NEED A GOOD LAUGH?
NEED A GOOD LAUGH?
NEED A GOOD LAUGH?
(cue the theme song…)
THE FESTIVAL IS BACK!
JUST FOR LAUGHS Montréal runs July 16-27
Comedians Tom Segura, Russell Peters, Fortune Feimster, Michelle Buteau, Adam Ray, Kumail Nanjiani, Mae Martin and more to attend this year’s comedy fest
Tickets on Sale Now for Members; Public Sales Begin May 12
For the full festival schedule and ticketing details, visit HAHAHA.COM.
Montréal, QC – May 8, 2025
Today at a press conference in Montréal, Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO of Just For Laughs, announced the highly anticipated return of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montréal, running July 16 to 27, 2025. This year’s edition welcomes comedians Tom Segura, Russell Peters, Adam Ray, Fortune Feimster, Michelle Buteau, Kumail Nanjiani and Mae Martin, among others, marking the beginning of a bold new era for the Festival.
With an incredible programming lineup featuring exclusive performances, international talent, major premieres and returning favourites, the 2025 Festival promises to be one of the most memorable in Just For Laughs’ renowned history. Montréal will once again serve as a global hub for comedy drawing acclaimed performers, standout comedic voices, rising stars, and fans from around the world to experience the transformative power of laughter and creativity. Performances will take place at the Quartier des Spectacles and iconic venues including Place des Arts, Le Gesù, L’Olympia, Théâtre Saint-Denis, Espace Saint-Denis, MTelus, Club Soda and Studio TD.
Previously announced media partnerships will see some of the Festival’s most popular programs, the JUST FOR LAUGHS GALAS and ROAST BATTLE CANADA, taped before live audiences to air on CBC and CTV Comedy Channel & Crave respectively, bringing the laughs to comedy fans across Canada.
This year’s lineup also features can’t-miss solo performances from comedy heavyweights alongside returning favourites offering something for every comedy enthusiast.
“Just For Laughs is back — and this moment is one of true gratitude.
As we find our voice again, we do so with heart, humility, and profound gratitude.
To all the artists, agents, managers, producers, broadcasters, sponsors, governments, and — more than anyone — the fans who support us and believe in the power of laughter: thank you.
This return isn’t ours alone.
It’s a collective achievement.
A shared belief that comedy has the power to unite, soothe, and inspire — now more than ever.
Let’s keep building, together.
Let’s keep laughing, together.”
- Sylvain Parent-Bédard, Just For Laughs president and CEO
Highlights of the 2025 Just For Laughs Festival Montréal include:
TWO INCREDIBLE FREE OUTDOOR SHOWS AT PLACE DES FESTIVALS
TOM SEGURA: COME TOGETHER
Place Des Festivals
July 26 at 9pm
Actor/Comedian/Writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business. Tom’s previous tour, I’m Coming Everywhere World Tour, played over 300 shows and his hit podcasts Your Mom’s House which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, 2 Bears 1 Cave which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, draw millions of listeners each week.. He is currently selling out venues all over the world on his Come Together tour, andJust For Laughs is closing out the Festival with a bang with this amazing free show.
ADAM RAY IS DR. PHIL LIVE
Place Des Festivals
July 24 at 9pm
With over 10 million views online, Dr. Phil LIVE has become one of the most fun things to see in comedy. From comedian/actor Adam Ray (Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Barbie Movie, MadTV, Hacks, Pam & Tommy, The Heat) the live show provides a wild late night feel with crowd interactions, standup, huge celebrity guests, surprise characters, and hilarious moments you can’t see anywhere else.
EXCLUSIVE TV TAPINGS
JUST FOR LAUGHS GALAS in partnership with CBC
Théâtre Maisonneuve
July 25 – 26, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
The iconic Just For Laughs Galas deliver stand-up comedy’s biggest international nights. Hosted by Fortune Feimster (July 26 @ 6:30 PM) and Michelle Buteau (July 25 @ 9:30 PM) with two hosts yet to be announced, each Gala features a curated mix of global stars and breakout voices from across the comedy spectrum. Taped live at Théâtre Maisonneuve, the shows capture the electric energy, sharp writing, and international flair that have made Just For Laughs a premier comedy destination for fans and industry alike. Presented in partnership with CBC.
“The CBC Galas at Just For Laughs have long been a defining moment for so many Canadian and international comedians,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content. CBC. “They offer a national platform for standout emerging and established talent, and a chance to be part of a celebrated comedy tradition that CBC is proud to play a part in. We’re excited to continue to share these performances with audiences across the country.”
In addition, Big Yellow Taxi Productions returns to Montreal this summer to curate Season 23 the of JFL Montreal TV series for Australia and New Zealand. Playing across multiple platforms including WBD, Paramount+ and Network 10, Just for Laughs continues to draw large TV audiences for its host broadcasters “down under”.
ROAST BATTLE CANADA in partnership with Bell Media
Espace St-Denis
July 20 – 22, 5pm – 8pm – 10:30pm
Roast Battle Canada’s fifth scorched-earth season will be filmed for the first time ever this year at the Festival. Judges Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees, and K. Trevor Wilson return with their signature mix of wit and brutal honesty. Hosted by the razor-sharp Ennis Esmer, the series sees Canada’s boldest comics go head-to-head in savage insult battles where no punchline is off-limits. Roast Battlers to be announced soon. Produced in association with Bell Media.
“We are excited to bring a new season of Roast Battle Canada to The Just For Laughs Montreal Festival,” said Carlyn Klebuc, General Manager, Original Programming, Bell Media. “Roast Battle Canada showcases and provides a platform for some of the sharpest and quickest minds in Canadian comedy, and filming during the Festival allows us to capture the incredible energy and spirit it creates.”
ACCLAIMED CONCERTS AND SOLO SHOWS
Some of the biggest names and most relevant brands in comedy will be making stops at the Festival this year, giving Montreal audiences and tourists alike a taste of whatever flavour of comedy they seek.
KUMAIL NANJIANI
L’Olympia
July 26 at 7pm
Following his sold out shows at JFL VANCOUVER, former JFL New Face turned Marvel movie star Kumail Nanjiani returns to perform stand-up in Montreal. Kumail is an Oscar-nominated writer, Emmy-nominated actor, and critically acclaimed producer and comedian. Catch him for one night only at L’Olympia this summer in Montreal.
MAE MARTIN & FRIENDS
L’Olympia
July 25 at 9:30pm
MAE MARTIN is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and producer who currently hosts the smash hit comedy podcast HANDSOME alongside Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster, and can be seen in OUTSTANDING: A COMEDY REVOLUTION, a Netflix documentary which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival that explores the history of LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy and its importance as an instrument for social change over the past five decades. They rose to fame as the star of their own Netflix series FEEL GOOD, and are back from hosting a Just For Laughs Gala in 2023 to present an amazing evening at L’Olympia, surrounded by some great, funny friends.
RUSSELL HOWARD LIVE
L’Olympia
July 24 at 7pm
After the global success of writing and starring in 182 episodes of The Russell Howard Hour (Sky) and Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC) combined, plus six stand-up specials, with clips amassing over 1 billion views on social media and selling 1.5 million tickets to his gigs worldwide so far, Russell Howard is back on the road once again with his fourth and biggest world tour to date, Russell Howard Live. Russell Howard Live has already seen him perform runs in the UK, Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand.
NICK MOHAMMED IS MR. SWALLOW: SHOW PONY
Le Gesù
July 23 – 26, 7pm – 9:30pm
Ted Lasso star and Taskmaster UK loser Nick Mohammed brings his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow to Just For Laughs Montreal for the first time with his brand-new show: Show Pony. Recently seen on Amazon Prime’s hit show Last One Laughing UK, Mr. Swallow has also appeared on numerous episodes of Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown with many of his performances in Dictionary Corner going viral. Show Pony has been described by Mr. Swallow as “a golden opportunity for anyone who didn’t come to the last tour” and “my most personal/libelous show to date” and will cover everything from not having his own sitcom to not having his own sitcom… and everything in between (critical race theory). Expect magic, music and a whole load of brand-new mistakes.
DANNY BHOY: DEAR WORLD
Le Gesù
July 22 – 27, 7pm – 9:30pm
Scottish comedy superstar Danny Bhoy returns to Just For Laughs Montreal! From his first appearance here back in 2003, Danny quickly became a favourite with Canadian audiences. He now regularly sells out some of the biggest theatres across the whole country with his unique observational storytelling style of comedy. In a comedy landscape littered with social media, Danny has built up a worldwide following largely through the most reliable platform of them all, word of mouth. In 2025, fresh from it’s completely sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, he brings his latest show ‘Dear World…’ to our shores. It’s the sequel to his 2015 smash hit show ‘Dear Epson…’ which he describes as a hybrid of stand up and theatre, and it’s sure to delight audiences in Canada as much as it did in his hometown.
DROPOUT IMPROV
L’Olympia
July 26 at 9:30pm
From the minds behind Dropout comes an evening of improv, minigames, and off-the-wall shenanigans. Hosted by Kurt Maloney, and featuring the improv talents of Kimia Behpoorni, Jeremy Culhane, Lou Wilson, Jacob Wysocki, and Scott Passarella.
SMOSH READS REDDIT STORIES
L’Olympia
July 26, 4pm
Smosh Reads Reddit Stories is coming to you LIVE in Montreal! Join host Shayne Topp (33m) and his friends from Smosh as they delve into Reddit's wildest stories and updates, share their own hilarious commentary, and more. Mark your calendars & get your pancakes out - this is one live show you DON'T want to miss.
BRAD WILLIAMS
MTelus
July 24 at 9:30pm
Pound for pound, Brad Williams is the funniest comedian in the continent right now and has become one of the most in-demand comedians working today. Williams started doing stand-up comedy as a teenager and has been touring successfully ever since, routinely selling out prestigious venues all over the country and world. In addition to stand-up and acting, Williams co-created and co-hosted one of the most successful podcasts in the world, with friend and fellow comic Adam Ray, entitled About Last Night, which was always a mainstay on the iTunes charts during their five-year run. (Fun fact: Brad has also received a standing ovation at every Just For Laughs Gala he has ever performed on)
RACHID BADOURI: THE TALE OF THE SYRIAN DRAGON
Club Soda
July 23 at 9:30pm
Celebrated French-Canadian stand-up comedian Rachid Badouri, renowned for captivating audiences in French across the globe with three specials and over 1 million tickets sold in 10 countries, is set to make his ground-breaking English debut. Known for his humour and captivating stage presence, Rachid brings a fresh perspective to stand-up comedy, blending cultural anecdotes with his vibrant energy.
UPDATING
Club Soda
July 25, 7pm
UPDATING is the critically acclaimed New York City-based live dating & comedy show bringing two singles on blindfolded first dates in front of live audiences. Dubbed “the most raw dating show in existence,” what follows is a hilarious show with audience participation, raw moments, and relatable feedback on modern romance in real-time with real people. Reality TV…unfolding & unedited on stage! Created, Produced, and Hosted by NYC-based comedians, Brandon Berman & Harrison Forman.
NINA CONTI
Studio TD
July 22, 9:30pm
Virtuoso ventriloquist, BAFTA nominee and British Comedy Award winner Nina Conti returns with a brand new live show ‘Whose Face Is It Anyway?’ Following countless five star reviews at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe where she debuted the show, and fresh from sell-out runs in London’s West End and New York, and a sold-out national UK tour this Spring. With her beloved monkey in tow, join Conti for ‘Whose Face Is It Anyway?’ as she presents an unparalleled, unscripted new show that delves deep into who we are, hijacking faces to spark a bold, hysterical reality warp.
CAT COHEN
Studio TD
July 23, 9:30pm
Actress, comedian, singer and writer, the glamorous Catherine Cohen can be seen in Season 4 of the award-winning Hulu series ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, as well as in the Netflix series GIRLS5EVA alongside Ashley Park and Sara Bareilles. She starred in THE FRENCH ITALIAN which premiered this year at The Tribeca Film Festival. In 2022, Catherine dropped her first Netflix comedy special, called "The Twist …? She’s Gorgeous" to rave reviews and in August of 2019 won the coveted title of Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival.
CLUB SERIES: RETURNING FAN FAVOURITES
NEW FACES OF COMEDY: STAND-UPS AND CHARACTERS
Espace St-Denis
July 23 – 24, 7pm – 9:30pm
The New Faces showcase is one of the most anticipated events at the Festival, with a long-standing track record of launching comedy’s biggest stars, in both stand-up and sketch. Alumni include global icons like Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, Tim Robinson, and Kumail Nanjiani, Saturday Night Live cast members like Jimmy Fallon, Pete Davidson, and Heidi Gardner, as well as Canadian Comedy Award winner DeAnne Smith, and Letterkenny’s K. Trevor Wilson. Recent New Faces include rising stars like Derrick Stroup, Leslie Liao, and Marcello Hernandez, whose stand-up sets have racked up millions of views online.
THE NASTY SHOW
Club Soda
July 16 – 22, 9:30pm – 11:59pm
The Nasty Show is back! A Festival staple for decades, this show once again promises to be its filthiest and most shocking show, pushing boundaries and encouraging audiences to check their political correctness at the door… let go, and laugh! This summer’s lineup is hosted by stand-up comedian and viral sensation Che Durena and features a killer lineup including Jiaoying Summers, Reggie, Conquest, Jay Jurden, Amos Gill, and more!
JFL CULTURE SHOW
Club Soda
July 16 – 22, 7pm
JFL’s long tradition of breaking stereotypes and boundaries with comedy continues with The Culture Show. Hosted by comedian and actor Asif Ali (Deli Boys, WandaVision, The Mandalorian) and featuring former New Face Andrea Jin, and from Frankie Quiñones (What We Do In The Shadows) and more, this cultural melting pot for comedy has become a Festival staple, hilariously tearing down barriers and bringing people closer together.
BRIT(ISH)
Studio TD
July 23 – 26, 7pm
Get ready to cross the pond (ish) without leaving the city. Brit(ish) is a comedy showcase celebrating the sharp wit, dry humour, and distinctive style of top-tier comedians from Britain, but could also include friends from Ireland, or elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Hosted this year by acclaimed UK comedian Ed Gamble, co-host of the award-winning mega-hit podcast Off Menu, the show offers a fresh, hilarious perspective from some of the funniest voices in comedy today.
MIDNIGHT SURPRISE
Studio TD
July 23 – 26, 11:59pm
The Midnight Surprise Show is one of the Festival’s most exciting and unpredictable events, offering a high-energy, spontaneous experience for both performers and audiences. As you might expect, the show is typically held at midnight and features a surprise lineup of top-tier comedians, many of whom may be performing impromptu sets or testing new material. You never know who might drop in!
Additional programming details—including the full festival schedule, free outdoor shows, daytime ComedyPRO sessions, The Just For Laughs Awards show, New Faces: Writers and New Faces: Creators showcases, fireside chats, keynotes, fan events, and screenings of Just For Laughs Shorts and Pilots—will be announced in the coming weeks. (a.k.a we’re just getting started!)
TICKET INFORMATION
EXCLUSIVE PRESALE – JUST FOR LAUGHS MEMBERS
Tickets are on sale now via exclusive presale for Just For Laughs Members. Members save 30% from Thursday, May 8 through Monday, May 12 at 12:00pm on select shows. Become a Just For Laughs Member at HAHAHA.COM.
GENERAL PUBLIC ONSALE
The general public can take advantage of a limited-time 20% discount on select shows from Monday, May 12 at 12:00pm to Monday, May 19 at 12:00pm.
All remaining tickets will be available at regular price beginning Monday, May 19 at 12:00pm.
Tickets can be purchased and the complete Just For Laughs Montréal schedule found at HAHAHA.COM.
JUST FOR LAUGHS PARTNERS
The Just for Laughs Festival Montréal is extremely thankful for the support of its partners: Énergir, Belle Gueule, Distillerie des Appalaches, YUL Aéroport de Montréal, and its official broadcast partners CBC, Crave, CTV Comedy Channel, Bell Media, ICI Télé, ICI TOU.TV, TVA, illico+, Noovo, TV5, UnisTV, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount +, Network 10, CANAL+, France Télévision, and the Canada Media Fund. The Festival would also like to recognize the financial support of the Gouvernment du Québec, the Government of Canada, the Ville de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, the Quartier des spectacles, Montréal centre-ville and la Place des Arts, without which none of this would have been possible.
ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS
Created in 1983, Just For Laughs is a world leader in comedy. Just For Laughs organises numerous festivals, including the world's largest comedy festival in Montréal. The company has launched the careers of many renowned comedians and entertained millions of spectators each year through its festivals and content broadcast in more than 150 countries. Just For Laughs manages the careers of artists and produces shows, musicals, television series and films. Just For Laughs is a leading brand of the Just For Entertainment Group which, since its foundation in 1997, has established itself as an international leader in creating a world of entertainment. Just For Entertainment was historically known as ComediHa!
Images from today’s press conference can be found HERE.
Connect with Just For Laughs:
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- Instagram: @justforlaughs
- YouTube: @justforlaughs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/justforlaughs/
Media Contact:
Touchwood PR
[email protected]