Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026 Highlights and Featured Performances

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) celebrates its 40th anniversary from March 25 to April 19, 2026, presenting nearly 800 shows. The festival includes established Australian comedians such as Wil Anderson, Hannah Gadsby, and Denise Scott, alongside international acts like Ian Smith from the UK and Zainab Johnson from the US. It features artist development programs like Deadly Funny and Raw Comedy. ArtsHub's Performing Arts Editor Richard Watts selected 12 notable shows, including Alex Hines & Sarah Stafford's 'Birds,' which addresses climate change, and Garry Starr's award-winning 'Classic Penguins.' Other highlighted performances include Anisa Nandaula's 'No Small Talk,' Cassie Workman's 'You Are Here,' and Sammy J's 'Hero Complex.' The festival offers diverse comedy styles, from character-driven acts to stand-up, across venues like The Malthouse and Melbourne Town Hall.