It’s the funniest time of year in Toronto! For the next 9 days, some of the world’s top comedians will perform at venues across the city, bringing some much-needed laughter to the people of Toronto.
From September 24 to October 3, Just For Laughs Toronto presents a stellar lineup of comedy legends, viral sensations, and local favourites with stars like Pete Davidson, Tiffany Haddish, and Sasha Velour.
There’s more to see at Just For Laughs than just traditional stand-up shows—the acts featured this year include live podcasts, comedic stage shows, and innovative live experiences. With dozens of acts to choose from, here are 8 of the performances at the iconic festival that you won’t want to miss.
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Clash Talk: A Competitive Talk Show with Good Noticings
Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton, hosts of the pop culture podcast Good Noticings, are bringing us a new live panel show. In Clash Talk, Claire and Ashley will interview, bond, and clash with special guests…and the audience will vote on the winner of the talk show. Known for their rapid-fire reviews of the latest fiction, music, movies, and TV, this comedy duo is bringing their thoughtful pop culture analysis and sharp banter to the stage. More info.
When: September 25
Where: Randolph Theatre
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Rachel Feinstein
Actress and comedian Rachel Feinstein will perform three shows during JFL Toronto’s opening weekend! Feinstein’s latest Netflix stand-up special, Big Guy, explored her delightfully chaotic life as the wife of a firefighter, a mother, and a comedian, featuring plenty of her signature comedic impersonations. You may also know her from Red Oaks, Crashing, the series Life & Beth, where she starred alongside Amy Schumer, or feature films Trainwreck and I Feel Pretty. More info.
When: September 25-27
Where: Danforth Comedy Bar
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Tiffany Haddish
Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actress, comedian, and author Tiffany Haddish will perform for one night in Toronto as part of Just For Laughs. Known for the smash hit comedy Girls Trip, her unscripted docuseries Tiffany Goes Off, her comedy special Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah, and much more, don’t miss a night of comedy with this hilarious seasoned performer. More info.
When: September 26
Where: Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
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Stef Dag
Brooklyn-based comedian, writer, and actor Stef Dag will be performing for two nights this weekend as part of JFL Toronto. You may know her as the host of the viral digital dating show Hot & Single, in which she probes singles about their dating habits, Relationship Rehab, where she gives the world’s worst couples therapy, or I’ll Go If You Go, her new podcast with Gabby Bryan. More info.
When: September 26 & 27
Where: Comedy Bar Bloor
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Tracy & Martina
These two besties from Cape Breton are back! After launching their mockumentary, Tracy & Martina: Goin’ Out West at the Inside Out Festival earlier this year, this iconic comedy duo is returning for more. As the hosts of one of Canada’s biggest comedy podcasts, Tracy and Martina love to have fun and are experts at partying on a dime. These two always manage to find the glamour in everyday life. More info.
When: October 1
Where: Bluma Appel Theatre
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Sasha Velour – Travesty
Travesty is more than just a drag show. Part performance art, part history, and part call to action, Sasha Velour invites you to experience the cycle of existence, resistance, and camp that is drag. Through a series of jaw-dropping lip syncs, Velour traces the secret queer history of one spot throughout time—from a witch burning in a field to a clown building a theatre to an underground gay bar rising up against the police. Since winning Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, this will be the third show she has toured around the world, and her most experimental yet. More info.
When: October 2
Where: Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
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Lauren & Mary Show
At the Lauren & Mary Show, best friends Lauren Lapkus and Mary Holland invite you to an evening of unforgettable improv based on shared stories. You’ll likely recognize these multi-talented women from your screens: Lapkus has acted in The Big Bang Theory, Orange is the New Black, and The Earliest Show, while Holland has appeared in Ghosts, Nightbitch, The Woman in the House, and was a co-writer and co-star of the holiday movie Happiest Season. More info.
When: October 3
Where: Randolph Theatre
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Monét X Change
You may recognize Monét X Change from Season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, but now she’s bringing her biting humour and explosive energy to her hour-long comedy show, High Heels, Worn-Up Knees. In this wild, fast-paced, and irreverent stand-up, Monét reflects on everything from package thieves to growing up and accepting your joints. This queen’s heels are high, and her knees pay the price. More info.
When: October 3
Where: Bluma Appel Theatre
View the full lineup of performers at Just For Laughs Toronto on their website.
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