Get those abdominal muscles ready to withstand the 2026 Canberra Comedy Festival – here’s our cheat sheet

Posted on 6 March, 2026

With 70 shows over 12 days, the 2026 Canberra Comedy Festival program is overflowing with must-see shows.

Running from Wednesday 11 until Sunday 22 March, the Canberra Comedy Festival will see some of the world’s best comedians take to local stages.

Here’s everything you need to know about Canberra’s chuckle-fest.

What is it?

Oh, just the biggest comedy event in Canberra.

The Canberra Comedy Festival was founded in 2013 as part of Canberra’s 100^th birthday by Benjamin Stevenson, James Stevenson, David Graham, Patrick Hornby and Tim Duck. Over the last 13 years, it’s become an integral part of the city’s culture.

Featuring an average of over 50 shows a year, the annual multi-day event is considered one of Canberra’s biggest events of the year – and it’s always a good time.

This year, the festival is packed with some amazing shows taking place at venues across the city and showcases both local and international performers (read on for details!).

Interested in finding out more about how the festival came about? You can read our chat with the Canberra Comedy Festival team here to learn how they conned* some of the world’s best comedians to come to our local stages.

*Kidding. Or are we?

What’s happening?

The 2026 line-up is big. Featuring established names such as Wil Anderson, The Umbilical Brothers, Lizzy Hoo, Geraldine Hickey, and Sammy J, the real question is ‘Who isn’t coming to Canberra?’.

Running across 12 jam-packed days, this year the Canberra Comedy Festival is featuring a bumper line-up of some of Australia’s best comedians, ranging from fan favourites to new up-and-comers. Think: Melanie Bracewell, Kirsty Webeck, Dave Hughes, Nick Cody, ANU Law Revue…the list goes on.

To help you figure out what to book tickets for, here and here are some suggestions of what acts you can catch. Interested in group shows? Some other key events to pop into your calendar include the Festival Gala, the Festival Club, the Canberra Comedy Festival Debate and the RAW Comedy ACT State Final.

With so many options to choose from, make sure to check out the full program.

Where can I eat and drink before the show?

Good question! With the festival locations spanning between the Canberra Theatre Centre and ANU, there are plenty of options to find something to eat pre- or post-show.

Here are some suggestions that are all within 10 or 15 minutes’ walk of the venues.

• Clover
• Raku
• Azima
• Toli Ramen
• SoLita Pizzeria and Pasta Bar
• Verity Lane
• Gaon Korean BBQ
• IORI Japanese
• Amici
• Chop Chop
• Flui
• Amara
• VICE
• Bistro Nguyen’s
• Dosa Hut
• Akiba
• Happy’s Chinese Restaurant
• Dolly’s
• Wilma
• Rebel Rebel
• Terra
• Badger & Co
• Symposium by University House
• LAB ANU
• The Golden Drum

There are probably even more options, so get Googling!

How do I get there?

With the light rail construction impacting travel to and from the city, you might want to plan ahead before heading off to a show. There are more than 5,000 car parks in the city centre – which you can view on this map here – but there are road closures, detours, and other disruptions to travel happening in the city, which might add extra time to your trip.

Here’s what you need to know when driving:

• Northbourne Avenue/Alinga Street:Turning right from Northbourne Avenue to Alinga Street is not permitted.
• London Circuit: Western side closed between Northbourne Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue; east side sections closed between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane.
• Coranderrk Street/Parkes Way and Vernon Circle: temporary traffic lights.
• Knowles Place:Intermittent closures.
• City car parks: some closed or reduced capacity.
• Theatre Lane car park(opposite Sydney building) is closed. Accessible parking, share car spaces, and designated Legislative Assembly, medical, and government vehicles have been relocated to City Hill and Hobart Place car parks.

If you’re taking public transport, make sure to check the Transport Canberra website to see when services are running.

What else do I need to know?

That’s it! But if you’re planning on seeing a show, you’d better book tickets now – with so many amazing acts coming to Canberra, they’re already flying out the door.