Laugh until your belly aches at Melbourne's famous comedy festival

Melbourne comedy festival

What do you think are the top three largest comedy festivals in the world? Edinburgh Fringe is definitely up there, most likely alongside Montreal's Just For Laughs. You don't have to travel all the way around the world to attend the festival rounding out our list of the biggest and best, however. Simply head to the Victorian capital to enjoy the famous Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which will be celebrated from March 25 to April 19 this year.

If you've ever wanted to experience a cultural event in Melbourne, this might just be the one for you.


Melbourne International Comedy Fest

The famous festival of Australia's 'comedy capital' first began back in 1987, started by Barry Humphries and Peter Cook. Since that time it has gone on to be one of the country's largest cultural events, with attendance numbers often hitting over 600,000! This is in large part thanks to the wealth of talent that take to the stage each year, but also because the ticket prices rarely exceed $27, making it extremely affordable.

So what can you see during the three and a half weeks?


Australian shows

Major local comedy festivals are not just an opportunity for international comedians to visit our shores and perform their latest shows, but also for local comedians - both veteran and up-and-coming - to boost their audience numbers and their careers.

This year there are literally hundreds of local shows you can experience in Melbourne. For example, you could see Hughesy (Dave Hughes) himself every single night of the event at The Comedy Theatre, as well as Wil Anderson and Jim Jefferies.


International shows

Of course, this type of spectacular showcase presents the opportune time to see some of your favourite personalities up close and in person!

Some of the many names performing this year are Arj Barker, Jimeoin, Josie Long, Jason Byrne, Katherine Ryan, Milton Jones and YouTube sensation Miranda Sings!


"What do you think are the top three largest comedy festivals in the world? Edinburgh Fringe is definitely up there, most likely alongside Montreal's Just For Laughs."


Other events

That's not to say there aren't plenty more shows other than stand-up comedy to see! The event is also filled with theatre, cabaret, special events and children's shows.

Make sure you don't miss the RAW Comedy National Grand Final to see who might be the next 'big thing', and take your kids along to award-winning Dr Brown and His Singing Tiger!

If you haven't booked all of your tickets yet, you can still do so by popping online to the festival's website, finding the shows you'd love to see and doing it all there and then! Alternatively, Ticketmaster can also book a variety of shows, if you'd prefer to go through them.


Melbourne information

If you're planning on organising Melbourne holiday accommodation for the event's duration, you might want to consider getting yourself a myki card. Myki is the city's digital ticketing system, and allows you to very easily access the range of public transport options available here without needing to fish into your wallet or purse for all those coins! These cards are available at 7-Eleven stores around the city, as well as certain bus and train interchanges.

Buses will get you from A to B with little trouble, but to experience something a little more unique, try hopping on the famous Melbourne Tram. It visits most locations in and around the CBD, so can get you to your chosen comedy venue both conveniently and with a little bit of excitement.

As for your accommodation itself, Mantra has a range of resort and hotel options available around Melbourne. Many of these great choices are situated right at the heart of the CBD, so it's well worth a look to find which is most convenient to the destinations you'd like to see.

Are you packed and ready to visit the Melbourne International Comedy festival yet?



Melbourne hotels

Mantra Southbank
Mantra Southbank

Modern apartments and an indoor heated pool, spa, gymnasium, wireless internet, 24 hour...Read More »


Mantra St Kilda Road
Mantra St Kilda Road

Apartments feature designer bathrooms, balconies with panoramic views over Melbourne and...Read More »


Mantra on Russell
Mantra on Russell

With 24-hour room service, heated pool and spa, wireless internet access and restaurant and bar...Read More »

Mantra on Little Bourke
Mantra on Little Bourke

Mantra on Little Bourke provides modern accommodation and facilities in the heart of Melbourne with...Read More »


Mantra 100 Exhibition
Mantra 100 Exhibition

Located in the center of Melbourne, with refurbished one and two bedroom apartments...Read More »


Mantra on the Park
Mantra on the Park

Apartments boast private balconies overlooking the city skyline, with spacious...Read More »


Popular Posts

Honolulu is a Hawaiian paradise! Discover the best things ... Continue Reading
Start planning your next school holidays getaway with these ... Continue Reading
From the Melbourne Zoo to Luna Park Melbourne, there ... Continue Reading
Ring in the New Year with fireworks, festivities and ... Continue Reading
Discover the best things to do in Sydney with ... Continue Reading
From world-class surf breaks on the North Shore to ... Continue Reading
From city attractions to Kakadu National Park and saltwater ... Continue Reading
Gateway to the Kimberley region, Broome is bursting with ... Continue Reading
Planning a city getaway? Check out our guide to ... Continue Reading
Arrive
Depart
Adults
Children
Infants