SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL 2026 PROGRAM LAUNCH

Sydney shone brightly recently as the Sydney Comedy Festival officially launched its 2026 program at Darling Quarter Theatre, marking 21 years of this iconic cultural institution.

What a tremendous success it was with more than 350 guests in attendance, bringing together political leaders, media, business and industry stakeholders to celebrate one of our city’s most significant annual cultural events.

The evening opened with a powerful Welcome to Country by Binowee Bayleys, before MC, Osher Günsberg, brought his trademark humour to the stage, declaring that to celebrate turning 21, the Festival is “going all out” expanding to a full five weeks.

The launch was co-hosted by Business Sydney and Century Venues, Events, Artists to highlight the vital role arts and live performance play in shaping Sydney as a truly global city. 

At the event guests heard from:

• The Hon Steve Kamper MP (via pre- recorded message)
• The Hon Emily Suvaal MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business
• Sarah Lovell, Destination NSW's Acting General  Manager 
• Sam Nardo, Chief Operating Officer of Century Venues
• James Declase, General Manager of Sydney Comedy Festival
• Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director, Business Sydney 

The 2026 program will light up venues across the city from 20 April to 17 May, including the Sydney Opera House, Enmore Theatre, The Joan, The Concourse and The Pavilion, among many others.

Guests were also treated to outstanding live comedy performances on the night from:
 • Nikki Britton
 • Cassie Workman
 • Cam James
 • Geraldine Hickey
 • Dane Simpson
 • Rebecca De Unamuno
 • Ivan Aristeguieta

Congratulations to the entire Sydney Comedy Festival team on an exceptional launch and an exciting 2026 program ahead.