The laughs are on, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival charging into its second week of shows and serving up a packed program of comedy, family fun and special events across the Easter long weekend – including Good Friday – giving audiences the chance to jam-pack four days full of world-class comedy.
Better yet, thanks to the Victorian Government making public transport free until the end of April, it’s now even easier for audiences to make their way into Melbourne and enjoy everything the Festival has to offer.
BIG LAUGHS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILLY
The Festival’s much-loved Kids & Family program kicks off this week, bringing family-friendly entertainment to the city across Easter and the school holidays. From magical mayhem to circus spectaculars and high-energy shows, the program promises big laughs for comedy fans of all ages. A highlight of the family offering is the return of The (Very) Big Laugh Out, to Fed Square and, for 2026, expanding into the newly reopened City Square, the free program is packed with world-class street performers alongside stand-up, physical and musical comedy.
Audiences can catch performances from Oliver Coleman, Claire Hooper, Dane Simpson, Otto & Astrid, Piip & Tuut, Dandyman, Geraldine Quinn, The Burton Brothers and more. The FREE fun begins with The (Very) Big Laugh Out, kicking off with two jam-packed showcases on Good Friday 3 April and Saturday 4 April on the Fed Square Main Stage, before continuing across the school holidays with free performances in City Square every Friday and Saturday from 10–18 April, alongside a street performance program delivered in partnership with the City of Melbourne throughout the rest of the festival.
SPECIAL EVENTS TO SUPERCHARGE THE LONG WEEKEND
The Easter long weekend also features some of the Festival’s biggest one-off events. On Good Friday, smash-hit podcast What Did You Do Yesterday? comes to Melbourne for a live recording, with hosts Max Rushden (UK) and David O’Doherty (Ireland) joined by special guest Sam Campbell. The chart-topping comedy podcast – where people talk about what they did yesterday (yes, that’s it!) – promises hilariously forensic detail and plenty of absurdity.
On Saturday 4 April, Best Medicine will bring the laughs for a powerful cause, supporting Beyond Blue. Hosted by Carl Donnelly (UK), the event will see a standout lineup of comedians delivering big laughs for an even bigger purpose. Every ticket sold helps support Beyond Blue’s vital mental health services and encourages earlier conversations around anxiety, depression and life’s challenges – proving that comedy really can be the best medicine.
Later that night, audiences can catch the Asian Allstars Gala, hosted by Lizzy Hoo. This epic one-night-only showcase celebrates some of the finest and funniest performers from across the region, featuring Tarang Hardikar (India), Kuah Jenhan (Malaysia), Harry Jun, Takashi Wakasugi (Japan), Fadzri Rashid (Singpaore), Henry Yan, Douglas Lim (Malaysia), He Huang (China) and more.
On Easter Sunday, The Great Debate returns, moderated by Paul McDermott, with comedy heavyweights facing off over the topic: That It Was Better In The Olden Days. The Affirmative Team features Scout Boxall, Sam Jay (USA) and Ian Smith (UK), while the Negative Team brings Luke Heggie, Michelle Brasier and Osman Faruqi to the stage. Expect dubious facts, baseless allegations and whip-smart comedy in equal measure.
Then on Easter Monday, the Festival’s iconic Upfront returns, hosted by Michelle Brasier and featuring a powerhouse lineup including Abby Howells, Alex Hines, Sarah Stafford, Cassie Workman, Danielle Walker, Felicity Ward, Jo Gowda, Kate Dolan, Kushi Venkatesh, Lou Wall, Mish Wittrup, Nikki Britton, Sam Nicoresti (UK), Sez, Sharon Wanjohi (UK), Tarsh Jago, Zoë Coombs Marr and many more.
The much-loved Festival Club at Max Watts runs all weekend including a very special Easter Comedy Beauty Pageant hosted by Hunter Smith on Sunday 5 April. Who will be crowned the Miss Universe of Comedy? She’s beauty, she’s face, she’s comedy’s saving grace? With special guest judges – reigning QueenBron Lewis and the king of beauty Dave Hughes.
The laughs will also flow for FREE across the Easter long weekend with four nights of Festival screenings on the Fed Square big screen from Friday 3 – Monday 6 April, with a program of comedy gold across four decades of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Relive the hilarious moments and legendary performances from the comedians who have graced the Festival’s stages over 40 extraordinary years.
Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a blockbuster gala, a free street performance or a late-night laugh, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s second week has something for everyone.
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