Get ready for some serious laughs with comedy that will leave you in stitches!
Just For Laughs VANCOUVER, in association with SiriusXM Canada, is back for its 8th edition from February 15 to 24. The comedy festival, which stretches across 10 hilarious days, gives comedy lovers a chance to see a range of international and local comics on stages across the city.
As Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER has assembled a diverse schedule that features stand-up sets by comedy legends and emerging local talent, improv and sketch performances, comedy podcast recordings and more. The festival’s sheer scale has solidified its status as the go-to event for comedic entertainment in the city.
“Comedy is not just about the punchlines, it is an immersive experience filled with wonder, truth and laughter,” says Heather Wallace, festival director of Just For Laughs VANCOUVER. “If you're curious about comedy, a live show offers a chance to witness the magic firsthand, feel the energy of the crowd, and enjoy the spontaneity that comes with each performance.”
This year’s festival lineup includes a number of comedy icons, such as Bill Burr, Brett Goldstein, Ronny Chieng, Wanda Sykes, Ben Schwartz & Friends, Marlon Wayans, Bassem Youssef, Kathy Griffin and Nicole Byer, amongst many others.
“These headliners have established themselves as the crème de la crème on a global scale, and we're thrilled to have them grace our stages,” says Wallace. “It's a celebration of top-tier talent that you won't want to miss!”
Comedy fans can also check out a number of up and coming comics taking the world by storm, including Jesus Trejo, Moe Ismail, Andrea Jin, Patti Harrison and Catherine Cohen.
As in previous years, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER will continue to put vibrant comedic voices from across Canada on the main stage, including rising talent from B.C. in the annual Best of the West comedy series.
“What sets our festival apart is the inclusion of our homegrown talents, making it the ultimate West Coast comedy experience,” says Wallace. “This series celebrates our local comedy producers and talent, providing a platform to share their tireless work ethic and comedic skills with a wider audience.”
Acts to look forward to in this year’s lineup include local favourites like Ola Dada (Blackout Comedy) Sasha Mark & Savannah Erasmus (Camp! Comedy!), Shanda Leer (Drag Brunch), and Ryan Williams & Colin Sharp (Full Pint Comedy); alongside new producers Debbie Courchene (IndigE-girl Comedy), Arash Narchi and Nancy Ho (Comedy in the Forecast), and Megan Milton, Bradley Sakawsky, & Jake Spencer (Crumby Comedy).
For the 2024 edition of the festival, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER has curated a lineup of diverse comedic talent that transcends cultural boundaries, with appearances from today's prominent international stand-up comedians from across the globe.
“We understand the importance of including a variety of voices and narratives that feel familiar and relatable, which means curating a lineup of engaging acts that are relevant culturally and politically,” says Wallace. “We are super excited to be inviting Bassem Youssef back for shows in both English and Arabic, as well as Carlos Ballarta who will be performing his latest show in Spanish.”
With so many awesome Just For Laughs VANCOUVER shows on deck, the best way to experience the festival is to try a bit of everything. Here’s a guide to having the ultimate JFL fun:
- See someone you are already a big fan of, some examples include Kathy Griffin, Ben Schwartz, Ronny Chieng and Nicole Byer
- Try out a live taping of a comedy podcast or a live sketch show, such as This is That Live or Celebrity Memoir Book Club
- Check out someone who is popular on social media, like Che Durena, Mark Little, Lewberger and Zarna Garg.
- Support a local act, with options that include Indig-E-Girl Comedy, Fistful of Kicks, Camp! Comedy! Treat Show Comedy, Secrets and the Hero Show.
“With comedy growing everyday, and a plethora of new voices, you never know what could surprise you and become your new favourite,” says Wallace.
Go to www.jflvancouver.com for the full festival schedule and to get your tickets now
