You know it’s summer in Montreal with the arrival of the annual Just For Laughs Festival. Laughter is definitely the best medicine and let’s face it, we can all use a little (or a lot) more of it. This year’s lineup is exceptionally star-studded and filled with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business. Whether you’re into raunchy humour or supporting local talents, there’s literally something for everyone. The Just For Laughs Festival will be going on from July 8th to July 28th. For the complete list of events and to purchase tickets and passes, visit their website. Warning: it may be difficult to pick just one show!
Kevin Hart’s Now What Tour
When: July 24th
Where: Bell Center
How Much: $62-$143.50 [buy tickets]
Known for: The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber, star of big block buster films such as Think Like A Man, The Wedding Ringer, and Ride Along.
Neil Patrick Harris: Circus Awesomeus
When: July 27TH and July 28th
Where: Place des Arts Salle Wilfrid Pelletier
How Much: $55.26-$123.24 [buy tickets]
Known For: He’s legend-(wait for it)-dary! Star of the popular television series How I Met Your Mother and hit movies Gone Girl and Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle. Host of multiple award shows such as the Oscars, Emmys, and the Tonys.
Wanda Sykes Gala
When: July 23rd
Where: Place des Arts Salle Wilfrid Pelletier
How Much: $44.52-$91.27 [buy tickets]
Known For: Television, film, and voice over actress who has starred in The New Adventures of Old Christine, Monster In Law, and Over the Hedge. She’s also the first African-American woman to be the featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Dave Chappelle
When: July 20th to July 24th
Where: Place des Arts Theatre Maisonneuve
How Much: $82.27 [buy tickets]
Known For: Comedian, writer, actor, and producer known for his shocking and raunchy humor. Star of the film Half Baked and his own television sketch comedy series The Dave Chappelle Show. Due to the selling out of his first 8 shows, a 9th show has been added!
The Nasty Show
When: July 16th to July 26th
Where: Metropolis and Club Soda
How Much: $42.64-$60 [buy tickets]
Known For: One of the must see shows at the Just For Laughs Festival. Hosted by Mike Ward from July 16th to July 25th with the July 26th show hosted by Artie Lange. This year’s appearances include Gilbert Gottfried, Jimmy Carr, and Mike Luenell. Absolutely no filter or shame at this show!
The Ethnic Show
When: July 8th to July 19th
Where: Club Soda
How Much: $42.91-$60 [buy tickets]
Known For: Ethnic humor of different nationalities. Hosted by the winner of Last Comic Standing, Alfonzo Bodden is the returning host. The lineup includes Ronny Chieng, Ahmed Ahmed, Frank Spadone, Rachid Badouri, Gina Yashere, and Dan Naturman.
Homegrown Comics Competition
When: July 24th
Where: L’Astral
How Much: $25.14- $31.38 [buy tickets]
Known For: Hosted by Gemini Award winning actor/comedian Shaun Majunder. Battle of the best up and coming Canadian comics. The next big name in comedy can be right here in Montreal! Participants include John Cullen, Chris James, Aisha Alfa, Guido Cocomello, Julia Hladkowicz, Matt Falk, Matt Wright, Daniel Woodrow, and Sean Emeny.
An Evening with Mike Myers
When: July 24th
Where: Place des Arts Maison Symphonique
How Much: $64.27-$100.28 [buy tickets]
Known For: One of the biggest celebrities to come out of Canada is also one of the most successful alums from Saturday Night Live. Known for creating hilarious characters and films such as Wayne’s World, Austin Powers, and Shrek.
Weird Al Yankovic The Mandatory World Tour
When: Tuesday, July 21
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
How Much: Free Outdoor Show
Known For: Selling over 12 million albums and winning four Grammys. Has been parodying some of the biggest songs and has just released his 14th studio album Mandatory Fun.
Ellie Kemper Gala
When: July 24
Where: Place des Arts – Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
How much: $29.73-$64.27 [buy tickets]
Known for: Her starring role in the Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. Her role in The Office and her recurring role on the Mindy Project. You may also remember her from the blockbuster hit Bridesmaids!
