Best comedy shows and festivals in Toronto
Toronto | The Second City
The number of famous comedians who got their start in the business in Toronto’s clubs, stages and media outlets is impressive, with icons like Jim Carrey, Russell Peters, Aliya Kanani, Gerry Dee, Samantha Bee, Eugene Levy, Will Arnett, Sabrina Jalees and even Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, all tracing their roots here. And the list continues to grow with new and up-and-coming comedians.
For locals and visitors alike, taking in a comedy show is one of the best things to do at night in Toronto. Prepare to laugh out loud at these comedy clubs and festivals in Toronto.
Comedy clubs
The Second City Toronto
Watch talented comic actors create scenes, characters and jokes on the spot at The Second City Toronto, one of the best Toronto comedy clubs and renowned for its improvisational comedy. The theatre’s unique blend of improvisational comedy and sketch performances, combined with insightful social commentary, attracts comedy lovers across the city. Not to mention, many successful comedians launched their careers at this theatre, including Dan Aykroyd and Martin Short.
While you’re at the show, enjoy a meal at The Bentwood. The restaurant serves fresh salads, sandwiches and poutine.
Find a show and purchase tickets.
Location: 110 Harbour Street, Toronto
Yuk Yuk’s Toronto
A well-known comedy club chain across Canada, Yuk Yuk’s has been a fixture in the city’s comedy scene for over 40 years and is one of the most famous Toronto comedy clubs. You’ll be seated in a cozy and intimate setting, close to the actors and with clear views of the stage. Many of the comedians interact with their audiences, giving you the chance to banter with them and personally connect with the show.
The club is known for providing a platform for emerging comedy talent, so it’s a great place to support up-and-coming comedians. Catch regular comedy shows and competitions such as “Rising Stars of Comedy,” “Yuk Yuk’s Legendary Amateur Night” and “Comedy Melting Pot” for a night of endless laughter.
In addition to the central Toronto location, find Yuk Yuk’s shows in London, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Burlington and Oshawa.
Location: 224 Richmond Street West, Toronto
Absolute Comedy Toronto
Witness the art of live stand-up comedy shows at Absolute Comedy Toronto. This classic comedy bar offers a wide range of comedic styles, ranging from one-liners to observational humour. Many of the comedians are local talent from the club’s close-knit comedy community.
Order food and drinks to your table during the show or purchase the Dinner Show Package, which includes à la carte or buffet-style dishes.
You’ll also find an Absolute Comedy club in Ottawa, the nation’s capital city.
Location: 2335 Yonge Street, Toronto
Comedy Bar
Founded in 2008, Comedy Bar began as the meeting place for the weekly, in-house sketch comedy show “Sunday Night Live” and has since become an iconic Toronto comedy bar. Popular comedians who have performed here include Tim Meadows, Janeane Garofalo and Marc Maron.
With the Toronto Comedy Bar open seven nights a week and about 363 days a year, over 150 shows are performed every month. Due to its popularity, a second theatre offers more experimental shows and developing comics. An affiliate club, Laugh Lounge in Ottawa, provides more entertainment.
Find a show and purchase tickets.
Locations:
945 Bloor Street West, Toronto
The Royal Theatre
Enjoy a night of memorable, high-quality comedy at the Royal Theatre. Its state-of-the-art facilities, quality customer service and vibrant atmosphere make the live comedy shows a standout experience for both performers and audiences. Whether you’re catching a touring headliner or up-and-coming talent, this renovated venue’s comfortable seats, top-notch acoustics and historic charm help create the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of laughter.
Find a show and purchase tickets.
Location: 608 College Street, Toronto
Backroom Comedy Club
This lively comedy club was created with the mission of cultivating emerging talent and helping performers take the next step toward wider recognition. The club is also known for its “TikTok” style comedy acts, featuring shorter performances that allow more performers to take the stage, keeping the shows dynamic and diverse. Attend a show from the club’s headliner series, which ranges from local up-and-coming talent to famous comedians who have toured all over Canada. Or come to Multilingual Comedy Hour on Saturday nights, featuring jokes in Turkish, Mandarin, French, Spanish and Desi.
Stop by the bar downstairs for craft beer, shooters and cocktails to enjoy during the show.
Find a show and purchase tickets.
Location: 814 Bloor Street West, Basement Unit, Toronto
The Comedy Lab
As Toronto’s first Black-owned comedy club, The Comedy Lab takes pride in the diversity of its performances and the hilarity of its acts. Catch a weekly show on Thursday, Friday or Saturday with talented comedians. If you want to test your own jokes or watch budding entertainers hone their skills, there are also open mic nights on Thursdays and Fridays.
Food and drinks are available from the bar upstairs.
Find a show and purchase tickets.
Location: inside Sultan Ahmet, 24 Alexander Street, Toronto
Comedy Nuggets
Comedy Nuggets is known for its new, fresh ideas to keep shows entertaining and imaginative formats that break the mould of the traditional stand-up and keep fans coming back.
Most comedy shows are held at SoCap Comedy on Danforth.
Find a show and purchase tickets.
Location: 154 Danforth Avenue, 2nd floor, Toronto
Comedy festivals and events
Just For Laughs Toronto
Every year, the Just For Laughs comedy festival arrives in Toronto with a diverse lineup of established and emerging comedians. Originally based in Montreal, this internationally renowned festival showcases stand-up, sketch comedy, improv and comedy theatre, presented by famous comedians from Canada and around the world. Discover special Toronto events, Q&A sessions and workshops hosted by industry professionals that give insight into the comedy industry and allow comedy lovers to talk to their favourite comedians.
This beloved Toronto comedy festival takes place over several days, with a variety of unique and experimental shows being held at venues throughout the city.
Date: September 24–October 3, 2026
Location: Multiple venues across Toronto
Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival was created to honour the city’s rich history and excellence in sketch comedy. It has since become one of the best Toronto festivals centred on comedy.
Also known as TOsketchfest, the main festival is held each March and exhibits over 10 days of live, scripted comedy by comedians from all across North America. During the rest of the year, you’ll have the opportunity to see shows by local and celebrity comedians, written by comedic writer-performers.
Date: Stay tuned for the 2027 dates
Location: Multiple venues across Toronto
Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, improv or sketch comedy, the city offers countless opportunities to enjoy world-class performances and discover emerging talent. With its rich comedic history and ever-growing roster of fresh voices, Toronto continues to solidify its reputation as a place for laughter, creativity and unforgettable entertainment.
Last updated: July 28, 2026