Just For Laughs Vancouver: A successful start to a new era

Quebec City, February 26, 2025 – Just For Laughs is proud to announce the resounding success of Just For Laughs Vancouver 2025, which not only marks the launch of its Canadian festival season but also a key milestone in the group's relaunch. This edition, which ran from February 13 to 23, 2025, has established itself as a must-attend comedy event, illustrating the strength of our brand in a rapidly changing ecosystem. For 11 days, venues across the city were packed with audiences eager to experience an exceptional lineup featuring comedy legends, up-and-coming digital creators, and Canada's rising stars. From memorable performances to standing ovations, the 2025 edition proved Vancouver's enduring love for live comedy. A MAJOR ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL IMPACT Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is more than just a festival: it's a vital engine of the Canadian comedy industry. Thanks to the support of numerous public and private partners, including Creative BC, the Province of British Columbia, Destination Vancouver, SiriusXM Canada, BC Lottery Corporation, and Downtown Vancouver, the 2025 edition brought together over 200 artists and generated hundreds of seasonal jobs in more than 25 venues. The festival also attracted over 46,000 attendees, including those at its satellite events in Victoria and Kelowna. “Just For Laughs Vancouver is proving itself more than ever as a vital engine of the comedy industry in Canada. This 2025 edition demonstrates our commitment to providing a leading platform for talent from here and abroad, while strengthening our reach from coast to coast. This festival is proof that Just For Laughs has moved forward with ambition and success.” — Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO, Just For Laughs / Juste pour rire A TRILINGUAL PROGRAM AND INTERNATIONAL HEADLINERS For the first time, Just For Laughs Vancouver is offering shows in French, English, and Spanish, reinforcing its unique positioning on the West Coast. This edition is also marked by the arrival of international comedy icons, including Seinfeld, and by the presence of major Canadian artists such as Laurent Paquin, the festival's first Francophone headliner, and Sammy. “I am extremely proud of this edition of the festival. From sold-out shows to the vibrant industry panels, it was incredible to see Vancouver's passion for live comedy. I am deeply grateful to all our artists, sponsors, and partners who allow the festival to thrive and grow year after year.” Our team is honored to present a world-class event every February, and we're already looking forward to returning next year for even more unforgettable moments.”— Heather Wallace, Partner and Festival Director, Just For Laughs Vancouver. FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: This 2025 edition was a must-see for comedy fans, with sold-out shows across the city and the highly anticipated return of two festival staples: The Best of the West, presented by SiriusXM Canada, and The Creator's Series, presented by Creative BC. From headliners to emerging talent, the entire city pulsed with the festival's energy. Unforgettable Stand-Up Performances: Jerry Seinfeld closed the festival with two sold-out shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, delivering a masterclass in stand-up comedy to a captivated audience. Joe Santagato & Frank Alvarez (The Basement Yard) made their Vancouver debut with two energetic, improvisational performances that left a lasting impression. Social media sensation Nurse Johnil Nan captivated audiences with anecdotes inspired by her nursing career, cementing her status as Breakthrough Comedian of the Year. Kumajiani won over audiences by sharing her reflections on Canadian culture, her love for Vancouver, and hilarious stories about her cat, Bagel. Fan favorite Sugar Sammy set the Playhouse ablaze with four sold-out shows, blending hard-hitting interactions with brand-new material. Packed theaters and a buzzing city: Comedy fans flocked to Vancouver's most prestigious venues: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vogue Theatre, Rio Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse, Biltmore Cabaret, The Pearl, and Commodore Ballroom. Among the most popular acts were Pete Holmes, Harland Williams, Tim Dillon, Margaret Cho, Ashley Gavin, The Ryan & Amy Show, René Vaca, Preacher Lawson, and many more. Jiaoying Summers delivered a bold and hilarious performance at the Rio Theatre, brilliantly blending dark humor and cultural commentary. Sofía Niño de Rivera electrified the Vogue Theatre with a show entirely in Spanish, cementing her status as a leading figure in Latin American comedy. Erica Rhodes made a surprise appearance on Gianmarco Soresi's podcast, The Downside, offering a sharp and spontaneous exchange that had the audience roaring with laughter. CANADIAN TALENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT Canadian comedians shone brightly this year, proving once again that Canada is a true breeding ground for comedic talent: Ivan Decker and Alistair Ogden delivered memorable performances, marking their homecoming. Ahren Belisle, star of the fifth season of The New Wave of Standup, made a splash and was invited to perform at this year's festival. The Best of the West showcased 25 comedy shows from Western Canada, ranging from stand-up and improv to musicals and drag. INNOVATION AND INDUSTRY: THE CREATOR'S SERIES With support from Creative BC, The Creator's Series reached new heights this year, with several notable additions: The Family Comedy Stage, in collaboration with the Vancouver Public Library and Vancouver Civic Theatres, gave up-and-coming young comedians a chance to take the mic. Drop-In, Dropout Improv Classes, led by the stars of Dropout Improv, offered local artists and comedy fans a unique opportunity to hone their craft. Talent showcases featured nearly 40 British Columbia comedians performing for recruiters and industry professionals. Panels and networking events explored comedy in the digital age, audience growth, and strategies for breaking into the industry. THE REBOOT OF TELEVISION PRODUCTION: "NEW WAVE OF STAND-UP" In partnership with CBC, Just For Laughs Vancouver is also marking the return of television production with "New Wave of Stand-Up," an original series featuring 14 Canadian comedians. This production marks a key milestone in our multi-platform development strategy. It will offer increased visibility to emerging Canadian talent, which is now more important than ever, and helps solidify Just For Laughs as the leader in comedy across all formats and in supporting the next generation. BEYOND THE STAGE: COMEDY, SPORTS, AND GASTRONOMY The festival partnered with Destination Vancouver to offer artists unforgettable experiences in the city: Maddy Smith & Jason Cheny took on a hilarious sporting challenge with the Canadian Women's Rugby Sevens team before the Vancouver Sevens series. Gianmarco Soresi and Russell Daniels explored the flavours of Vancouver during a gourmet meal at Miku Restaurant. COMEDY FOR THE COMMUNITY Thanks to BCLC's community ticketing program, the festival donated tickets to local organizations, making comedy accessible to everyone. ONWARD TO JUST FOR LAUGHS MONTREAL! Following its resounding success in Vancouver and last month in Bermuda, Just For Laughs is now turning its attention to its flagship event: Just For Laughs Montreal, which will take place from July 16 to 27, 2025, and promises to be a landmark moment for the recovery, the industry, and our partners. ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS Founded in 1983, Just For Laughs is the world's leading comedy brand, organizing the world's largest comedy festival in Montreal. The brand has launched the careers of many renowned comedians and entertains millions of spectators each year through its festivals and productions broadcast in more than 150 countries. In addition to its live events, Just for Laughs produces shows, musicals and the ComedyPRO conference, an essential reference for the comedy industry.