3 March 2026
Darwin Comedy Festival returns on Thursday, 5 March and runs to Saturday, 7 March 2026.Comedy royalty, viral sensations, and emerging local talent will share the spotlight as the award-winning festival awaits results of national tourism awards.The event is supported by the Finocchiaro CLP Government through the Event Funding Program as part of efforts to grow visitation and support local jobs.
Top End hospitality providers have something to smile about as the second-ever Darwin Comedy Festival kicks off this Thursday night.
Australian comedy icons Denise Scott, Akmal, Lizzy Hoo, Em Rusciano and the Umbilical Brothers will pack out a long weekend of side-clutching laughs.
They'll be joined by viral sensations Mel Buttle, Jimmy Rees, Nat's What I Reckon, and Karen from Finance. Kevin Kropinyeri and the energetic, Darwin-based Amy Hetherington round out a cracking line-up.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby said that the event was a coup for hospitality vendors and for promoting the Territory's brand.
"It's no joke - Darwin Comedy Festival is a gamechanger for Darwin. Events like this bring in visitors beyond the peak tourist season, delivering a boost to our pubs, restaurants and retailers," Minister Boothby said.
"And it's not just about punchlines and pints - the festival puts the Top End on show as performers showcase the Territory on-stage and online. That's an invaluable kind of promotion."
"Right now, the world is taking notice of the Territory, and it's events like this help us keep that momentum going - to support local jobs and businesses and to grow our visitor economy."
Minister Boothby congratulated the AANT Centre for creating the festival, which is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Event Funding Program.
"Last year, the team were rightly awarded an NT Brolga Tourism Award for delivering an outstanding event. I bet they'll be checking their phones on Friday night as they compete at the national awards for the title of Best Festival or Event. We're certainly cheering them on."
The Darwin Comedy Festival will also feature the Final of Raw Comedy NT, pitting local comedians together. The winner will represent the Northern Territory at the national grand final of Raw Comedy, held at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival later this month.
For last-minute tickets and to find out more, visit: www.yourcentre.com.au.
