Wagga Wagga's favourite long weekend tradition is back, bigger, bolder and funnier than ever. Wagga Comedy Fest 2026 runs from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June across the Civic Theatre, Riverina Playhouse, the Laugh Lounge and E3 Artspace - four days, four venues, and more than 20 performances.
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris says audiences should plan to make the most of every single day.
"This lineup is completely ridiculous - in the best possible way," Ms Harris said.
"We've got big names, brilliant local talent, women absolutely killing it on stage, and shows that will genuinely surprise you. My advice? Don't just book the one show you recognise - dive in and try something new. That's what this festival is all about."
Tickets for selected shows are already on sale, with the full festival lineup available tomorrow, Tuesday 24 March from 10am.
The festival opens Thursday 4 June with trivia in the Laugh Lounge, the festival's social heartbeat, and the perfect way to ease into a very big few days.
Making his Wagga Wagga debut, Jimmy Rees brings In Reel Life to the Civic Theatre for two performances, joined by fellow first-timer Friendlyjordies; YouTube phenomenon, sharp political mind, and live? Unmissable.
Ross Noble, Tom Gleeson, Briefs Factory's Jealousss and Bearded Bingo hosted by the dazzling Shivannah contribute to a weekend comedy lineup that is, frankly, stacked.
Claire Harris said "this year's lineup of women in comedy is exceptional, Bron Lewis's CHAOS is already sold out. That says everything."
Claire Hooper, Alex Ward, Mel Buttle and Denise Scott complete the picture across Saturday and Sunday.
Local talent remains close to the festival's heart with The Clubhouse returning to the E3 Artspace across all four days, with Freeroam Theatre's Artistic Director, Jhi Raynor bringing local performers and his signature brand of improvised chaos to the space.
"Funny comes in a lot of forms. We are excited to be bringing you the most unpredictable one," Mr Raynor said.
"Come see what happens when brilliant performers have absolutely no idea what's coming next. Spoiler: it's chaos. Hilarious chaos."
For those who like their comedy with a side of fierce intellectual combat, The Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate returns with captains Jamie Way and Peter Casey going head-to-head before host Leigh Ryan on the topic: The Robots Are Taking Over — And We Deserve It. Come ready to laugh, argue and possibly reconsider your relationship with technology.
Crowd favourite Damian Callinan returns to Wagga Wagga with Unlikely Friends, where special guests and local talent reimagine the past in ways nobody saw coming.
Sunday is for the whole family. Trash Test Dummies is part comedy, part circus and entirely brilliant, the perfect way to launch into one final, glorious evening of the festival.
With staggered showtimes across all four days, catching more than one show each night is entirely possible…and highly recommended.
Some shows are already on sale, with the remaining to open for bookings at 10am, Tuesday 24 March 2026.
Book tickets at www.waggacomedyfest.com.au or call the Box Office on 6926 9688.
2026 Wagga Comedy Fest
June long weekend - 4 -7 June 2026
