The Sydney Comedy Festival is Sydney’s biggest annual comedy event, showcasing over 250 of the best comedians from Australia and beyond. Held every April and May, the festival features a diverse range of comedy genres including stand-up, sketch, satire, impro, musical, absurdist, theatre, magic, and kids comedy. The festival program highlights the finest Australian acts, international stars, and emerging talents, providing a platform for new Australian comedians to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.
In addition to presenting top international and local comedians, the Sydney Comedy Festival is committed to supporting new Australian talent through its FRESH program. This initiative offers financial assistance, marketing support, and professional advice to help emerging comedians present successful shows and grow their audience. Many successful comedians, such as Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine, Lou Sanz, Cassie Workman, Rhys Nicholson, and Corey White, have benefited from the FRESH program and gone on to win prestigious awards in the comedy industry.
The Sydney Comedy Festival culminates in a grand finale featuring gala events at iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House, Enmore Theatre, and Riverside Theatres. The festival also recognizes outstanding talent through awards like the Best of the Fest Award, Best Newcomer Award, and Director’s Choice Award. With a rich history of celebrating comedy in all its forms, the Sydney Comedy Festival continues to be a premier destination for comedy lovers seeking laughter and entertainment.