Just For Laughs Sydney has announced its full lineup for 2026, with Zarna Garg, Jason Leong, Reuben Kaye and Abbie Chatfield among the latest names joining this year’s comedy festival.
Today’s announcement also confirms the lineup for the Just For Laughs All-Star Gala, which will take place at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on November 21st. Hosted by The Cheap Seats duo Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald, the event will feature Geraldine Hickey, Tom Cardy, Anisa Nandaula, David Nihill, Denise Scott, Rhys James and Matt Okine.
Among the newly announced international acts is Indian-American comedian Zarna Garg, who will bring her “Million Dollar Excuses Tour” to the Sydney Opera House. Garg, whose debut Prime Video special “One in a Billion” premiered in 2023, has also appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Malaysian comedian and former medical doctor Jason Leong will perform his latest show, “In Laughing Memory,” which draws on his experience of losing a close friend to cancer, exploring grief and personal relationships through comedy.
Several Australian comedy showcases have also been added to the program, including the return of “Women Aren’t Funny,” which sold out four performances last year. Abbie Chatfield will host the 2026 edition, featuring Becky Lucas, Nina Oyama, Steph Broadbridge, Dr Esmé Louise James and Lizzy Hoo.
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Michael Hing, meanwhile, will host the “Asia Comedy Showcase,” bringing together Ting Lim, Harry Jun, Dilruk Jayasinha, Neel Kolhatkar, Jordan Leung and Annie Louey. The festival will also introduce “Aboriginal Comedy Allstars,” featuring First Nations comedians Andy Saunders, Janty Blair, Jay Wymarra, Kevin Kropinyeri, Sean Choolburra and Tarsh Jago.
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Meanwhile, Reuben Kaye will lead Reuben Kaye’s “Big Gay Show,” joined by Rhys Nicholson, Michelle Brasier, Cassie Workman, Guneet Kaur, Jordan Barr and Scout Boxall.
Other additions include the return of “The Alternative Show,” hosted by Demi Lardner, alongside performances from Vittorio Angelone, a live edition of Nick Cody and Luke Heggie’s “Mid Flight Brawl” podcast, and the first live staging of Steph and Holly Davey’s “Girls Next Door” podcast.
The additions build on the festival’s previously announced lineup, which includes Greg Davies, Bill Bailey, Gabriel Iglesias, Dara Ó Briain, Morgan Jay, Dan and Phil, and Adam Kay. The 14th edition features performances across venues including the Sydney Opera House, State Theatre, Enmore Theatre and Comedy Store.
The festival is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, with Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper highlighting the event’s contribution to the state’s visitor economy.
“The NSW Government is proud to support the return of Just For Laughs Sydney, and this year’s stellar lineup will offer locals and visitors unforgettable nights,” he said. “Events like this not only showcase Sydney on the global stage, but also means packed venues and a huge night out for our visitor economy. Sydney doesn’t stop having fun when the sun goes down, and neither do the businesses that rely on it.”
Tickets for the 2026 festival are on sale now here.
