It’s finally that time of the year when comedians take over bars and local theatres, filling the city with joy and levity. Just For Laughs Toronto will run from September 18 to 27, boasting an exciting lineup of comedic talent, including headliners such as the humorous Sarah Millican and Montreal Festival hit performer Gina Yashere. 

According to President & CEO of Just For Laughs Sylvain Parent-Bédard, this year’s performers invite audiences to “share in the comedy spirit” with hilarious stand-up acts and live shows. Whether you head to the Comedy Bar on Bloor or make your way to the Elgin Theatre for an evening of fun and laughter, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across different parts of the city.

In order to help you decide on what acts and shows to check out, here is a curated list of women and non-binary comedians who are sure to bring out smiles with their jokes and signature wit. 

Brittany Schmitt

After playing clubs throughout the U.S. as Theo Von’s opening act, Brittany Schmitt is making a stop in Toronto and bringing her insidious and unapologetic humour with her. Comedy enthusiasts might know her from Comedy Central’s Stand-Up Featuring, Don’t Tell Comedy: Backyard Series. Schmitt also debuted her stand-up show, From Ho to Housewife, earlier this summer, with several clips from her performance going viral. More info.

When: September 18-20 at 9 PM

Where: Comedy Bar on Bloor

Zarna Garg

Zarna Garg is a comedy trailblazing Indian immigrant mom from New York City, and her wit and hilarious sets are often interwoven with pertinent social commentary. Through both her Prime Video special, One in a Billion, and her podcast The Zarna Garg Family Show, she offers humorous takes on modern family dynamics. Garg also opened for icons like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and participated in showcases like the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. More info.

When: September 19-20 at 7 PM

Where: Elgin Theatre

Sarah Millican

For those who have missed Sarah Millican’s sold-out performance in 2022, this is the time to watch her live in Toronto. The comedian is returning to the 6ix with an even bolder set inspired by her own growing up journey. Her latest stand-up show will make audiences cackle with stories about her being a late bloomer as well as jokes about how shy she used to be and how confidently loud she’s become. More info.

When: September 19-21 at 7 PM

Where: Meridian Hall

Abby Govindan

After making her comedy debut on Broadway when she was just 20, Abby Govindan has won audiences over with her unique sense of humour and comedic timing. From garnering a faithful online following to touring college campuses in the U.S. while still a student, Govindan proved she is one of the most interesting names in the current comedy scene. She went from an opening act to a headliner, and her new solo performance demonstrates her ability to make audiences laugh just as much IRL as on the internet. More info.

When: September 22 at 8:30 PM

Where: Comedy Bar on Danforth

Sabrina Wu

Also from New York, Sabrina Wu is an actor and an established comedian, who some may know from their supporting role in Joy Ride, a film that stars Ashley Park and Stephanie Hsu. One of Wu’s most recent accomplishments was writing episodes of Dying for Sex, an acclaimed limited series led by Michelle Williams. They have also been selected as one of the New Faces of Comedy by the Just For Laughs Festival in 2022, and will likely continue to bring the house down with their new stand-up show in this year’s edition of the festival. More info.

When: September 23 at 8:30 PM and September 24 @ 7pm

Where: Comedy Bar on Danforth and Comedy Bar on Bloor the following day

Two Dykes and a Mic 

One of the few comedic pairs gracing Just For Laughs 2025 is McKenzie Goodwin and Rachel Scanlon, the hosts of the Two Dykes and a Mic podcast. The dynamic duo will take the stage for a live show exuding queer joy. Through their podcast, Goodwin and Scanlon deliver “Gay News”, relationship advice, and dating horror stories that keep listeners coming back for more. They might be funny individually, but they are unstoppable when together. More info.

When: September 25-26 at 7 PM

Where: Comedy Bar on Danforth

Patti Harrison

After breaking out of the NYC comedy scene, Patti Harrison continued to expand her comedic prowess across different creative avenues. She’s had a few onscreen supporting roles in titles like A Simple Favor and Poker Face, wrote episodes of Big Mouth, and voiced Tail Chief in Raya and the Last Dragon. Deemed one of funniest people in entertainment right now, Harrison’s ironic and zany humour will make for a high-spirited night out for audiences in attendance. More info.

When: September 26 at 7 PM

Where: Bluma Appel Theatre

Gina Yashere

Internationally acclaimed comedian and one of the creative minds behind CBS’s Bob Hearts Abishola, Gina Yashere knows how to bring smiles out with her captivating stand-up shows. For those who haven’t seen her live before, you can catch a glimpse of her charisma and wit in her stand-up special Laughing to America. In addition to her comedic performances, Yashere is also starring in the new Star Trek series, Starfleet Academy, set to premiere in 2025. More info.

When: September 27 at 7PM and 9 PM

Where: Comedy Bar on Bloor

Maria Bamford

Comedy legend Maria Bamford is a must-see performer at this year’s Just For Laughs Festival. The first female comic to have two half-hour specials on Comedy Central, Bamford is a notable voice in experimental comedy, often talking about mental illness in her stand-up showcases. Bamford also wrote a New York Times best-selling memoir entitled Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult, and stars in the semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite. More info.

When: September 27 at 7 PM

Where: Bluma Appel Theatre