#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS TORONTO ANNOUNCE FIRST WAVE OF TALENT FOR 2026 FESTIVAL

Just For Laughs today announced the first wave of comedic talent set to perform at the Toronto edition this Fall. This year’s lineup brings together an eclectic mix of comedy icons, stand-up stars, live podcast favourites, and boundary-pushing performers from around the world. Among the first artists announced are acclaimed comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson, legendary comedy pioneer John Cleese, influential comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish, internationally renowned Brazilian comedian Rafi Bastos, and drag superstars Monét X Change. The Festival will also feature performances from Joe List, Peter Antoniou, Joel Kim Booster, The Lauren & Mary Show, Alfred Robles, Caitlin Peluffo, Nick Thune, Rachel Feinstein, Johnny Pemberton, Red Richardson, The Sklar Brothers, Ray Lau, Conor Janda, Jackie Fabulous, Emma Willmann and Dustin Nickerson, with additional acts and special events to be announced. Just For Laughs Toronto takes place September 24 – October 3, 2026.

“Just For Laughs Toronto continues to build a festival that reflects the incredible breadth of comedy that audiences are looking for today,” said Nick Brazao, VP of Programming & Talent at Just For Laughs.“From comedy heavyweights to some of the most exciting voices working today, we’re excited to welcome fans from across Toronto and beyond for ten unforgettable days this fall.”

“Toronto has long been an important city for comedy, producing incredible talent and welcoming audiences who embrace bold and diverse voices,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO of Just For Laughs. “Just For Laughs Toronto celebrates that legacy by connecting artists and fans from across Canada and around the globe. We’re proud to be part of Toronto’s vibrant cultural community and to continue building a festival that showcases the power of comedy.”

Performances will take place at various venues across the city including Meridian Hall, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre, Bluma Appel Theatre, Randolph Theatre, Comedy Bar Bloor & Danforth.

Funding provided by the Government of Ontario.

Presale tickets are available beginning today at 10 a.m. ET until tomorrow, July 9 at 10 p.m. ET. Public on sale begins July 10 at 10 a.m. ET. Visit toronto.hahaha.com.

List of Shows By Date:

Joe List
September 24, 7:00 PM, Randolph Theatre

Red Richardson
September 24, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
September 25, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
September 26, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth

Sklar Brothers
September 25, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Bloor
September 26, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Bloor

Rachel Feinstein
September 25, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
September 26, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
September 27, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth

Pete Davidson
September 26, 7:00 PM, Meridian Hall

Peter Antoniou
September 26, 7:00 PM, Queen Elizabeth

Tiffany Haddish
September 26, 7:30 PM, Elgin Theatre

Caitlin Peluffo
September 26, 8:00 PM, Randolph Theatre

Conor Janda
September 30, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
October 1, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth

Johnny Pemberton
September 30, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
October 1, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth

Ray Lau
October 1, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Bloor
October 2, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Bloor
October 3, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Bloor

Not Dead Yet! John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50
October 1, 7:30 PM, Wintergarden
October 2, 7:30 PM, Wintergarden

Emma Willmann
October 1, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Bloor
October 2, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Bloor

Joel Kim Booster
October 2, 7:00 PM, Randolph Theatre
October 3, 9:30 PM, Randolph Theatre

Dustin Nickerson
October 2, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
October 3, 5:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
October 3, 7:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth

Nick Thune
October 2, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
October 3, 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth

Alfred Robles
October 2, 9:30 PM, Randolph Theatre

Jackie Fabulous
October 2, 9:30 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth
October 3, 9:30 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth

Rafi Bastos
October 3, 7:00 PM, Queen Elizabeth

The Lauren & Mary Show
October 3, 7:00 PM, Randolph Theatre

Monét X Change: High Heels Bad Knees Tour
October 3, 7:00 PM, Bluma Appel

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ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS
Sylvain Parent Bédard founded his entertainment group in 1997 which went on to acquire the Just For Laughs assets in 2024. Today, the Group stands as a major Canadian Québécois cultural institution, internationally recognized for its mission: “Spreading laughter across the globe”. A global leader in comedy, Just For Laughs produces the world’s largest comedy festival, held in Montréal since its inaugural edition in 1983. The Group also extends its expertise through a series of festivals in Québec City, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore, Sydney, and Bermuda, strengthening its worldwide footprint.

Driven by passion, innovation, and excellence, the Just For Laughs team collaborates with top talent and partners across the entertainment industry. Each year, the Group entertains over 100 million fans through its digital platforms and media channels, which collectively have surpassed 100 billion views. Just For Laughs creates, produces, distributes, and broadcasts comedic content in all its forms: films, television series, theatre, musicals, solo shows, multi-artist shows, festivals.

The Group also produces ComedyPRO as part of the Just For Laughs Montreal Festival every year : the world’s leading comedy industry marketplace, which has for decades helped launch and propel the careers of numerous renowned artists through its landmark initiatives.