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鈥檚 one comedy fest that鈥檚 bound to tickle your funny fancy!
, 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鈥檚 biggest names and up-and-coming breakout comics in venues spanning across the city.
鈥淔or 2023, our team wanted to really elevate the experience for festival-goers,鈥� says festival director Heather Wallace. 鈥淲e鈥檝e curated a diverse and inclusive slate of programming that appeals to a variety of comedy interests and that everyone can truly enjoy.鈥�
From some of today鈥檚 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鈥檝e 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鈥檚 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. 鈥淭hese comedians are trailblazers in the industry, each with their own distinct style and audience,鈥� adds Wallace.
Other highlights on this year's festival program include Margaret Cho鈥檚 Live and Livid tour (celebrating the comedian鈥檚 40 years in stand-up comedy), an intimate 鈥業n Conversations鈥� event with Phil Rosenthal, and the JFL VANCOUVER debuts of Mike Rife and SNL鈥檚 Sarah Sherman.
鈥淐omedy, in many forms, has evolved over the past few years,鈥� says Wallace. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen a resurgence in people interested in standup since binge-watching comedy series and comedy specials, so we鈥檝e made sure to bring some of those familiar faces to our stages.鈥�
This year鈥檚 comedy festival will also showcase some of the biggest comedy podcasts. 鈥淣ew this year is the record number of live podcasts we鈥檙e hosting for the first time, including Bad Friends with Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino and And That鈥檚 Why We Drink,鈥� shares Wallace. 鈥淕irl 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.鈥�
JFL VANCOUVER - is also bringing back their Best of the West showcase. Presented by SiriusXM, this local series highlights Vancouver鈥檚 top talents and fastest rising comedians in the intimacy of the club setting.
鈥淔rom Ola Dada鈥檚 Black Out Comedy to Drag Brunch with The Established Shanda Leer, this lineup highlights the diversity of 麻豆传媒映画and provides distinct narratives that can only be found in B.C.,鈥� says Wallace.
Get in on all the laughs at Just For Laughs VANCOUVER this February! Visit for the full festival schedule and get your and today.
