Long weekend laughs: the best shows at Sydney Comedy Festival this weekend

Make the most of the long weekend at some of the hottest shows, from Gala Nights to individual stand-up shows, at Sydney Comedy Festival this weekend.

Sydney Comedy Festival made its comeback this week for its 20th anniversary, and the program already has Sydney’s sides splitting with laughter. Gala nights have been taking place at venues across the city all week but that’s just the beginning. As Australia enjoys another long weekend, there’s even more opportunity to explore the city’s comedy scene and take a seat at one of the rollicking shows.

1. Sydney Comedy Festival Gala Night at Sydney Opera House

It’s the big one: the final Gala Night of the week will take the roof off at Sydney Opera House with a lineup of the Festival’s hottest acts, all piled into one incredible show. International stars, Aussie legends and the next-big-things in comedy will take to the stage for one of Sydney’s top comedy events.

A few solitary circle seats remain, or several in boxes.

Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, April 25 from 8pm.
Price: From $99.90

2. Sara Pascoe: I Am A Strange Gloop

Sara is the British comedian you’ll likely have seen on Taskmaster, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Mock the Week or as co-host of Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club podcast. She recently performed this show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, so the gags will be sufficiently warmed up and refined.

Have you ever been awake in the middle of the night and thought something so smart and astute that you couldn’t wait for the world to wake up so you could tell them? This show is that though. Containing unfiltered truth, unexpected laughter and zero domestic perfection from the hilarious mother, wife and comedian.

Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Saturday, 26 April 2025 at 7:15pm
Price: From $59.90.

3. Rhys Darby: The Legend Returns

As the name suggests, the Kiwi icon is back on the stage with a brand new stand-up show for 2025. In a world full of AI and robot tech can a simple dad with slightly tight jeans stay relevant? Rhys hopes to prove that a touch of very human silliness is more important than ever before. Perhaps his unique human skills that were once considered absurd, might just be useful after all!

Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Friday, April 25 at 7:15pm.
Price: $71.30.

4. Drew Lynch: The Faking It Tour

Drew captured the hearts of America with his Golden Buzzer performance on season 10 of America’s Got Talent, where he finished in second place. Since then, he’s amassed millions of followers on social media, while touring the world non-stop. From sold-out shows to appearances on some of the most downloaded podcasts, his unique takes on pop culture and news headlines, and his experiences as a travelling comic provide plenty of gags.

Where: Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.
When: Saturday, April 26 from 7pm.
Price: $59.90.

5. Comedy Gala on the Green

Hopefully the weather holds out for this free outdoor gala in Tumbalong Park—although they’re down to the wait list now, so hopefully a few rain showers mean people give up their tickets!

Add your name to the guestlist and keep your fingers crossed as the lineup includes Jimmy Rees, Sara Pascoe, Drew Lynch, Dave Hughes, Aunty Donna, Nick Cody and loads more. Bring a picnic blanket, grab food from the pop-up bar and enjoy some of the Festival’s best comedians as the sun sets (or the rain falls).

Where: Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Comedy gala 4:30pm-6pm; Furnace & The Fundamentals 6:15pm-7:15pm; special guest DJ 7:15pm-8:30pm.
Price: Free—join the waitlist here.

6. Great Laugh in the Park

This one’s for all the family. Head down to Tumbalong Park on Saturday for a jam-packed day of laughter, fun and performances that everyone will enjoy. Hosted by Jimmy Rees (Giggle & Hoot) with Dorothy the Dinosaur (The Wiggles), The Listies (ABC Kids) and heaps more, it’s THE family event of the festival.

Don’t miss the acrobatic in the circus tent, comedy in the Giggle Garden and learn new skills in the Circus Playground. Dress up with face painting and temporary tattoos too, before refueling at the food trucks.

Where: Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, April 26 from 12pm.
Price: Free—join the waitlist.

7. Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase

The funniest and freshest acts of the Comedy Festival are handpicked and squeezed into one hilarious lineup. The Showcase takes place on various nights throughout the Festival’s duration, with two performances this weekend. There’s an added bonus too, as every ticket includes a drink voucher.

Where: The Comedy Store, Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: Friday, April 25 at 9:40pm and Saturday, April 26 at 9:40pm.
Price: $55.