Are you ready to laugh your socks off? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024 is coming soon, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. This is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about the festival, from the best shows to see, to the best places to hang out, to the best tips and tricks to plan your trip. Whether you’re a comedy fan, a culture lover, or a curious traveller, you’ll find something to tickle your funny bone at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024.
How to Plan Your Trip to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024 will run from March 27 to April 21, with hundreds of shows happening across dozens of venues in the city. The festival is one of the largest and most prestigious comedy events in the world, attracting over a million visitors every year. To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to do some planning ahead.
First, you’ll need to book your tickets. The festival website has a handy search function that lets you browse by date, time, venue, genre, and price. You can also filter by categories such as family-friendly, international, musical, sketch, stand-up, and more. You can book online, by phone, or in person at the festival box office. Some shows sell out fast, so don’t delay!
Next, you’ll need to find accommodation. Melbourne has plenty of options to suit every budget and preference, from hotels and hostels, to apartments and Airbnb. Alternatively, you can explore the suburbs and neighbourhoods of Melbourne, such as St Kilda, Fitzroy, or South Yarra, where you’ll find more local charm and character.
Finally, you’ll need to get around the city. Melbourne is well-connected by public transport, with trams, trains, and buses covering most areas. You can use the myki card to pay for your fares, which you can buy and top up at stations, shops, or online. You can also use apps like Google Maps, PTV, or Tram Tracker to plan your routes and check timetables. If you prefer to cycle, you can use the Melbourne Bike Share system, which has stations around the city. You can also walk, as Melbourne is a very pedestrian-friendly city, with plenty of laneways, arcades, and street art to discover.
The Best Shows to See at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
With so many shows to choose from, you might feel overwhelmed by the options. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best shows to see at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024, sorted by categories. Whether you’re looking for rising stars, local superstars, international superstars, or weird, wacky and wonderful, you’ll find something to suit your taste and mood.

The Rising Stars of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
If you want to catch the next big thing in comedy, look no further than the rising stars of the festival. These are the new and emerging comedians who are making waves in the industry, with fresh and original material, and a lot of potential. Here are some of the rising stars to watch out for:
Alice Fraser: Alice Fraser is a comedian, writer, and podcaster, who combines smart and witty humour with heartfelt and honest stories. Her show, Chronos, is a hilarious and poignant exploration of time, memory, and identity, with a twist of sci-fi and fantasy.
Demi Lardner: Demi Lardner is a comedian, actor, and writer, who is known for her absurd and surreal humour, and her quirky and energetic persona. Her show, Ditch Witch 800, is a wild and wacky ride through her imagination, with a mix of sketches, songs, and silliness.
Tom Ballard: Tom Ballard is a comedian, broadcaster, and activist, who is known for his sharp and satirical humour, and his political and social commentary. His show, Enough, is a biting and brilliant critique of the state of the world, and the role of comedy in it.
The Local Superstars of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
If you want to support the homegrown talent, look no further than the local superstars of the festival. These are the best Australian comedians who are making a name for themselves in the country and beyond, with hilarious and relatable material, and a lot of charisma. Here are some of the local superstars to watch out for:

Hannah Gadsby: Hannah Gadsby is a comedian, writer, and actor, who is known for her groundbreaking and award-winning show, Nanette, which challenged the conventions and expectations of comedy, and tackled issues such as trauma, identity, and art. Her show, Douglas, is a follow-up to Nanette, and a continuation of her journey of self-discovery and expression. You can book your tickets here.
Wil Anderson: Wil Anderson is a comedian, broadcaster, and writer, who is known for his witty and insightful humour, and his topical and relevant jokes. His show, Wilegal, is a hilarious and honest account of his arrest and trial for disrupting a flight, and a reflection on his life and career. You can book your tickets here.
Celia Pacquola: Celia Pacquola is a comedian, actor, and writer, who is known for her charming and clever humour, and her roles in TV shows such as Rosehaven, Utopia, and Dancing with the Stars. Her show, All Talk, is a funny and frank look at her life and experiences, from dating and dancing, to anxiety and ageing. You can book your tickets here.
The International Superstars of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
If you want to see the best of the best in comedy, look no further than the international superstars of the festival. These are the world-class comedians who are making waves in the global scene, with hilarious and diverse material, and a lot of fame and acclaim. Here are some of the international superstars to watch out for:
Trevor Noah: Trevor Noah is a comedian, broadcaster, and writer, who is known for his role as the host of The Daily Show, and his bestselling memoir, Born a Crime. His show, Loud and Clear, is a hilarious and insightful take on the current affairs and culture of the world, from his unique perspective as a South African living in America.
Ricky Gervais: Ricky Gervais is a comedian, actor, and writer, who is known for his roles in TV shows such as The Office, Extras, and After Life, and his controversial and provocative humour. His show, SuperNature, is a hilarious and outrageous exploration of the absurdity and hypocrisy of human behaviour, and the wonders and horrors of nature.
Ali Wong: Ali Wong is a comedian, actor, and writer, who is known for her Netflix specials, Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife, and her roles in movies such as Always Be My Maybe and Birds of Prey. Her show, The Milk and Money Tour, is a hilarious and honest look at her life and experiences, from motherhood and marriage, to sex and feminism.
The Weird, Wacky and Wonderful of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
If you want to see something different and unexpected, look no further than the weird, wacky and wonderful of the festival. These are the most unusual and creative shows that will surprise and delight you, with a mix of comedy, music, theatre, and more. Here are some of the weird, wacky and wonderful shows to watch out for:
Song Contest: The Almost Eurovision Experience: Song Contest is a show that parodies the famous Eurovision Song Contest, with a live band, singers, dancers, and judges. The show features 10 countries competing for the glory of the best song, with hilarious and catchy tunes, costumes, and performances. The audience gets to vote for the winner, and join in the fun and excitement.
The Lizard of Oz: The Lizard of Oz is a show that puts a hilarious and Australian twist on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz. The show features a cast of comedians, actors, and musicians, who play the roles of Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, and the Lizard of Oz. The show is full of jokes, songs, and references to Australian culture and politics.
The Big HOO-HAA!: The Big HOO-HAA! is a show that showcases the best of improvised comedy, with two teams of comedians competing for laughs and points. The show is fast-paced, spontaneous, and unpredictable, with the audience suggesting the topics, scenarios, and challenges. The show is different every night, and always hilarious.
The Travelling Sisters: The Travelling Sisters are a trio of comedians, actors, and singers, who create sketch comedy with a twist. Their show, Thigh Gap, is a collection of sketches that feature a range of characters, from a pair of hip-hop nuns, to a group of alien abductees, to a band of medieval warriors. The show is funny, absurd, and musical.
The Best Places to Hang Out Before and After the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
If you want to make the most of your time in Melbourne, you’ll need to find some places to hang out before and after the shows. Melbourne is a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant and diverse nightlife, and a lot of options to suit every taste and mood. Here are some of the best places to hang out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024, sorted by categories. Whether you’re looking for bars, restaurants, or clubs, you’ll find something to enjoy and remember.
The Best Bars to Hang Out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
If you want to grab a drink and chat with your friends, or maybe meet some of the comedians, you’ll need to find a good bar. Melbourne has plenty of bars to choose from, from cosy and casual, to trendy and sophisticated. Here are some of the best bars to hang out at the festival:
The Festival Club: The Festival Club is the official and unofficial hub of the festival, where you can catch some of the best acts, DJs, and special guests, as well as mingle with the comedians and the crowd. The Festival Club is located at the Max Watt’s House of Music, and is open every night of the festival, from 11pm to late. You can book your tickets here.
The Carlton Club: The Carlton Club is a quirky and eclectic bar that features a range of themed rooms, such as the Palmz Rooftop, the Hasti Bala, and the Madame Brussels Lane. The Carlton Club is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink, as well as admire the decor and the atmosphere. The Carlton Club is located at 193 Bourke Street, and is open every day of the week, from 12pm to late.
The Croft Institute: The Croft Institute is a unique and mysterious bar that resembles a science laboratory, with test tubes, syringes, and flasks. The Croft Institute is a great place to experiment and try new drinks, as well as dance to the music of the DJs. The Croft Institute is located at 21 Croft Alley, and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 5pm to late.
The Best Restaurants to Hang Out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
If you want to have a bite and satisfy your appetite, or maybe treat yourself to a fine dining experience, you’ll need to find a good restaurant. Melbourne has plenty of restaurants to choose from, from cheap and cheerful, to fancy and exquisite. Here are some of the best restaurants to hang out at the festival:
Supernormal: Supernormal is a modern and stylish restaurant that serves Asian-inspired dishes, such as dumplings, noodles, and seafood. Supernormal is a great place to share and enjoy a variety of flavours, as well as indulge in some of their signature desserts, such as the peanut butter parfait. Supernormal is located at 180 Flinders Lane, and is open every day of the week, from 11am to late.
Tipo 00: Tipo 00 is a cosy and elegant restaurant that serves Italian-inspired dishes, such as pasta, risotto, and gnocchi. Tipo 00 is a great place to savour and appreciate the quality and simplicity of the ingredients, as well as delight in some of their delicious desserts, such as the tiramisu. Tipo 00 is located at 361 Little Bourke Street, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 12pm to 10pm.
Maha: Maha is a sophisticated and exotic restaurant that serves Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, such as mezze, tagine, and kebab. Maha is a great place to explore and discover the richness and diversity of the cuisine, as well as enjoy some of their amazing cocktails, such as the Turkish Delight Martini. Maha is located at 21 Bond Street, and is open from Monday to Sunday, from 12pm to late.
The Best Clubs to Hang Out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024
If you want to party and dance the night away, or maybe catch some live music and entertainment, you’ll need to find a good club. Melbourne has plenty of clubs to choose from, from cool and funky, to loud and lively. Here are some of the best clubs to hang out at the festival:
Revolver Upstairs: Revolver Upstairs is a legendary and iconic club that features a range of music genres, such as house, techno, hip hop, and rock. Revolver Upstairs is a great place to have fun and let loose, as well as catch some of the best local and international DJs and bands. Revolver Upstairs is located at 229 Chapel Street, and is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 12pm to late. You can find more information here.
The Toff in Town: The Toff in Town is a chic and classy club that features a range of music styles, such as jazz, soul, funk, and pop. The Toff in Town is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink, as well as watch some of the best live acts and performers. The Toff in Town is located at 252 Swanston Street, and is open from Monday to Sunday, from 5pm to late.
Cherry Bar: Cherry Bar is a rock and roll club that features a range of music eras, such as 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Cherry Bar is a great place to rock out and have a blast, as well as listen to some of the best classic and contemporary tunes. Cherry Bar is located at 68 Little Collins Street, and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 5pm to late.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024 is a must-see event for anyone who loves comedy, culture, and fun. The festival offers a range of shows and activities to suit every taste and mood, from the best comedians and shows, to the best places to hang out, to the best sources of news and and reviews.
Whether you’re a comedy fan, a culture lover, or a curious traveller, you’ll find something to tickle your funny bone at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024.
Don’t miss this opportunity to laugh, learn, and live it up in one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world. Book your tickets now, and get ready for a comedy adventure of a lifetime.