The global sensation that is the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival is back for another year with, as usual, a fantastic line-up of shows for its 36th edition! 2018 is a year of big changes for Just For Laughs, but one thing that won’t change is that it will always be happening right here in Montreal. We’re so proud to have this important festival and be able to brag that we’ve welcomed some of the biggest names in entertainment here before they became worldwide phenomenas. The new management for JFL has already proven itself worthy by having a star studded line-up along with bringing back some popular regular shows. We still haven’t forgotten to laugh and take a few moments to get out and enjoy our city during the best time of year. Here’s a glimpse of the awesome shows featured for 2018. For more details, visit JFL’s website as there’s always new events popping up. Like a bottle of the finest wine, the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival just keeps getting better with age!
The Ethnic Show
The most diverse show at JFL: The Ethnic Show is back for it’s 10th anniversary! One of the longest running shows of the festival, comedians from all corners of the globe get together for one common purpose, to make everyone laugh while at the same time, poke fun at themselves (and their families) in the process. Hosted by Persian comedian Maz Jobrani with performances by Orny Adams (Israel), Gina Brillon (Puerto Rico), Matteo Lane (Italy), Francisco Ramos (Venezuela), and Arthur Simeon (Uganda). We can’t wait to hear what’s on everyone’s mind!
Where: Club Soda
When: July 11th – 26th
How much: $45.92-$62.52 (buy tickets)
The Nasty Show
No filters, no boundaries, and no mercy are what make The Nasty Show one of the most popular shows at JFL! And don’t expect this year to be any different. You’ll still be entertained by the foul-mouthed and fabulous acts around. This year’s Nasty Show will be hosted by last year’s act Robert Kelly, who will be joined by Brad Williams, Nikki Glaser, Mike Britt, Ms. Pat, and Derek Seguin. Leave all your humility at the door!
Where: MTelus
When: July 18th – 28th
How much: $45.92-$62.52 (buy tickets)
Jimmy Carr: The Best Of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits World Tour
A JFL favourite, British comedian Jimmy Carr returns to celebrate his decade and a half long career in comedy. He’s performed over 2,000 shows globally to sold-out crowds, including 12 times at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival! Jimmy’s back to perform some of his best material that’s sure to make audiences laugh out loud and ugly cry, of laughter of course!
Where: Gesu Theatre
When: July 21stth – 29th
How much: $51.52-$54.25 (buy tickets)
The Will Forte Gala
After a successful run on Saturday Night Live, Will Forte has proven to be a versatile actor both in films and on the big screen. Known for creating characters such as MacGruber and playing the lead role in the television series Last Man on Earth, he’s also played more dramatic roles in Nebraska and A Stupid and Futile Gesture. We can’t wait to see what he brings to JFL this year!
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 25th at 7:00 pm
How much: $35.27-$103.59 (buy tickets)
The Ken Jeong Gala
Not shy to bust out a few dances moves, or out of a car with minimal (or no) clothes, we can’t wait to see Ken Jeong in his very own gala at this year’s festival. He’s brought his high-energy comedy to hits like Knocked Up and The Hangover Franchise (how can we forget Mr. Chow!) and the televisions series Community and Dr. Ken. And did we mention: prior to being a big name in comedy, he was a doctor!
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 26th at 9:45 pm
How much: $35.27-$103.59 (buy tickets)
The Howie Mandel All-Star Gala
A JFL favourite, Howie Mandel is back for the 4th year in a row hosting another gala filled with some of the brightest talents. This Canadian born comedian and voice actor has been working in the entertainment industry for over 30 years! Howie’s made quite a name for himself on television with the shows Deal or No Deal and America’s Got Talent. As if his resume isn’t impressive enough, we can also add part owner of the biggest comedy event in the world- the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival! We’re so happy that he’s still taking the time from his busy schedule to host another gala.
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 26th at 6:30 pm
How much: $40.11- $112.25 (buy tickets)
Russell Peters: The Dearly Deported Tour
Russell Peters has been making Canada proud for years and a year at JFL just wouldn’t do without him. Fresh off his success in The Indian Detective, he’ll be returning this year with his Dearly Deported Tour. Russell has toured over 26 countries and continues to charm and humour audiences everywhere.
Where: Maison Symphonique
When: July 26th , and 27th at 7:00pm
How much: $74.33-$103.58 (buy tickets)
Kevin Hart: The Irresponsible Tour
Kevin Hart’s career just doesn’t seem to slow down! After another year of breaking the box office with successful films like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, he’s back in Montreal for his Irresponsible Tour. Like his last show back in 2016, this show is sure to be sold out!
Where: Bell Center
When: July 28th, at 8:00pm
How much: $68.75-$ 166.25 (buy tickets)
Dave Chappelle + John Mayer: Controlled Danger
What do you get when you put together a king of comedy and a king of music? You get the most unlikely combination for what’s sure to be a memorable show at JFL. Retuning favourite Dave Chappelle will be joined by musician John Mayer for their Controlled Danger Show. Though it may seem that the Emmy-winning comedian and Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter have nothing in common, one thing that they share is strong opinions and aren’t shy to express them. A very unique show that will definitely guarantee a few (or several) laughs, as well as some good tunes!
Where: Bell Center
When: July 28th at 8:00 pm
How much: $75-$229 (buy tickets)
The Tiffany Haddish Gala
She’s ready! But is Montreal ready for Tiffany Haddish? This overnight sensation and arguably, one of the biggest names from the past year, will be hosting her very own gala! You know her best as the scene-stealer in the smash hit movie Girl’s Trip. She’s also slayed as host of Saturday Night Live and this year’s MTV Movie & TV Awards. Tiffany’s also written a best selling memoir, The Last Black Unicorn, chronicling her not so funny upbringing and some troubling moments in her past. She proves that no matter what hardships we go through in life, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Now let’s see if her famous Alexander McQueen dress will be making an appearance at the festival as well!
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 28th at 11:00 pm
How much: $37.35- $105.67 (buy tickets)
The William H. Macy Gala
Film, television, comedy, drama: William H. Macy can do it all! Known best for his performance as a dysfunctional father on the dramedy series Shameless, he has quite an outstanding filmography, which includes: Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and Fargo, just to name a few! With his multiple award wins and nominations, it’s no wonder William H. Macy has been added to this year’s festival line-up. Can’t wait to see which character he brings onstage in his very own gala.
Where: Salle Wilfred Pelletier
When: July 29th at 7:00 pm
How much: $35.27-$103.59 (buy tickets)