Autumn is right around the corner: it gets colder, it gets darker, things start to die. A good time to see a comedy show, and forget all that! This fall, Toronto is set to sparkle with an incredible array of comedic talent from local stand-ups to huge international superstars. Get ready for a series of unforgettable performances that will light up the stage and deliver non-stop laughs. Here is our top 10 comedy shows to check out this fall.
Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes is bringing her hilarious Please & Thank You Tour to Meridian Hall on Sept. 20. Sykes, an Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress, and writer, has been a staple in the comedy world with standout specials and memorable roles in shows such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Upshaws. She is sure to deliver an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy.
Toronto Comedy Festival
Get ready for a laughter-filled extravaganza at the Toronto Comedy Festival from Sept. 26 to 29. This event showcases a diverse lineup of comedic talent, featuring both emerging voices and established stars. Highlights include Ali Hassan recording his latest comedy album Chef’s Kiss at Comedy Bar on Sept. 26 as well as performances by Mark DeBonis, Sandra Battaglini, and many more. Most events are at Comedy Bar’s two locations and Corner Comedy Club on Queen West.
Whose Live Anyway?
Whose Live Anyway?, hits Massey Hall on Oct. 3 featuring an exciting lineup of improv comedy talent. Joining the regular cast members—Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray—will be newly announced special guest Dave Foley from Kids In The Hall and NewsRadio. Fans can expect a hilarious evening of improv games, music, and audience participation, all based on suggestions from the crowd.
Mark Normand
Mark Normand brings his Ya Don’t Say Tour to Meridian Hall on Oct. 5. Recognized by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up-and-coming comic,” Normand has taken the comedy world by storm with his sharp, observational humour. His 2023 Netflix special Soup to Nuts became a top 10 hit, following the massive success of his 2020 YouTube special Out to Lunch, which racked up over 12 million views.
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Keith Pedro
Catch Keith Pedro live at Yuk Yuk’s Toronto on Oct. 11 and 12. Renowned for his engaging stand-up, Pedro is a standout Canadian comedian whose 2022 album Trillipino earned a Juno nomination for Comedy Album of the Year. Known for his appearances on Roast Battle Canada and Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, as well as his viral videos, Pedro has graced stages across Canada and internationally. Having the chance to see him at a local club is rare, so don’t delay.
Jon Dore and Dave Merheje
Toronto comedians Jon Dore and Dave Merheje are bringing their co-headlining comedy tour to The Royal Theatre on Oct. 12. Known for his offbeat humor, Dore is a Canadian comedy veteran with multiple TV credits, including The Jon Dore Television Show and appearances on Conan. Merheje, a Juno Award-winning comedian and star of Ramy, brings his sharp, personal storytelling to the stage.
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Pop-Up Comedy Fest
Get ready for a comedy extravaganza as Kenan Thompson presents The Pop-Up Comedy Fest at Comedy Bar on Bloor from Oct. 15 to 19. As the longest-running SNL cast member, Thompson is on a quest to uncover Canada’s next big comedy stars, bringing along top U.S. talents for a show-stopping event. This sounds like a great night of comedy, don’t miss it!
David Cross
American comedian David Cross brings his latest comedy tour, The End of The Beginning of The End, to The Danforth Music Hall on Oct. 25. Known for his cutting wit and fearless approach, Cross, star of Arrested Development and Mr. Show, and, oh yes, Alvin and the Chipmunks, delivers sharp, thought-provoking humour that tackles everything from politics to the absurd, and sometimes both at the same time.
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Maddy Smith
Catch Maddy Smith live at Comedy Bar Danforth on Nov. 1 and 2. Known for her razor sharp wit and absolutely fearless humour, Smith is a standout cast member on MTV’s Wild ‘N Out and a social media sensation. Don’t miss her performances, where her quick roasts and cutting-edge humour will shine.
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, one of the most popular comedians on the planet, will bring his signature blend of humour and heart to the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto on Nov. 16. Known for his engaging storytelling and larger-than-life personality, Iglesias promises a night of laughter and entertainment that highlights his unique comedic style.