WCF launches its 25th anniversary today with many shows already sold-out!
30+ shows. 9 venues. 85 comics. One city.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Winnipeg, April 20, 2026 – The Winnipeg Comedy Festival (WCF), presented by Manitoba Liquor Mart, officially launches today, beginning seven days of laughter, live performances, nationally broadcast tapings, and suspiciously high spirits across the city. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, WCF runs April 20 to 26 with more than 30 shows across 9 venues, featuring 85 comics from Winnipeg and across Canada. What began here in Winnipeg has grown into one of Canada’s most-watched comedy festival broadcasts, thanks in no small part to loyal local audiences.
This milestone year starts off with seven shows already sold-out, and nine more on low-ticket warning. The 25th anniversary also features five recorded-for-broadcast Mega Shows at the Burton Cummings Theatre, a special Debaters joint-anniversary celebration, intimate performances at the Gas Station Arts Centre, special events throughout the city, and ample proof that comedy remains an excellent civic resource.
Artistic Director Dean Jenkinson says, “Our Mega Shows at the Burton Cummings Theatre are an exceptionally strong curation of Canadian comedy talent, combining old friends of the festival with many exciting new faces, all gathered to bring the funny and celebrate, well, us. For our 25th anniversary, we wanted lineups worthy of the occasion, and I think audiences are going to see exactly that.”
THE MEGA SHOWS
Burton Cummings Theatre | 364 Smith Street
My Best Life
Thursday, April 23, 7:30pm
Hosted by Brooke Lynn Hytes (Canada's Drag Race)
New to Town
Friday, April 24, 6:30pm
Hosted by Dave Merheje (Mr. D)
25th Anniversary Gala
Friday, April 24, 9:15pm
Hosted by Shaun Majumder (22 Minutes, 24)
Chip Off the Old Block
Saturday, April 25, 6:30pm
Hosted by Chris Wilson (22 Minutes)
You Had to Be There
Saturday, April 25, 9:15pm
Hosted by Jann Arden (Canada's sweetheart singer-songwriter-storyteller)
Five live television tapings. One very lucky audience.
Executive Director Nick Kowalchuk says: “I love this time of year because we get to welcome old friends and brand-new ones into the Winnipeg Comedy Festival’s home at the Gas Station Arts Centre. It’s where audiences can catch edgy, experimental, and exciting comedy every night. We've already sold out many shows, but there's still lots of fabulous options!”
JUST SOME OF THOSE FABULOUS OPTIONS INCLUDE:
You Talk Funny: Comedy Conversations with Brad Oswald
Wednesday, April 22 to Friday, April 24
11:00am & 12:00pm, Fairmont Winnipeg Lobby
Former Winnipeg Free Press entertainment reporter Brad Oswald is coaxed out of retirement to host candid conversations with festival favourites. Pop in, sit down, and enjoy stories, laughs, and expertly deployed questions.
Featuring guests from across the festival lineup, including veteran favourites, first-time performers, and the occasional charming surprise. Check out the website for full details!
Laughing With the Stars
Wednesday, April 22, 7:30pm | Gas Station Arts Centre
Local media personalities attempt stand-up comedy in public.
Bannock Bums
Friday, April 24, 7:30pm | Gas Station Arts Centre
A powerhouse Indigenous comedy showcase packed with wit, warmth, and fearless laughs.
The Winnipeg Show
Saturday, April 25, 7:00pm | Gas Station Arts Centre
A triumphant return featuring some of the city’s funniest homegrown comics.
Best of the Fest
Sunday, April 26, 2:00pm | Gas Station Arts Centre
A family-friendly, pay-what-you-can finale proving comedy can be wholesome and still dangerous.
ALSO THROUGHOUT THE WEEK
Free noon-hour programming at the Millennium Library and the Fairmont Winnipeg lobby gives audiences another chance to catch festival fun without spending a nickel.