#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS VANCOUVER 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION RECAP

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER closed out a stellar 10th anniversary edition that saw a standout lineup of world-class performers descend upon Vancity. From sold-out shows and bring-the-house-down performances, to David Letterman’s highly anticipated and long overdue Canadian return, this year’s Festival kept Vancouver comedy fans laughing from start to finish.

Over the course of 11 days, more than 290 artists performed on over 125 shows at over 30 venues across the city for more than 46,000 attendees. Highlights featured sold-out shows from a mix of acclaimed performers and rising stars, including Atsuko Okatsura, Laura Ramoso, James Acaster, Dropout Improv, Mary Beth Barone, Ed Gamble, Mario Adrion, Lucy Darling, Joe List and more.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre set the stage for a meeting of two comedy legends when David Letterman sat down with special guest Zach Galifianakis. Letterman’s longtime Canadian musical director, Paul Schaffer, delighted the audience with a surprise appearance to accompany celebrated singer/songwriter Elizabeth Irving for the national anthem.

Vancouver-based Ola Dada filmed his all-new comedy special, and the seventh season of The New Wave of Standup, a Just For Laughs and NorthWest Comedy showcase spotlighting the country’s most exciting emerging comedians, was recorded for CBC Gem before a sold-out crowd. Just For Laughs fan-favourite shows also returned with JFL Live Sessions, The Alternative Show, The Nasty Show, and the annual Best of the West series celebrating B.C.’s local talent.

In recognition and celebration of the Festival’s milestone year, the City of Vancouver proclaimed February 12 – 22, 2026, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER Week, marking a special honour for Western Canada’s largest comedy festival.

“From legendary performances to break-out moments, this year’s Festival has been nothing short of incredible,” said Heather Wallace, Founding Partner and Festival Director of Just For Laughs VANCOUVER. “We are grateful to everyone who made this milestone year one for the books – our performers, partners, sponsors, venues, local communities, and the incredible staff – all of whom helped create unforgettable moments for Vancouver comedy fans.”

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Just For Laughs VANCOUVER, we couldn’t be prouder of what this Festival has become. It perfectly reflects what Just For Laughs stands for — discovery, development, and delivery of world-class comedy to audiences. From unforgettable live performances to specials and series filmed right here in Vancouver, this Festival is a shining example of how to celebrate icons while building the future of comedy at the same time,” said Sylvain Parent-Bedard, President and CEO, Just For Laughs.

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER wishes to thank its partners Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia, Destination Vancouver, SiriusXM Canada, B.C. Lottery Corporation, Stanley Park Brewing, NUTRL, Downtown Van, Vancouver Sun, The Province, DailyHive and Curiocity.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS VANCOUVER:
Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is one of Canada’s largest and most renowned comedy festivals, showcasing an extraordinary lineup of top-tier comedic talent from around the globe. Spanning multiple venues across the city, the festival brings Vancouver to life with a celebration of all things comedy. Over the years, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER has welcomed some of the biggest names in comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, Bill Burr, Trevor Noah, Hannah Gadsby, Marc Maron, The Office Ladies, Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho, Maria Bamford, Ronny Chieng, and many more. In addition to hosting global megastars, the festival proudly fosters homegrown talent with its wildly popular curated series, Best of the West, shining a spotlight on the exceptional comedians emerging from Vancouver and beyond. With a legacy of unforgettable performances and a reputation for curating both established icons and rising stars, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER continues to solidify its place as a premier destination for comedy fans.

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is a co-production between Just For Laughs and B.C. based company NorthWest Comedy. For more information, please visit jflvancouver.com/about-us.