Melbourne International Comedy Festival Marks 40 Years

The world's third-largest comedy festival is in its final week — and its biggest year ever. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs March 25 through April 19, celebrating its 40th anniversary with approximately 800 shows across 130+ venues delivering more than 9,000 performances city-wide. The festival's final nine days span the full range: marquee galas at the Palais, intimate late-night rooms in Fitzroy, and the Comedy Zone showcase of emerging voices.

The 2026 international lineup includes Emmy-nominated SNL writer Sam Jay premiering We The People in Melbourne, alongside headliners from the UK, Ireland, Canada, and the US. Free programming continues on the Fed Square Main Stage and at City Square every Friday and Saturday through the festival's close.

If you're going: the festival's bespoke shuttle map between venues is worth downloading. Late-night rooms fill fastest; early-evening shows are the best value for out-of-town visitors. Brunswick Street bars in Fitzroy become the festival's unofficial clubhouse after midnight.

Sources: Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Broadsheet Melbourne