The first Canberra Comedy Festival was held in 2013, in Canberra’s centenary year. The festival was held as part of Canberra’s 100th birthday, recognising that it had been part of Walter Burley Griffin’s original plans for Canberra*. The festival was a great success and a commemorative pink t-shirt was minted.
In 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 & 2018 the festival grew from strength to strength, featuring over 50 shows each year. The incredible line-ups have included the Doug Anthony All Stars, Arj Barker, Kitty Flanagan, Jason Byrne, The Umbilical Brothers, Jimeoin, Charlie Pickering, Hannah Gadsby, Tom Gleeson, Tommy Little, Dave Hughes, Peter Berner, Rod Quantock, Cal Wilson, Celia Pacquola, Dave O’Neil & Glenn Robbins, Matt Okine, Sammy J, Luke Heggie, Ronny Chieng, and a whole lot more.
Then that Covid thing came along and shut us down. Well, that’s all over (this is not a guarantee)
In 2025 the Canberra Comedy Festival will be back again from March 16-26 with our biggest festival yet, with a line-up of the world’s best comedians!
Jim from Duffy says, “this will put Canberra on the map.”
Thanks Jim.
*Archival footage of Walter Burley Griffin telling jokes about porn, fireworks and round-a-bouts went missing in the late 80s. Anyone with knowledge of its whereabouts is encouraged to contact crimestoppers.