The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 is set to transform the city into the world’s comedy capital from March 26 to April 20, 2025.
Over 26 days, a diverse lineup of comedians from Australia and around the globe will perform across various venues in Melbourne.
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Festival Highlights
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 includes:
- Opening Night Gala & Allstars Supershow: Kick off the festivities with a star-studded evening featuring top comedians from Australia and abroad. This is a must-see event, setting the tone for the entire festival.
- The Great Debate (35th Edition): A festival favourite where comedians tackle current, thought-provoking topics with wit and humour.
- Upfront: A showcase dedicated to celebrating female-led comedy talent, featuring bold and brilliant performances.
Melbourne Comedy Festival Featured Performers
The Melbourne Comedy Festival performers include:
- International Acts: Ruby Wax (UK/US), Ahir Shah (UK), Anirban Dasgupta (India), Schalk Bezuidenhout (South Africa).
- Australian Favourites: Nazeem Hussain, Geraldine Hickey, Zoë Coombs Marr, alongside rising stars.
- Emerging Talent: Competitions like Raw Comedy, Deadly Funny, and Class Clowns are perfect for discovering the next big names in comedy.
Family-Friendly Events
The Family-Friendly events at the Melbourne Comedy Festival include:
- Comedy Club for Kids: Tailored performances suitable for younger audiences.
- The (Very) Big Laugh Out: Free outdoor shows in Federation Square and other public spaces, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together.
Special Features
The special features of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 include:
- Asian Allstars Gala: A night showcasing comedic talents from across Asia, reflecting Melbourne’s diverse cultural landscape.
- Moosehead Benefit: Support emerging comedians through this special fundraising event.
- Late Night Laughs: Unwind with late-night comedy sessions in intimate settings, perfect for night owls.
Melbourne Comedy Festival Venues
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 venues are:
- Melbourne Town Hall (festival hub)
- ACMI
- RMIT Capitol Theatre
- The Chinese Museum
- Max Watt’s
- The Westin Melbourne
- The Victoria Hotel
These venues cater to diverse tastes, from grand theatres to cosy, intimate spaces.
Ticket Booking
General ticket sales for the Melbourne Comedy Festival have begun. Don’t miss special promotions, including $25 tickets for select shows available until February 5 at 1 pm.
Tickets can be purchased through the official festival website and authorised platforms like Ticketmaster.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Melbourne Comedy Festival ensures accessibility with:
- Wheelchair-friendly venues
- Auslan-interpreted performances
- Assistive listening systems
- Anti-scalping measures to maintain fair ticket pricing
Why Attend The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025?
Having attended past editions, I can confidently say the Melbourne International Comedy Festival isn’t just an event; it’s an experience that captures the city’s vibrant spirit.
Whether you’re into sharp political satire, quirky stand-up, or family-friendly laughs, there’s something for everyone. Don’t underestimate the emerging acts—I’ve seen performers in Raw Comedy who went on to become household names.
This festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy various comedic styles and performances in one city. Whether you want to see established comedians or discover new talent, there’s something for everyone.
Attend the show celebrating the rich history and cultural impact of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which has been a cornerstone of the global comedy scene since its inception in 1987.
Be part of this vibrant event and immerse yourself in the joy and laughter that define Melbourne during this festival.
Don’t miss out on this cultural celebration of comedy—secure your tickets today and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
