Melbourne International Comedy Festival acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we work and live. We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' spirit, imagination and rich history of storytelling and humour that is an inspiration to all Australians.

We accept the invitation to walk together with First Nations people towards a more positive future for Australia, as described in the Uluru Statement From The Heart.

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FAQs

WHEN IS THE FESTIVAL?

The 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival will take place from Wednesday 27 March to Sunday 21 April 2024.

WHO IS ON AT THE FESTIVAL?

To keep up to date with all announcements as they happen, sign up to our e-newsletter and follow us on our social media channels. New shows are announced regularly, and for a list of shows currently on sale click here (and remember to keep checking back for new announcements).
 

CAN I PERFORM AS PART OF THE FESTIVAL?

Registrations for shows at the 2024 Festival are now open. For more information on participating in the Festival visit our For Performers page.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is an open access festival for all citizens and permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand. Overseas artists or their producers should submit an Expression Of Interest to the Festival Director. For more information visit our For Performers page.
 

HOW CAN I KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST COMEDY FESTIVAL NEWS?

There are lots of ways to stay in touch with the Festival. You can sign up to our e-newsletter, follow us on Facebook, InstagramTwitter and TikTok, subscribe to our YouTube channel and join the conversation using the hashtag #MICF.
 

HOW DO I BOOK FESTIVAL TICKETS?

You can book online for most shows right here on the Melbourne Comedy Festival website. Select the relevant date/time on the calendar of each show listing and you can either purchase tickets on site or click the BUY NOW button to purchase tickets through an external authorised ticketing provider. If you want to book by phone or in person, relevant booking options for each show will appear on the individual show pages. During the Festival period, tickets can also be purchased from the Melbourne Town Hall Box Office (open 11am to late every day of the Festival) or at the door of most venues on the night of the show.

If you're looking for a deal check out the best ways to snap up a deal at the Festival!

Please note, under the Major Events Act 2009 it is illegal for a 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival ticket to be resold or offered or advertised for resale for more than 10 percent above the face value purchase price of the ticket. For more info click here.

Sign up to our e-news for details on new show announcements as they are released.
 

WHAT IS UNRESERVED SEATING?

Most Melbourne International Comedy Festival venues have unreserved (general admission) seating. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis and you may be seated separately from other members of your party. If you, or anyone in your party, has any accessibility requests please email ticketing@comedyfestival.com.au or phone +61 3 9245 3788 so we can advise the venue.
 

WHAT IS A PREVIEW SHOW?

Preview shows are the first few performances of an artist's run. They are a cheaper ticket because performers often make a few last-minute tweaks to material and the technical elements of their shows in the first few days. Preview shows are a high quality performance ready for the audience and a great way to see comedians at a cheaper price!
 

HOW CAN I GET TICKETS TO THE GALA?

The Gala is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's most popular event and always sells out very quickly. The best way to get tickets for future years is to join our mailing list to be the first to find out exactly when and where the Gala will go on sale. Due to the popularity of the Gala, and its status as a fundraising event for Oxfam, we do not set aside tickets for corporate sales.
 

CAN I GET A REFUND ON A MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL TICKET I'VE BOUGHT?

Refunds are only issued according to the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice. Refunds are only issued if:

  • a main attraction/event is cancelled or rescheduled
  • a main attraction/star performer(s) is cancelled or rescheduled and substitute arranged
  • an event is 'part' cancelled by premature termination substantially before performance of advertised content or expiration of advertised duration
  • previously undisclosed significant visual obstruction for a reserved seat is reported soon after commencement

You can download a full copy of the Code here. If you feel that you are entitled to a refund, please contact the Melbourne Comedy Festival office in writing, addressing all communication to the Executive Director. The final decision on refunds is made by the producer of the show.
 

WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND DUE TO COVID-19?

The safety and wellbeing of all artists, audiences and staff is our number one priority.

If you are feeling unwell, showing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), awaiting a COVID-19 test result or have otherwise been directed to self-isolate or quarantine you must not attend the Festival.

Please contact our Box Office team on +61 3 9245 3788 no less than 24 hours prior to the performance and we will work with you to exchange your tickets for a future performance (subject to availability). If you purchased your ticket through an authorised booking agent other than Melbourne Comedy Festival please contact the agent directly to learn more about their refund and exchange policy.
 

WHAT IF COVID-19 RELATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE AND I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND?

If you booked your tickets and are an interstate or international traveller and are unable to attend the performance due to travel or quarantine restrictions, please contact our Box Office team on +61 3 9245 3788 no less than 5 days before your performance and we will work with you to exchange your tickets for a future performance (subject to availability). If borders shut suddenly within 5 days of your performance, we will also work with you to exchange your tickets for a future performance (subject to availability).

Exchanges are subject to availability at the time of exchange and must be of equal value to the original ticket(s) purchased. If you wish to exchange to a higher-priced ticket(s), you will be asked to pay the difference in ticket price.

If, after following the above processes, we are unable to facilitate an exchange for another performance, a refund will be offered.

No exchanges or refunds can be provided after the deadlines listed above or after a performance date unless in accordance with the Live Performance Australia (LPA) Ticketing Code of Practice.

If you purchased your ticket through an authorised booking agent other than Melbourne Comedy Festival then please contact the agent directly to learn more about their refund and exchange policy in the case of COVID-19 related border closures.
 

WHAT IF VENUE CAPACITIES CHANGE AFTER I’VE BOUGHT MY TICKET?

If an event requires a reduction in capacity to ensure a safe event or by government directive, refunds and exchanges will be processed in reverse order based on transaction date.

The Festival may increase the capacity (within government guidelines) or alter seating plans for events without notice.
 

WHAT ARE THE VENUE/SEATING CAPACITIES OF COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWS?

Victoria now allows 100 percent of seated indoor and outdoor capacity for entertainment, cultural and sporting venues. Some venues will still be operating with reduced capacities, but many are now operating within current state government requirements back to their full capacity. Staggered start times and cleaning between shows are some of the measures being implemented to ensure the comfort and safety of audiences. If you would like to know more information about a particular space, please feel free to contact our box office team on (03) 9245 3788.
 

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A FACEMASK?

It is recommended that you wear a mask on entry to venue and in performance spaces or at any outdoor venues where physical distancing is not possible. It is a government requirement to carry a face mask with you when you leave home unless you have a lawful reason not to.
 

WHY ARE AUDIENCES NOT REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACEMASK WHEN SEATED IN SHOWS?

From 6pm on Friday 26 March 2021, Victoria moved to further relaxed COVIDSafe settings in regards to mask wearing. It is no longer a requirement of DHHS to wear a face mask in a seated entertainment venue (for more info on Victoria face mask requirements click here). As part of the Festival’s DHHS approved COVIDSafe Plan, and in accordance with government directives, venues operate at reduced capacities with cleaning and sanitising of our venues and public areas. Although you are not required to wear a face mask when seated, it is a government requirement to carry a face mask with you when attending the Festival, and wear as directed by venue staff, unless you have a lawful reason not to.
 

WHAT IF I’VE DECIDED THAT I JUST DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE ATTENDING AFTER I’VE PURCHASED A TICKET?

In accordance with the Live Performance Australia (LPA) Ticketing Code of Practice no refunds will be offered if you do not wish to attend an event due to change of mind, including fear of exposure.
 

CAN I OFFER MY TICKET TO SOMEONE ELSE IF I CAN’T ATTEND?

Yes! We’d recommend you contact the ticketing agent or venue ahead of time as some may require contact details of the new ticket holder. If any tickets are concession tickets please be aware proof of concession is required, or a fee may be charged to upgrade to a full price ticket.
 

WILL THE FESTIVAL HAVE COVIDSAFE PROTOCOLS IN PLACE?

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival will operate in accordance with its COVIDSafe Plan, including via protective strategies implemented to ensure the health and safety of our audience, artists and staff. Every venue participating in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival will have a COVIDSafe Plan with specific COVIDSafe practices and conditions. More information can be found here.
 

ARE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL VENUES ACCESSIBLE?

Melbourne International Comedy Festival strives to provide access and inclusion for everyone. The Festival offers a range of accessible services and facilities across our Festival managed and independent venues in order to ensure that all comedy lovers have access to a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Festival has a dedicated Accessibility email address – access@comedyfestival.com.au – so please get in touch if you have any questions regarding accessibility at the Festival, would like to provide feedback or would like any information in another format.

To book a ticket to show with any accessible service, please see the How to Book Your Ticket section below to ensure the Festival can provide the best service.

For detailed venue information for all Festival Managed Venues please see FMV Venue Information. The information provided details public transport and parking options including accessible tram stops and accessible parking bays nearby to each venue, box office information, bar options, step-free and/or wheelchair accessible routes, types of seating including accessible seating, which venues offer assistive listening as well as information about bathroom facilities.

The Festival also uses a range of independent venues, such as pubs, theatres and function spaces, that manage their operations independently. The Festival strives to provide as much accessibility information about each of these spaces in the dropdown under the Venue name on each show page, but we also encourage you to check the venue’s website or contact them directly for more accessibility information.

For more information about AUSLAN interpreted shows including a list of all AUSLAN interpreted shows this year, assistive listening/hearing loop availability at venues and information about how to filter the program to see accessible show features, please see Accessibility.

WHERE CAN I FIND A COMEDIAN TO PERFORM AT MY EVENT?

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has contacts for all the comedians who appear at the Festival but the question of who is best for your event can be a really tricky one. We recommend you have a look at past Festival programs and, if you want to contact someone in particular, let us know. Otherwise, email us and we can put you in touch with booking agents in your area.
 

I LOST SOMETHING AT A MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOW. WHAT DO I DO?

If you have lost property at a Melbourne International Comedy Festival show the best thing to do is complete the Lost Property Register form HERE. We recommend you also contact the venue directly as some Comedy Festival venues manage their own lost property. The majority of venues will keep lost property on site for the duration of the Festival. If you need help finding contact information for a venue or have any further queries you can contact the Festival office on +61 3 9245 3700 or info@comedyfestival.com.au.

WHAT IS A COMEDY FESTIVAL GIFT VOUCHER?

Know someone who loves comedy but don’t know what they want to see? Treat them to a Melbourne International Comedy Festival gift voucher! Gift vouchers are available for online purchase here.

Vouchers can be redeemed for tickets to Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows in selected venues (including Melbourne Town Hall, Trades Hall, Greek Centre, Max Watt’s, State Library Victoria, Swiss Club, The Victoria Hotel and many more). Vouchers are redeemed via a unique code, which you will receive instantly via email on purchase. Vouchers can be redeemed online, over the phone or at a Melbourne International Comedy Festival box office.

Please note: vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Not valid for purchases through Ticketmaster, Ticketek or any other external ticketing provider. Redemption for particular performances will be subject to availability.

All Comedy Festival Gift Vouchers are valid for three years and refunds will not be offered due to intervening circumstances within a single year.
 

GOT A QUESTION WE’VE NOT ANSWERED HERE?

Email info@comedyfestival.com.au or call our Box Office on +61 3 9245 3788.