Montreal gets its comedy fix as Just For Laughs returns
Posted July 15, 2026 9:23 pm.
Last Updated July 15, 2026 11:23 pm.
Montreal is once again the centre of the comedy world as Just For Laughs gets underway, bringing together established performers, emerging talent and showcases that reflect the many directions comedy continues to take.
For Nick Brazao, the festival’s vice-president of programming and talent, Just For Laughs is about more than the star power on stage.
“The Just For Laughs Festival is the greatest gathering of comedians and comedy fans that you can find anywhere in the world,” he said.
“We really hope that it’s a wonderful time of year for everybody in Montreal and tourists alike to celebrate and to come together and to gather and to laugh.”
Among the returning shows drawing attention this year are The Culture Show and The Nasty Show — two long-running JFL showcases that represent very different approaches to humour.
One explores culture, identity and shared experiences through comedy, while the other embraces a more provocative style built around pushing boundaries.
Together, the shows highlight the range of voices and perspectives that have become part of the festival’s identity.
Finding connection through comedy with The Culture Show
Returning to the festival lineup, The Culture Show continues its focus on using comedy to explore differences, similarities and the experiences that shape communities.
Hosted by Dave Merheje, this year’s lineup features Alfred Robles, Jackie Fabulous, Keith Pedro and Tara Cannistraci.
Far from a Just For Laughs newcomer, Merheje says one of the festival’s biggest strengths is the energy it brings to Montreal.
“There’s so much culture, there’s so many acts you could see — not just stand-up and improv. There’s a variety of it. I think it brings some of the best stand-up you could possibly see anywhere.”
The showcase invites comedians to share personal stories and cultural perspectives while connecting with audiences through humour. Merheje says that’s what makes the show unique.
“You might come to the show, and you’re like, ‘Oh, I’ve never heard this story before.’ And then you’re getting to see that at The Culture Show because it’s from all different backgrounds.”
For Robles, appearing at Just For Laughs marks one of the biggest milestones of his career.
Making his festival debut at The Culture Show, Robles says joining a lineup where many of his comedy heroes once performed is something he’ll never forget.
“A lot of my comedian heroes were here. They all took part in this, and just being part of the JFL family means, like, I’m accepted.”
He hopes audiences leave with more than just a few laughs.
“They should come. They should hear my story and enjoy the other comedians that are here.”
The Nasty Show continues its boundary-pushing tradition
A longtime Just For Laughs favourite, The Nasty Show returns with its trademark provocative approach to comedy.
Hosted by Comedian CP, this year’s lineup features Ian Fidance, Maddy Smith, Marito Lopez and Rebecca Reeds.
Known for tackling taboo subjects and controversial material, the show has built a loyal following over the years.
Making her The Nasty Show debut, Reeds jokes she’s been preparing for it her whole life through a string of failed relationships. For her, the show’s appeal lies in giving audiences permission to laugh at the uncomfortable.
“I think fans keep coming back to The Nasty Show because it feels like a break from reality, because it’s fun to be in a dark room and laugh about things maybe you shouldn’t.”
Although the two showcases couldn’t be more different, Brazao says both have become festival institutions.
“They’ve been running for decades at this point, and they’re a huge platform for us as festival programmers to plug in some up-and-coming names, and hopefully ones that people know.”
A festival lineup spanning comedy’s biggest names and new voices
Beyond those returning showcases, this year’s festival features some of comedy’s biggest names.
Jerry Seinfeld will perform at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts, while “Weird Al” Yankovic will bring his Bigger & Weirder world tour to a free outdoor performance at Place des Festivals.
David Letterman will also make his first-ever Montreal appearance in An Evening with David Letterman and Special Guest Will Arnett, joined by longtime musical director and sidekick Paul Shaffer.
Brazao believes the event will be unlike anything audiences have seen before.
“That’s an event that’s really a one-off, a one of one. Audiences that are in that room are going to get something that nobody else is going to see afterwards, and it’s not being recorded for TV or anything like that. Being able to bring that sort of momentous event to the festival is really special.”
New voices take the spotlight through OFF JFL
Alongside the main festival programming, OFF JFL also returns with programming focused on emerging comedians, sketch performers and improvisers.
The lineup includes Rachel Feinstein, Guy Branum, Sam Morrison, Courtney Gilmour, Derek Seguin and Dan Tiernan.
Returning OFF JFL programming includes Best of the Fest, JFL Live Sessions, The Sketch Series, The Montreal Series, Fest at the Nest, Sunday Night Improv and The Alternative Show hosted by Mark Forward. The Montreal Series will feature comedians from the city’s comedy community, while The Queer Show will showcase an all-queer lineup hosted by Tranna Wintour.
OFF JFL will also feature The Improvaneers, described by the festival as the world’s first all-Down syndrome improvisation troupe. The Cleveland-based group has studied improv for more than eight years and performed for audiences across North America.
Brazao says offering audiences a wide range of comedy styles remains central to the festival’s programming.
“I think the audience plays a huge role in comedy festivals because they’re required for the experience. They’re an integral part of why the comedians come to town, and they’re a huge part of our thinking as to why we program the festival the way that we do and why we try to have such a wide breadth of comedians come to town to appeal to every possible taste.”
ComedyPRO looks at the future of the industry
Running July 22 to 25, ComedyPRO will bring together comedians, creators, producers, executives and industry professionals for programming focused on the business and future of comedy.
The Just For Laughs Awards Show will be hosted by Tone Bell with Cipha Sounds as DJ.
This year’s honourees include Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, receiving the Generation Award; Atsuko Okatsuka, receiving Breakout Comedy Star of the Year; Chris Fleming, receiving Comedy Performance of the Year; Lisa Gilroy, receiving Rising Comedy Star of the Year; and Bruce Hills, receiving the JFL Legacy Tribute Award.
ComedyPRO will also feature New Faces of Comedy, a showcase highlighting emerging performers, as well as Just For Laughs Shorts & Pilots, presented in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue.
A city coming together through laughter
For festivalgoers, Just For Laughs is not only about seeing famous comedians — it is also about experiencing Montreal in a different way.
One attendee says the festival’s layout makes it easy for audiences to discover different parts of the city.
“You’ve got outdoor events in different places; it gives you an opportunity to see different areas of the city. Everything seems to be within walking distance. So it’s very convenient. And who doesn’t want to laugh?”
Another says comedy can have an important role beyond entertainment.
“It’s important, you know, that a lot of people have depression and everything. And it’s important to laugh in life. Simply.”
From cultural storytelling to provocative stand-up and comedy’s biggest names, Just For Laughs continues to bring people together — one laugh at a time.
