Just For Laughs returns to Montreal with comedy for every sensibility
The festival draws established performers and emerging talent across comedy's widest spectrum, from cultural storytelling to provocative humour.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Montreal is once again the centre of the comedy world as Just For Laughs gets underway, bringing together established performers, emerging talent, and showcases that reflect the many directions comedy continues to take.
Two long-running showcases highlight the festival's range. The Culture Show, hosted by Dave Merheje, explores culture, identity, and shared experiences through comedy. This year's lineup features Alfred Robles, Jackie Fabulous, Keith Pedro, and Tara Cannistraci. Robles is making his festival debut after years admiring comedy heroes who performed here. "Being part of the JFL family means, like, I'm accepted," he said.
The Nasty Show takes the opposite approach, embracing a provocative style built around pushing boundaries. Hosted by Comedian CP, this year features Ian Fidance, Maddy Smith, Marito Lopez, and Rebecca Reeds. The show has built a loyal following for tackling taboo subjects and controversial material.
For Nick Brazao, the festival's vice-president of programming and talent, Just For Laughs is about more than star power. "The Just For Laughs Festival is the greatest gathering of comedians and comedy fans that you can find anywhere in the world," he said. "We really hope that it's a wonderful time of year for everybody in Montreal and tourists alike to celebrate and to come together and to laugh."
