One of the best medicines is laughter and when you combine that with summer in Montreal you’ve got the perfect prescription for never ending fun! That special time of year is back; we’re talking about the 2017 edition of the Just For Laughs Festival happening July 12th to the 31st! This iconic festival is the reason Montreal is constantly named the funniest city in the world and has been a platform for many heavy hitters for 35 years. Each year, the hardworking folks at Just For Laughs always try to top themselves and this year’s line-up is no exception. The line-up includes comedic legends, big names from Canada, and newcomers to the business who will one day rule the world of comedy. If we had to list all the amazing performances this year, you’d be reading this post for a long time (and we want you to enjoy the nice weather outside). Here’s just a glimpse of what to expect this year. Check out their website for the full list and schedules and checkout some of their great packages of passes
Big Names
Jerry Seinfeld and Gad Elmaleh
Jerry Seinfeld makes his anxiously awaited return to Just For Laughs since his last appearance in 1989! Joining him is Gad Elmorah, one of France’s biggest comedians. Both constantly sell out shows individually and together they’ll be a dream team. To say that people are obsessed with Seinfeld is a bit of an understatement and this show is definitely not one to miss.
Where: Bell Centre
When: July 26th at 8pm
How much: $65.05- $242 (buy tickets)
The David Spade Gala
From his early days on Saturday Night Live, David Spade’s career hasn’t slowed down since! He went on to star in classic comedy films such as Tommy Boy, Grown-Ups, and Hotel Transylvania, as well as the hit television series Just Shoot Me. Fans can’t get enough of David Spade’s brand of authentic sarcastic humour and can look forward to seeing his take on hot button issues on the stages of JFL.
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 26th at 7pm
How much: $34.38-$101.83 (buy tickets)
The Laverne Cox Gala
You know her from the binge worthy Neflix hit series Orange is the New Black. We’re so thrilled to have Laverne Cox in this year’s line-up! She’s not only an Emmy-nominated actress, but also an important activist for the LGBTQ community. Just like everything Laverne does, this show is sure to be fabulous and full of stand out performances.
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 29th at 9:45pm
How much: $34.38-$101.83 (buy tickets)
Sugar Sammy’s International Gala
Montreal’s multi-lingual darling! After last year’s smash show in front of a small crowd of over 115,000, Sugar Sammy is back for the 35th edition of Just For Laughs and will be bringing along some of the best international stand up comedians. Who better to host a comedic international show than someone who’s performed in over 1500 shows in over 29 countries?
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 27th at 9:45pm & July 28th at 9:45 pm
How much: $54.01-$121.01 (buy tickets)
The Colin Jost and Michael Che Gala
The 2016/2017 season of Saturday Night Live was epic and a big part of that was thanks to these guys! Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che will be bringing their comedic bro-mance to JFL for a double dose of comedy. Not ones to shy away from hot button topics, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for Montreal.
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 26th at 9:45pm
How much: $34.38-$101.83 (buy tickets)
Trevor Noah
Since taking over for the Daily Show, Trevor Noah has been a huge success in the world of entertainment. Born in South Africa, Trevor is not only an accomplished talk show host, he’s also an acclaimed author thanks to his best seller Born A Crime. His combination of comedy and real life issues have attracted many fans from all over to world who flock to see his sold out performances.
Where: Maison Symphonique
When: July 28th at 7pm & 9:30pm
How much: $43.27-72.74 (buy tickets)
Retuning Favourites
The Ethnic Show
A great night filled with comedians of different backgrounds coming together with a common purpose: to have a good laugh! Hosted by Alonzo Bodden, winner of Last Comic Standing and a JFL favourite, this year’s multi-talented line-up includes: Jessica Kirson, The Doo-Wops, Steve Byrne, Mike Rita, and Vladimir Caamano.
Where: Club Soda
When: July 12th-27th
How much: $49.99-$60.49 (buy tickets)
The Nasty Show
A show that’s never afraid to push the envelope and where filters simply don’t exist, this year’s Nasty Show will be hosted by Ari Shaffir and will feature hysterically inappropriate performances by: Godfrey, Jimmy Carr, Big Jay Oakerson, Yamaneika Saunders, and Robert Kelly.
Where: Metropolis
When: July 19th-29th
How much: $44.99-$60.49 (buy tickets)
Homegrown Comics
The search for the next big name in Canadian comedy is back for its 19th edition at Just For Laughs! Hosted by Mark Critch of This Hour Has 22 Minutes along with special guest K. Trevor Wilson, this show is a great chance for everyone to see just how funny Canadians are! This year’s contestants are: Marito Lopez, Sam Burns, Courtney Gilmour, D.J. Mausner, Ross Dauk, Brittany Lyseng, Ryan Long, Adrian Cronk, Joe Vu, and Foad HP.
Where: Ludger-Duvernay Theatre at Monument National
When: July 28th at 7pm
How much: $26.70 (buy tickets)
Something Different
Russell Peters Old School Mixtape Live
What’s better than comedy and 80’s and 90’s music? Combining all of them! The amazing Russell Peters will be hosting an unforgettable outdoor show that’s sure to be the ultimate throwback party of the summer. With some very special musical guests including Naughty by Nature, Lisa Lisa, and MC Melle Mel, you’ll feel nostalgic while dancing and laughing at the same time.
Where: Scene Videotron
When: July 27th at 9:15pm
How much: FREE
What’s In A Name?
For you serious theatre goers, Just For Laughs has something for you. Adapted from the French play Le Prenom, What’s In A Name? is a hilarious and very relatable story about the scandal that ensues when a couple are deciding what to name their unborn baby. What could possibly go wrong? Most likely everything!
Where: Segal Centre
When: July 9th to July 30th
How much: Starting from $24.50 (buy tickets)
Rêveurs Définitifs – A Journey Into The Illusion
A show that’s not only a part of the Just For Laughs Festival, Rêveurs Définitifs is here in Montreal for the continued celebrations of our fair city’s 375th birthday! Filled with magic, mystery, and the power of illusions, this amazing show is a playground for the imagination and will leave you feeling spellbound.
Where: Theatre St-Denis
When: July 4th to July 22nd
How much: Starting from $37.77 (buy tickets)
