New Zealand International Comedy Festival

Hold your sides in readiness - the funniest month of the year is back. The 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo, is here to dish up non-stop laughs between 1 – 24 May. It’s a special festival for Wellington as it celebrates 30 years in the city. More than 150 hometown heroes, rising stars, and international heavyweights will walk on to stages across the city. Combined they create hundreds of laugh-out-loud performances.

Leading the charge is the jewel in the festival crown, the Best Foods Comedy Gala. This year it’s hosted by Dai Henwood. Another thing to look forward to is Late Laughs at The Hannah. The laughter will roll late into the night every Friday and Saturday as multiple comedians endeavour to make you giggle. There are also special satellite gigs in Kāpiti, Petone, and Porirua.

The comedy stages abroad deliver a rich crop of talent this year, including Jake Lambert, Jessie Nixon, Elouise Eftos, Felicity Ward, He Huang, and Elf Lyons. Also grab a ticket to Kiwi comedians like Tom Sainsbury, Paddy Gower, Hayley Sproull, Joe Daymond, and Angella Dravid.

That’s a lot of funny to pack into three weeks, so clear your calendar, grab your mates, and prepare your belly for the laughs.