Laughter is the best medicine, and as a shared experience, such as in a live comedy performance setting, it can be truly unforgettable.
Whether you prefer improv or sketch, or watch stand-up specials or listen to comedy podcasts religiously, there’s one comedy fest that’s bound to tickle your funny fancy!
Just For Laughs VANCOUVER, the comedy festival formerly known as JFL Northwest, is returning for its 7th year from February 16 to 25. Throughout 10 days worth of hilarious events, JFL VANCOUVER will host a stacked line-up of the comedy world’s biggest names and up-and-coming breakout comics in venues spanning across the city.
“For 2023, our team wanted to really elevate the experience for festival-goers,” says festival director Heather Wallace. “We’ve curated a diverse and inclusive slate of programming that appeals to a variety of comedy interests and that everyone can truly enjoy.”
From some of today’s most in-demand stars to viral TikTok sensations, audiences will get a chance to see their favourite comedic talents from across different entertainment mediums, whether they’ve been watching them on television for years, listening to their top-ranking podcasts, or following their antics on social media, live and in-person.
Some of the comedic powerhouses headlining this year’s festival include Office Ladies with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, Sarah Silverman, Jonathan Van Ness, Patton Oswalt, and Tim Dillon in his JFL VANCOUVER debut. “These comedians are trailblazers in the industry, each with their own distinct style and audience,” adds Wallace.
Other highlights on this year's festival program include Margaret Cho’s Live and Livid tour (celebrating the comedian’s 40 years in stand-up comedy), an intimate ‘In Conversations’ event with Phil Rosenthal, and the JFL VANCOUVER debuts of Mike Rife and SNL’s Sarah Sherman.
“Comedy, in many forms, has evolved over the past few years,” says Wallace. “We’ve seen a resurgence in people interested in standup since binge-watching comedy series and comedy specials, so we’ve made sure to bring some of those familiar faces to our stages.”
This year’s comedy festival will also showcase some of the biggest comedy podcasts. “New this year is the record number of live podcasts we’re hosting for the first time, including Bad Friends with Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino and And That’s Why We Drink,” shares Wallace. “Girl God, known for their surreal, interactive live performances with jokes drawn from their trans and queer perspective, is bound to be a big fan favourite.”
JFL VANCOUVER - is also bringing back their Best of the West showcase. Presented by SiriusXM, this local series highlights Vancouver’s top talents and fastest rising comedians in the intimacy of the club setting.
“From Ola Dada’s Black Out Comedy to Drag Brunch with The Established Shanda Leer, this lineup highlights the diversity of Vancouver and provides distinct narratives that can only be found in B.C.,” says Wallace.
Get in on all the laughs at Just For Laughs VANCOUVER this February! Visit JFLVancouver.com for the full festival schedule and get your show tickets and 3 Show+ Passes today.
