoy returns with his show Danny Bhoy: Dear World at Le Gesù from July 22 to 27.

Beloved comedy superstar and JFL regular Brad Williams headlines MTelus on July 24.

Hosted by Kurt Maloney, Dropout Improv features the improv talents of Kimia Behpoorni, Jeremy Culhane, Lou Wilson, Jacob Wysocki and Scott Passarella at the Olympia Theatre on July 26.

French-Canadian stand-up comic Rachid Badouri headlines his English-language show The Tale of the Syrian Dragon, at Club Soda on July 23.

At Club Soda on July 25, UPDATING is the critically-acclaimed New York City live dating and comedy show bringing two singles on blindfolded first dates in front of a live audience.

Shayne Topp hosts Smosh Reads Reddit Stories at the Olympia Theatre on July 26.

British virtuoso ventriloquist Nina Conti returns with her brand-new live show Whose Face Is It Anyway? at Studio TD on July 22.

American comedian Cat Cohen headlines Studio TD on July 23.

Club Series

Among the most anticipated events at the festival, with a long-standing track record of launching comedy’s biggest stars in both stand-up and sketch, are the New Faces of Comedy: Stand-ups (July 23 to 26) andNew Faces of Comedy: Characters (July 24) at Espace St-Denis and Le Studio TD.

Hosted by stand-up comedian and viral sensation Che Durena, The Nasty Show returns with a killer lineup including Jiaoying Summers, Reggie Conquest, Jay Jurden and Amos Gill, at Club Soda from July 16 to 24.

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 this year by Ed Gamble at Studio TD from July 23 to 26.

Comedian Asif Ali hosts The Culture Show with guest comics at Club Soda from July 16 to 23, continuing JFL’s long tradition of breaking stereotypes and boundaries.

Hosted by Kurt Maloney, and featuring the improv talents of Kimia Behpoornia, Jeremy Culhane, Lou Wilson, Jacob Wysocki, and Scott Passarella, the Dropout Improv show takes over the Olympia Theatre on July 26 and 27.

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 from July 23 to 26. You never know who might drop in! Past guests include Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Tiffany Haddish, Amy Schumer and Judd Apatow.

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 (July 17 to 25), Midnight Surprise (July 17 to 22), The Montreal Show (two shows on July 18), The Queer Show spotlighting Montreal LGBTQ+ comics (July 17), Double Threats, Montrealers Tranna Wintour (July 19) and Robbie Hoffman (July 25), and My Straight Friends, a gay comedy show with straight comedians (July 23 and 25).

OFF-JFL shows are being presented at Salle Claude-Léveillée, Café Cléopâtre and Théâtre Sainte-Catherine in the Quartier des Spectacles. Click here for all OFF-JFL shows.

More! More! More!

Additional programming details—including the full festival schedule, free outdoor shows, daytime ComedyPRO sessions (July 23 to 25), , The Just For Laughs Awards show, New Faces: Writers and New Faces: Creators showcases, fireside chats, keynotes, fan events, and screenings of Just For Laughs Shorts and Pilots—will be announced in the coming weeks.

Just For Laughs Montréal Festival runs from July 16 to 27 at various venues. For updates, artist announcements and tickets, visit hahaha.com.