Montreal’s Just for Laughs comedy festival makes its grand return
Posted July 16, 2025 12:10 pm.
Last Updated July 17, 2025 11:26 pm.
The largest comedy festival in the world is back in Montreal.
The iconic Just For Laughs Festival begins today and is set to keep festivalgoers laughing until July 27. After going bankrupt last year and cancelling its 2024 edition, the iconic event is under new ownership – and promising a fresh start.
“We did a lot of thinking this year on the vision of an opportunity to bring it back,” said Nick Brazao, head of programming and talent at Just For Laughs. “What it should include and I think that this opening weekend with the Culture Show and the Nasty show is bringing back two staple club shows that have been around for anywhere from 10 to 25 years. So I think a little bit of something familiar and then a lot of new names — and we’re heading into night two of 12 days of a whole ton of comedy.”
The rebooted festival is set to feature some big names hosting galas, including Fortune Feimster, Michelle Buteau and a three-day roast battle hosted by Russell Peters.
About 300 artists will appear in 200 shows taking place indoor at various locations and outdoor at Quartier-des-Spectacles in downtown Montreal.
“We’ve got artists from all over,” said Brazao as he named off comedians like Russell Howard from the United Kingdom, Rhys Darby from New Zealand and Chris Distefano from New York as examples of international comedians joining this year’s lineup.
“And a lot of local Montrealer’s, we program two festivals sort of simultaneously. There’s also a huge OFF JFL contingent, and in that we’ve expanded the Montreal show into a Montreal series, we’ve got two unique stand-up lineups, we’ve got a sketch showcase, we’ve got an all-queer show and we’ve got some solo shows from the likes of Derek Sagan and Trana Windtour.”
Joining the ranks of Canadian comedians making a comeback to the festival’s roster this year is Dave Merheje, who couldn’t wait to perform in front of Montrealers once again in Thursday evening’s Culture Show.
“The crowds they’re comedy savvy,” said Merheje. “They’re bringing that energy.”
“I think what’s cool about this festival is it’s like whatever type of comedy that you’re into you’re going to find somebody that does that,” said comedian Asif Ali, just as he was about to get on stage to host the renowned Culture Show for this year’s festival.
“It’s just nice to be asked to be involved and to be a part of such a huge event and to selfishly see a lot of comedians that I’m fans of and then I’m friends with — It’s a fun time,” he went on to say.
“For over 40 years, it has celebrated comedy in all forms,” the Just For Laughs Festival has written on their website. “Bringing together renowned performers, rising stars, and emerging talent in a bold, diverse, and inclusive lineup.”
“Laughter will pulse through the heart of Montreal,” they added. “Turning the city into a true playground of comedy and celebration.”
Festival organizers say there’s more comedy coming to Canada with the Toronto festival in September and another one in Vancouver in February 2026.
